This apple cider gin cocktail has the perfect mix of sweet and tart, and it comes together in under 10 minutes with ingredients you likely already have on hand.
If you love easy fall cocktails, you will also want to try my Apple Cider Mimosa, Cranberry Glazed Turkey Tenderloin, and Apple Cider Donut Cake.
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I make this every year once apple cider season arrives, usually as the drink I set out for Thanksgiving before everyone sits down to eat. It halves easily if you are making it just for yourself on a cold evening.
Gin keeps the drink light and crisp, but whiskey, rum, or bourbon all work if you want something warmer, and it is just as good without any alcohol at all.
Ingredients
This cocktail comes together with 6 basic ingredients. All you do is combine it with ice to get an impressive drink!
- Spirit: Keep in mind that you the better the quality of the spirit you choose, the better the flavor of this drink. NO need to splurge, but definitely select something you really enjoy. I find that using gin (or even vodka) keeps this lighter. For a warmer flavor note, you could use whiskey, rum or even bourbon.
- Apple Cider: Apple season is when you'll find the freshest and most delightful ciders just about anywhere.
- Lemon juice: The tart lemon definitely makes this drink refreshing and not overly sweet. Freshly squeezed is the only way to go for this drink!
- Sweetener: I used maple syrup, but honey also works great (or another sweetener you love).
- Cinnamon: This is the flavor that brings it all together. There is cinnamon mixed in the drink and a dash on top. Every sip is warm and cozy. Apple pie spice would also work great!
- Soda water: The touch of soda water makes it less heavy. You could even use a refreshing ginger beer (keep in mind, that will get added into the drink already mixed and in the glass).
Not only is this gin cocktail so lovely, it is also delicious! You may even skip dessert to enjoy this not too sweet and just bit tart autumn drink. Totally refreshing and every sip transports you to a cold autumn evening and a warm fireplace. The perfect thanksgiving gin cocktail!
How to make this apple cider gin cocktail
Step 1: Fill a shaker (or a pitcher) with ice.
Step 2: Add in the gin, apple cider, freshly squeezed lemon juice, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon.
Step 3: Shake or stir vigorously until chilled, about 10 seconds (more or less).
Step 4: Pour the drink over a strainer into two cocktail glasses filled with ice.
Step 5: Top off each glass with a ½ an ounce of soda (or a little bit more…it shouldn't be watered down with soda, so use to your taste).
Step 6: Garnish with apple or lemon slices.
Step 7: Enjoy responsibly!
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh cider, not shelf-stable apple juice. Real apple cider has a deeper, more concentrated flavor than juice and makes a noticeable difference in the final drink.
- Add soda water last, and go slow. Too much dilutes the drink. Start with a half ounce and add more only if you want it lighter.
- Make it a mocktail. Leave out the gin entirely and replace it with more apple cider or a splash of sparkling cider. If you add anything sparkling, stir gently instead of shaking so it does not go flat.
- Adjust the strength to your taste. More gin for a stronger drink, less for something lighter. I always add a little extra cinnamon because I love the flavor.
- Batch it for a crowd. This recipe doubles or triples easily. Mix a big batch in a pitcher or punch bowl and let guests serve themselves over ice.
- Garnish makes it feel special. Apple slices, a cinnamon stick, or a cinnamon sugar rim all turn this from a quick drink into something that feels like a proper fall cocktail.
This apple gin cocktail pairs well with autumn recipes like these:
- Apple and Onion Braised Turkey Tenderloin
- Cranberry Glazed Turkey Tenderloin
- Slow Roasted Turkey Wings
- Roasted Butternut Squash and Pumpkin Lasagne
- Apple Cider Mimosa (Easy Fall Cocktail)
- Sweet and Spicy Nuts
- Easy Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe
Did you make this and love it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below:)
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Easy Apple Cider Gin Cocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 ounces dry gin
- 4 ounces apple cider
- 1 ounce lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 ½ ounce maple syrup or you can use honey
- 1 ounce of soda water
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Garnish: apple slices and/or lemon twist
Instructions
- Fill a shaker (or a pitcher) with ice. Add in the gin, apple cider, freshly squeezed lemon juice, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon.
- Shake or stir vigorously until chilled, about 10 seconds (more or less).
- Pour the drink over a strainer into two cocktail glasses filled with ice.
- Top off each glass with a ½ an ounce of soda (or a little bit more…it shouldn't be watered down with soda, so use to your taste).
- Garnish with apple or lemon slices. Garnish with apple slices or lemon slices.
- Enjoy responsibly!
Nutrition Disclaimer
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information presented below is an approximation and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Notes
- Adjust to taste: more gin for a stronger drink, less for something lighter. Add extra cinnamon if you love the flavor.
- For a mocktail, omit the gin and add extra apple cider or a splash of sparkling cider, stirring gently instead of shaking.
- Large batch: Double or triple the recipe and serve from a pitcher or punch bowl for a crowd.
Hello, girls! Just wanted you to know that I made this cocktail last Thanksgiving and it was a HIT. Will be making it again this year!
Hi Anne-thanks for taking the time to let us know you really enjoy our easy apple gin cocktail. It truly is great for Thanksgiving (or any time!). Cheers!
It’s so easy to make!! And so tasty
Hi Hannah-So happy to hear you like our apple gin cocktail! Cheers!