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Vanilla Vodka Apple Cider Cocktail - Cozy, Crisp, and Easy to Make

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

Ingredients
  

  • Vanilla vodka (any good-quality brand)
  • Apple cider (unfiltered if possible, not apple juice)
  • Fresh lemon juice (or bottled in a pinch)
  • Maple syrup or simple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Granulated sugar (for the rim)
  • Ice
  • Apple slices (for garnish)
  • Cinnamon stick (optional garnish)
  • Club soda or ginger beer (optional, for a little fizz)

Method
 

  1. Prep the glass: On a small plate, mix 1 tablespoon sugar with a pinch of cinnamon. Run a lemon wedge around the rim of a rocks or highball glass, then dip the rim in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Add ice to the glass.
  2. Shake the base: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 2 ounces vanilla vodka, 4 ounces apple cider, and 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice. If you like a sweeter drink, add 1/2 ounce maple syrup or simple syrup.
  3. Shake until chilled: Cover and shake for about 10–12 seconds, until the shaker feels cold.
  4. Strain and pour: Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
  5. Optional fizz: Top with a splash of club soda for a lighter finish, or ginger beer for a spicier kick.
  6. Garnish: Add a thin apple slice and a cinnamon stick. A light sprinkle of cinnamon on top is nice, too—just a pinch.
  7. Taste and adjust: If it’s too tart, stir in a touch more syrup. If it’s too sweet, add extra lemon or a splash of soda.