Fall cocktail: The apple cider martini
What is one of the best things about Fall? For me it's apples, apple cider, and apple cider martinis!
In the area where I live there are a few apple orchards and a couple of cider mills. When my kids were little one of our favorite Fall activities was going to the apple farms to buy apples, of course, and cider. Those were the days! As adults they both still love apple cider. Today, in honor of Fall and our love for apples, I have made a citrus apple martini.
And as an added bonus, for today's grown up cider cocktail, my husband has made his very special rosemary infused simple syrup. It really gives the drink a nice herbal note, and it is pretty easy to make. Apples and herbs go great together, we all know that.
You will have to make the simple syrup about a week ahead.
As far as the origins of cider are concerned, they go way back. There is archaeological evidence that places apple trees growing along the banks of the Nile. Of course, these varieties were nothing like the apples we have today.
By the time the Romans invaded England, cider production was already underway. The Romans liked the drink the locals were imbibing in so much that pretty soon cider spread throughout the Roman Empire. This drink back then was strong and boozy, and not suitable for children. Closer to an apple cider cocktail than juice.
When the colonists arrived in America they brought their cider...
Apples were a lot easier to grow in the cold New England climate than hops or grains.
This citrus apple cider martini uses lemon juice to cut down on the sweetness of the apple cider. As for the liquor, I choose vodka because it has very little flavor, so it doesn't overwhelm the cider/lemon juice combination. This is a bright, refreshing cocktail that is perfect for all your Fall get-togethers.
If you live near an apple farm, or cider mill take advantage of it, and get some cider because Fall will be over before you know it.
Need to pair your martini with a snack? Try Thai-Style chicken wings. The spice will balance out the sweet of the apple cider cocktail. Perfect. Want some carby goodness to pair with your drinks? Try my Fried Yuca Strips or Yuca Frita!
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Citrus Apple Cider Martini
Ingredients
Martini
- 1 oz lemon juice fresh squeezed
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz simple syrup rosemary infused
- 1 oz apple cider
Rosemary Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 8 sprigs rosemary
Instructions
To make the cocktail:
- In a cocktail shaker place 1 cup ice, and all the ingredients. Shake vigorously.
- Serve in a martini glass. Garnish with an apple slice.
To make rosemary infused simple syrup:
- Heat water and sugar on low until sugar is dissolved. Place in a Mason Jar. Add 6-8 sprigs of rosemary.
- Cover and let it sit for a week or two. Strain and store in refrigerator.
Nutrition
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
Well with fresh apple season in full swing....this sounds delicious. I would actually like this one since it is make with vodka not gin. Perfect for a nice afternoon cocktail before dinner.
Sarah @ Champagne Tastes
I'm a little obsessed with apple cider cocktails! I normally pair it with bourbon, but this sounds like it would be TASTY too! I want!
Analida
Hi Sarah! I didn't think of bourbon, but that sounds great too. I might need to try your ideas. Thanks for sharing it. 🙂
Ben Myhre
It is a good time of the year to get out the cider. And the vodka, but when isn't a good time of year for that?
Analida
LOL Ben! You are so right! 🙂
Jenni LeBaron
This sounds so lovely! I adore a good martini and this is just the ticket for a great fall libation!
Analida
Thanks Jenni! Glad you love a good martini. I must say, this is my new favorite.
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices
On Thanksgiving day we helped our friends make apple juice. They just bought a cider press and have their apple orchard. It was a fantastic experience! Your cocktail sounds a great way to showcase the cider 🙂
Analida
Nicoletta, that sounds like such a cool experience. We have many apple orchards near our house, but I've never participated in pressing the apples. When my kids were little they took school trips to the cider mill in our area. Yes, I think this cocktail is perfect to showcase your friends' cider. Let me know how it turns out.
Amanda Mason
I love the history you added into your post!! Love that! And the rosemary infused part...yum!! I'm so excited to make this drink now!! I am printing this recipe out now!
Analida
Hi Amanda, I am so happy you enjoyed the history. Sometimes I don't know if people truly appreciate the history behind an ingredient or dish. I am a history buff, so I like to include the history in my write up. Yes, definitely the rosemary infused syrup is a must. Let me know how you like the drink. 🙂
Monica | Nourish & Fete
Oh, I just love the simplicity of this! I love cocktails, but with a toddler, I never have the time or energy to make something complicated or with a lot of steps. I love that I could prep the simple syrup in advance and then have an easy, elegant, festive drink!
Analida
Hi Monica! This is indeed a simple cocktail. The rosemary syrup is a must, it is so delicate. I hope you get to make one of these citrus apple cider martini soon. When you make it, let me know how you like it. 🙂
Cheryl
This sounds yummy and I love the savory rosemary component.
Analida
Thanks Cheryl! Yes, the rosemary adds such a delicate touch. Enjoy one for me. 🙂
Katie Crenshaw
I will be drinking this all Fall!!! This is such a pretty martini.
Analida
🙂 Enjoy Katie. Yes, it is pretty; and tasty too!
Kate
This looks absolutely delightful! What a perfect seasonal drink!
Analida
Thanks Kate! I hope you get to make one. 🙂
Amanda
I love rosemary simple syrups in fall martinis! It pairs so well with fall fruits and cider and gives the cocktail such a great savory background. These would be the perfect start to a Thanksgiving celebration!
Analida
Hi Amanda! Yes, this would be perfect for a Thanksgiving party. I think the rosemary simple makes the cocktail. 🙂 Thanks for commenting.
Elaine
Oh wow! That choice of apples is amazing! And you are right - the season will be gone before you know it. But the good thing about is that there will be so many other recipes to create at that time! 🙂 Fantastic recipe Analida!
Analida
Thanks so much for your kind comments Elaine. I hope you get to try this drink soon.
Yes, there will be other recipes to try once apple season is gone. 🙂