I am excited to share a clever twist to one of my favorite Drinks Made With Apple Cider. Combining crisp apple cider, smooth vodka and zesty ginger ale, topped with a stylish Honeycrisp apple garnish and cinnamon, this cocktail blends contrasting flavors in a refreshing way that sparks curiosity.

Jump to Recipe

I love experimenting with drinks, and the Apple Cider Vodka Crush is one of my personal favs for fall. I first mixed up 2 oz vodka with 4 oz apple cider and 2 oz ginger ale, then tossed in some ice cubes to keep it refreshingly chill.

I find the crisp apple cider sure gives a different twist to the usual fall alcoholic drinks, while the vodka adds just the right kick. I finish it off with a Honeycrisp apple slice as a garnish and a pinch of ground cinnamon sprinkled on top.

It’s really a fun spin on adult apple cider drinks and apple mixed drinks that stand out among the rest. If you are looking for something not overly sweet but still packed with flavor, I reckon you should give it a try.

Enjoy the balance of refreshing tastes in this unique take on a classic fall cocktail.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe for several reasons. First, the blend of apple cider and vodka gives off this really crisp, refreshing flavor that instantly reminds me of fall. Second, I like how simple it is to make; even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen you can whip it up without much hassle. Third, the ginger ale adds this zesty kick that balances out the sweetness of the cider perfectly. Fourth, the little touches like the dusting of cinnamon and a fresh Honeycrisp apple slice make it feel festive and fun, like it’s made just for a cozy fall gathering.

I gotta say, the Apple Cider Vodka Crush is something that really stands out to me. I mix 2 oz of vodka with 4 oz of apple cider over lots of ice, and then I add 2 oz of ginger ale for that extra pop of flavor. I stir it up real gently so everything chills evenly, then I top it off with a pinch of ground cinnamon. Sometimes I mess up the stirring a bit, but honestly, that just makes every drink a little unique. I finish it off by garnishing with a Honeycrisp apple slice, either on the rim or floatin’ in the drink, which kinda makes it look like something straight out of a fall festivity. Sure, it might not be perfect every time, but that’s what makes it fun and a little bit special for me.

Ingredients

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

Ingredient Quantities

2 oz vodka

4 oz apple cider

2 oz ginger ale

Ice cubes

1 Honeycrisp apple slice for garnish

A pinch of ground cinnamon

How to Make this

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

1. Start by filling your glass with plenty of ice cubes.

2. Pour 2 oz of vodka right over the ice.

3. Next add 4 oz of apple cider to bring in that crisp flavor.

4. Stir the mix gently enough to chill the ingredients without spilling.

5. Now top everything off with 2 oz of ginger ale for that zesty kick.

6. Give it one more quick stir so the flavors get to know each other.

7. Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon over the top.

8. Garnish with a fresh Honeycrisp apple slice, either on the rim or floating in the drink.

9. Serve immediately and enjoy your fall cocktail!

10. If you like, feel free to adjust the ginger ale or cinnamon to suit your taste.

Equipment Needed

1. Drinking glass or cup
2. Ice cube tray or bag filled with ice cubes
3. Measuring jigger for the vodka and liquids
4. Stirring spoon for mixing the drink
5. Knife and cutting board for slicing the Honeycrisp apple garnish

FAQ

Q: How do i make the Apple Cider Vodka Crush?

A: Simply fill a glass with ice, pour in 2 oz of vodka and 4 oz of apple cider, then add 2 oz of ginger ale. Finish it off with a pinch of ground cinnamon and garnish with a slice of Honeycrisp apple.

Q: Can i prep this drink ahead of time?

A: Best to mix it right before serving since the ginger ale can lose its fizz if it sits for too long.

Q: Do i have to use Honeycrisp apples for the garnish?

A: Not necessarily, though Honeycrisp is perfect for its flavor and crunch. You can try other firm apple varieties if you dont have Honeycrisp on hand.

Q: Can i adjust the recipe to suit my taste?

A: Yep, feel free to tweak the amounts. If you like it stronger, add a bit more vodka or if you prefer it sweeter, a little extra apple cider works too. Just be mindful that the ginger ale should be added last to keep the fizz.

Q: How long does it take to put together?

A: It takes about 5 minutes if you have all the ingredients ready, so its pretty quick to whip up a tasty drink.

Apple Cider Vodka Crush Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have vodka, you can swap it for a light rum or gin which adds a slightly different twist
If apple cider isnt available, try using fresh apple juice for a crisper taste
For ginger ale, sometimes ginger beer works better if you like an extra zing, or you can mix soda water with ginger syrup
If you cant get a Honeycrisp apple, a Granny Smith or Gala apple slice works just as well for garnish
And if you’re out of ground cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg or allspice can provide a similar warmth

Pro Tips

1. You might wanna chill the apple cider and ginger ale in the fridge for a bit before mixing so you don’t rely on too much ice that can water down your drink.
2. Try warming up the ground cinnamon in a dry pan for a few seconds to bring out more of its aroma before sprinkling it on the cocktail.
3. Experiment with adding a tiny dash of lemon rind or vanilla extract to give the drink an extra twist; small changes can really amp up the flavor.
4. If you’re into a stronger kick, infuse your vodka with a couple of apple slices a few hours ahead of time for a subtle fruity note that makes the cocktail extra special.