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Caramel Apple Cider Martini - A Cozy, Dessert-Inspired Cocktail

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Apple cider: Unfiltered, fresh cider works best for flavor and body.
  • Vodka: Plain vodka keeps it clean and crisp. (Vanilla vodka works if you want extra sweetness.)
  • Caramel sauce or syrup: Store-bought is fine; choose one that’s pourable.
  • Apple liqueur (optional): Such as Sour Apple Schnapps or Apple Brandy/Calvados for deeper apple notes.
  • Lemon juice: Fresh-squeezed to brighten the sweetness.
  • Cinnamon (optional): Ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for garnish and warmth.
  • Coarse sugar and cinnamon (for rim): Mix for a spiced-sugar rim.
  • Ice: For shaking and chilling.
  • Apple slices: Thin slices for garnish; Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are great.

Method
 

  1. Chill the glass: Place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes. A cold glass keeps the drink crisp.
  2. Prep the rim: On a small plate, mix 1 tablespoon coarse sugar with a pinch of ground cinnamon. Lightly drizzle caramel sauce around the rim of your chilled glass, then dip it into the cinnamon sugar. Set aside.
  3. Build the cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, add 2 ounces vodka, 2.5 ounces apple cider, 0.5–0.75 ounce caramel sauce (to taste), 0.25–0.5 ounce fresh lemon juice, and 0.5 ounce apple liqueur if using.
  4. Add ice and shake: Fill the shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels very cold and the caramel is fully incorporated.
  5. Strain and serve: Double strain into your prepared glass to catch any pulp or ice shards. The drink should look silky and slightly frothy on top.
  6. Garnish: Add a thin apple slice to the rim, a light dusting of cinnamon, or a small caramel drizzle over the top. Serve immediately.