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The caramel apple martini or candy apple martini is like biting into a juicy caramel covered apple. A slightly sweet apple martini enhanced with caramel and vanilla vodka, plus some apple cider. I made two dozen of these for a Christmas Eve party a few years ago and everyone loved them.
This recipe was originally a more complex cocktail that evolved over the course of the night as I started to run out of alcohol. So it either rings true that simpler is always better or everyone was too liquored up to taste the difference anyway.
Also try out a fall sangria with warm notes, or a classic hot toddy.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Apple cider: any apple cider should work.
- Caramel or salted caramel vodka: these are largely seasonal. Whatever you can find should do the trick.
- Vanilla vodka: vanilla vodka helps to balance the cocktail. Too much caramel flavored vodka can be a little overpower. This adds depth. Look for Stoli Vanilla.
- Sour Apple Pucker: this adds tart citrus flavor. A small squeeze of lemon juice will help accomplish the same thing.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.
How to Make A Caramel Apple Martini
Step 1.
Dip the rim of a chilled coupe glass onto a plate of melted caramel to coat the edge.
Step 2.
Combine vodkas, apple cider, and optional apple liqueur/fresh lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with a large cup of ice.
Step 3.
Shake vigorously for 15 seconds and double-strain into the chilled coupe glass. Garnish with an apple slice.
Expert Tips
- Freeze or pre chill your glasses with ice water! this keeps your drink colder for longer. I always store a few coupe glasses in the freezer at all times.
- Double strain shaken cocktails. This removes tiny ice chips from shaking.
- This cocktail uses a 50-50 blend of cider and vodka. You can lighten with additional cider to taste if needed.
- I like to add a splash of fresh lemon juice to add tartness and balance the cocktail overall.
More Cocktails You’ll Love
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this cocktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments!
Caramel Apple Martini Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces apple cider
- 1 ounce caramel or salted caramel vodka
- 1 ounce vanilla vodka
- 1/2 ounce Sour Apple Pucker (or 1/4 ounce fresh lemon juice), optional*
- Caramel apple slice garnish
Instructions
- Dip the rim of a chilled coupe glass onto a plate of melted caramel to coat the edge.
- Combine vodkas, apple cider, and optional apple liqueur/fresh lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with a large cup of ice.
- Shake vigorously for 15 seconds and double-strain into the chilled coupe glass. Garnish with an apple slice.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
May I use Licor 43 instead of Stoli Vanilla?
OMG this looks awesome. Happy apple season, indeed!
Thanks Jessie!