Apple Cider Vodka Crush Recipe

I’m sharing my Apple Cider Vodka Crush, where crisp apple cider, a spark of ginger ale and smooth vodka come together with a Honeycrisp apple slice and a hint of cinnamon to make one of my favorite drinks made with apple cider.

I love the Apple Cider Vodka Crush because it flips fall drinks on their head, bright and a little cheeky. I start with crisp fresh apple cider and add a splash of vodka, then finish it off so it fizzes a bit which keeps things interesting.

It looks simple but there is a secret edge that makes friends ask whats in it, and they always want another. It’s the kind of Adult Apple Cider Drinks I bring to a party when I want to get compliments without fuss.

I cant get enough of it on cool evenings.

Why I Like this Recipe

– I like how bright and zippy it tastes, not too sweet so I don’t feel guilty having a second one.
– I like that it’s super quick to slap together, I can throw a pitcher together fast when friends drop by.
– I like the fizzy lift it gives, it makes the drink feel light and party ready.
– I like it’s cozy fall vibes, looks fancy but not fussy so everyone feels welcome.

Ingredients

• Vodka: clean, neutral spirit that adds warmth and kick, no nutrients just calories.
• Fresh apple cider: brings sweet apple flavor, natural sugars, vitamins and some fiber, rustic.
• Lemon juice: brightens drink with tart acidity, adds vitamin C and it’s lively zip.
• Ginger ale: bubbly lift, mild ginger spice, adds sweetness and effervescence, lightens the drink.
• Maple or simple syrup: optional sweetener, adds carbs and flavor, maple gives depth.
• Cinnamon: warm aromatic note, tiny antioxidant boost, great for garnish and cozy smell.
• Honeycrisp apple slice: crisp, crunchy garnish with extra fiber and fresh apple sweetness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 oz (60 ml) vodka
• 4 oz (120 ml) fresh apple cider
• 1/2 oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2–3 oz (60–90 ml) ginger ale, to top
• 1/4 oz (7.5 ml) simple syrup or maple syrup (optional)
• Ice cubes
• Honeycrisp apple slice, for garnish
• Pinch ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick, for garnish

How to Make this

1. Chill a highball or Collins glass in the fridge for a few minutes while you get stuff ready, slice a Honeycrisp apple for garnish and measure everything out.

2. Fill a cocktail shaker about halfway with ice, then add 2 oz (60 ml) vodka, 4 oz (120 ml) fresh apple cider and 1/2 oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice.

3. If you like it sweeter, add 1/4 oz (
7.5 ml) simple syrup or maple syrup now; if not, skip it.

4. Cap the shaker and shake hard for 10 to 15 seconds until well chilled, the cider should look slightly frothy.

5. Fill your chilled glass with fresh ice cubes, then strain the shaken mixture into the glass.

6. Top with 2 to 3 oz (60 to 90 ml) chilled ginger ale to taste, gently fold once with a bar spoon or swizzle stick so you don’t lose the fizz.

7. Garnish with a Honeycrisp apple slice and either a pinch of ground cinnamon sprinkled on top or drop in a cinnamon stick for aroma.

8. Quick tips: use really cold ginger ale so it stays fizzy, taste and adjust sweetness with a little more syrup if needed, and freeze extra apple slices on a tray so they don’t water down the drink as fast.

Equipment Needed

1. Highball or Collins glass, chilled in the fridge
2. Cocktail shaker, with a strainer or a separate Hawthorne strainer on hand
3. Jigger or measuring spoons for the vodka, lemon and syrup amounts
4. Citrus juicer or reamer for fresh lemon juice
5. Sharp knife and cutting board to slice the Honeycrisp apple
6. Ice scoop or tongs and a bag of ice cubes
7. Bar spoon or swizzle stick to gently fold in the ginger ale
8. Small spoon or dropper for the simple/maple syrup, plus a spoon or small shaker for ground cinnamon

FAQ

Apple Cider Vodka Crush Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Vodka: swap with 2 oz light rum for a fruitier, softer drink or 2 oz gin if you want herbal notes; for a cozy fall twist try 1.5 oz bourbon.
• Fresh apple cider: use 4 oz pear cider or unfiltered apple juice if cider isn’t around; or cut sweetness with 3 oz cider + 1 oz club soda.
• Ginger ale: top with 2–3 oz ginger beer for a bigger ginger punch, or 2–3 oz club soda plus a splash of ginger syrup so you control the spice.
• Simple syrup or maple syrup: replace with 1/4 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and warm water) or 1/4 oz agave; for deeper flavor use 1/4 oz brown sugar syrup.

Pro Tips

1. Chill stuff first, especially the glass and the ginger ale, and freeze extra apple slices on a tray so they dont water the drink down as fast.

2. If you want depth use a tiny bit of maple syrup instead of plain simple syrup, add it slow and taste as you go so it doesnt get too sweet.

3. Double strain through a fine mesh if you dont like pulp, makes the texture way smoother and looks nicer too.

4. Pour the soda gently over the back of a spoon and fold once or twice so you keep more fizz, dont stir like crazy or youll kill the bubbles.

5. For bigger aroma drop in a cinnamon stick and rub it between your palms first to wake up the oils, or tuck the stick into the glass so you get that smell every sip.