Hopefully, you’ve been enjoying National Apple Month thus far and consuming apples at double your normal rate. You’ve probably had your fill of apple pie, apple fritters and waiting in line at the Apple store. You glance up at your calendar and realize that there is still over a week left in the month, and even though you don’t want to admit it, you have apple fatigue.
Don’t panic, we’re here to help!
We’ve combed the orchards, separated the Granny Smiths from the Golden Delicious apples and chatted up some bartenders to find great cocktails made with apple juice and apple liqueurs. Here are the best of the best to help you finish National Apple Month with a wink and a smile.
Appletini
1 ½ oz vodka1 ½ oz sour apple schnapps
1 ½ oz apple juice
Apple slice for garnish
Add the vodka, schnapps and juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Cover and shake well. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with the apple slice.
The Occidental
1 ½ oz dark rum2 ½ oz apple juice
2 ½ oz ginger ale
Splash of cherry juice
Cherries for garnish
Fill a glass halfway with crushed ice. Add the remaining ingredients and stir well. Garnish with cherries and enjoy!
The Gold Rush
½ cup vodka¼ cup frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
4 tsp apple brandy
4 tsp lemon juice
Add the vodka, apple juice concentrate, brandy and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a martini glass.
Steaming Spiked Cider
4 qt apple cider20 oz cinnamon schnapps
16 oz white rum
1 tsp whole cloves
¼ tsp grated nutmeg
10 cinnamon sticks
Apple slices for garnish
Heat apple cider in a saucepan over medium heat for 5-10 minutes. Add schnapps, rum, cloves and nutmeg. Simmer for 15 minutes, but do not let it boil. Ladle into 10 heatproof mugs, ensuring that each gets a cinnamon stick. Garnish with apple slices.
