Name: Apple Cider Martini with Caramel Vodka
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: Handful of ice; 2 ounces apple cider; 1 ½ ounces caramel vodka (*See Note); 1 ½ ounces butterscotch schnapps

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This apple cider martini mixes real apple cider with caramel vodka and butterscotch schnapps for a fall cocktail that tastes like a caramel apple in a glass. It sounds like it’s on the sweet side, and it is, but the tartness in the cider keeps it from being overly sweet. All it takes is a quick shake over ice and the whole thing comes together in less than 5 minutes.

Cinnamon sticks sitting on top of martini glasses.

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This is a once-the-cider-hits-the-shelves type of drink in my house. I only make it a few times a year, starting as soon as apple cider shows up at the grocery store during the fall. I have a homemade apple cider recipe that I absolutely love, but for this martini I opt for store-bought cider to keep the drink really simple.

I use butterscotch schnapps since it gives the drink a balanced flavor with some caramelization and sweetness that simple syrup can’t replicate. The schnapps makes it taste more like a dessert than a plain vodka cocktail. DeKuyper is what I use for the butterscotch schnapps, and Pinnacle is my go-to for the caramel vodka. Absolut is my most favorite brand overall, but since they don’t have a caramel version I use Pinnacle.

Good Info Before You Start

Ready in 5 minutes.
Easy to scale up for a crowd.
Best served fresh immediately after mixing.
No special bar tools needed beyond a shaker.

Apple cider martini with cinnamon sticks.

Tips for Making an Apple Cider Martini

This is a fast cocktail, but a few things will change how it turns out.

Chill the martini glass for a few minutes in the freezer, or fill it with ice water while you measure the ingredients.
Caramel vodka and butterscotch schnapps are the bulk of the flavor. Make sure to get brands that you already like.
Taste the cocktail before adding extra sweetness. If it isn’t sweet enough, mix in a spoonful of caramel sauce or a couple of splashes of simple syrup.
If you’re making this for a group, multiply the ingredients for how much you need and mix a pitcher of cider, schnapps, and vodka ahead of time. Keep it in the fridge and shake or stir individual glasses with ice right before serving so it doesn’t get watered down.

Need More Cocktail Ideas

If you’re serving drinks to a large crowd, our cranberry sangria or classic white russian round out a fall menu nicely. Our sour apple martini gives you an option if you have guests that like something tart.

How to Make an Apple Cider Martini

Set a martini glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prep the drink.

Apple cider being poured into a drink shaker.

Add the ice, apple cider, caramel vodka, and butterscotch schnapps to a cocktail shaker.

Butterscotch schnapps being poured into a drink shaker.

Shake until the outside of the shaker feels really cold, usually about 15 to 20 seconds. Strain into the chilled martini glass and garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple slice.