January 23, 2025
Here’s our favorite vodka and apple juice cocktail recipe. It’s a simple and refreshing drink that’s perfect for any occasion. We love how easy it is to make, whether you’re trying your hand at cocktails for the first time or you’ve been mixing drinks for years.
This cocktail fits right in no matter the season. It’s crisp and light for summer days, but it also feels cozy enough for cool autumn nights. The best part is you probably already have the ingredients on hand, making it a quick and convenient option when you want something special without too much fuss.
You can keep it straightforward or add a little flair to elevate the drink. A cinnamon stick brings a warm spiced note, while a fresh apple slice adds a touch of elegance. In this post, we’ll share how we make this cocktail, along with tips and fun variations to make it your own.
Ingredients You'll Need
Let’s break down what we’ll need to create a delicious vodka and apple juice cocktail. We’ll cover the essentials and toss in a few optional extras to take your drink to the next level.
Vodka
For a smooth and flavorful cocktail, we suggest going with a mid-range or premium vodka. While any vodka will work, choosing a quality brand can really elevate the taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, try flavored vodkas like vanilla or caramel. They pair beautifully with apple juice and add a fun twist to the drink.
Keep in mind that the vodka you choose makes a big difference in how the cocktail turns out. Don’t hesitate to try out different brands or flavors to find the one you love most.
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Apple Juice
To get the best flavor, we recommend cold-pressed or fresh apple juice. It has a more authentic apple taste and adds a smoother texture to the drink.
It’s worth noting the difference between apple juice and apple cider here. While cider is great in its own right, apple juice works better for this cocktail because it’s clearer and sweeter. When you’re shopping, look for options without added sugars or preservatives. Let the natural sweetness of the apples shine through in your drink.
Optional Additions
If we want to elevate our cocktail, there are plenty of ways to do it. Cinnamon adds a cozy touch, ginger brings some spice, lemon juice brightens the flavors, and maple syrup adds a warm sweetness. We love garnishing with a cinnamon stick or mixing in a splash of maple syrup for that perfect autumn vibe.
Feel free to experiment and make this vodka and apple juice cocktail your own!
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How to Make a Vodka and Apple Juice Cocktail
Let’s make a refreshing vodka and apple juice cocktail together. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion.
First, we’ll grab a highball glass and fill it with ice to keep things nice and chilled. Then, we pour in our vodka. A good-quality vodka makes a big difference here, so we like to go with one that’s smooth and flavorful.
Next, we top it off with crisp apple juice. The amount is totally up to us, depending on how strong we like our drinks. A quick stir mixes everything together, and just like that, our cocktail is ready to enjoy.
If we’re feeling fancy, we can add a splash of lemon juice for a bright kick or a pinch of cinnamon for a cozy twist. Little extras like these can make the drink even more special.
We’ll include exact measurements and step-by-step instructions in the recipe card below, so it’s easy to follow along. Whether it’s for a party or a quiet evening at home, this cocktail is simple, delicious, and sure to impress.
Variations of Vodka and Apple Juice Cocktails
Let’s shake things up with some fun twists on our classic vodka and apple juice cocktail.
For a warm and cozy vibe, try adding ginger, cinnamon, or a pinch of cardamom. If we want something bubbly, a splash of club soda or sparkling water does the trick. Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil add a sophisticated touch, while cranberry or pomegranate juice brings a tart balance to the sweetness.
Here are a few combos to try:
- Spicy Apple: Vodka, apple juice, and ginger
- Bubbly Apple: Vodka, apple juice, and club soda
- Herbal Delight: Vodka, apple juice, and muddled basil
- Cran-Apple Zing: Vodka, apple juice, and cranberry juice
Experiment and mix it up until you find your favorite. Start small with add-ins and adjust to your taste. Cheers!
Other Cocktails You'll Love
- Apple Cider Mimosa
- Vodka Lemonade
- Screwdriver
- Cinnamon Maple Vodka Sour
- Vodka Soda
- Vodka Tonic Cocktail
- Vodka and Coke
- Vodka Strawberry Lemonade
- Mezcal Margarita
- Gin and Tonic
- Rum Sour
- Vodka Sour
Frequently Asked Questions
There's no official name for this drink. Some folks call it an "Apple Screwdriver" since it's like a regular Screwdriver. Others just say "Vodka and Apple Juice." Simple two-ingredient drinks often don't have set names.
We suggest using a mid-range vodka for the best taste. Brands like Tito's, Absolut, or Ketel One work great. Premium vodkas can make it extra fancy, but aren't needed. Skip the super cheap stuff - it might overpower the apple juice.
Plain vodka is a safe bet. It lets the apple juice flavor take center stage. For a twist, try flavored vodkas like vanilla, caramel, or cinnamon. These can add an extra layer of yumminess to your drink.
You can swap vodka for other spirits. Light or spiced rum adds sweetness. Whiskey brings warmth and depth. Gin offers botanical notes. Even tequila can work for an unexpected twist. Each choice will change the drink's character a bit.
Apple cider is a tasty substitute. It's richer and more robust than juice. Your drink might be a bit sweeter and cloudier. This swap is perfect for fall and winter sipping. Using hard cider makes it a whole new drink - a spiked cider!
Vodka and Apple Juice Cocktail Recipe
This vodka and apple juice cocktail is the perfect balance of smooth vodka and crisp apple juice. It’s refreshing, easy to make, and works for any occasion. Customize it with optional ingredients like lemon juice or cinnamon to suit your taste.
Equipment
- Highball glass
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Bar Spoon
- Strainer (if using a shaker)
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Vodka
- 4–5 oz Apple Juice cold-pressed or Honeycrisp recommended
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice optional
- 1 tsp Maple Syrup or Sugar optional
- Pinch of Cinnamon optional
- 1 cup Ice
Garnish Options:
- 1–2 slices Apple optional
- 1 stick Cinnamon optional
- 1 sprig Fresh herbs, rosemary, thyme, or sage optional
- 1 twist Lemon zest optional
Instructions
- Fill your glass or cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in 1.5 oz vodka and 4-5 oz apple juice.
- Add optional ingredients like lemon juice or maple syrup if desired.
- Shake or stir until the mixture is well-chilled and combined.
- If you used a shaker, strain the drink into a glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with apple slices, cinnamon sticks, or fresh herbs.
Notes
- We love cold-pressed apple juice for its rich, natural flavor, but any apple juice will do. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping regular vodka for vanilla or caramel-flavored vodka. Want to mix it up even more? Rum or gin can be fun alternatives.
- For a little sweetness, you can use maple syrup, sugar, agave, or honey. Each will bring a slightly different flavor, so pick what suits your mood. Start small with sweeteners and adjust to your taste. A little goes a long way! Feeling bold? Add cinnamon or ginger for a spicy kick, or experiment with other fruits for a fresh twist.
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