Apple Cider Gin Cocktail
Apple Cider Gin Cocktail is a refreshing fall drink made with crisp gin, apple cider, fresh lime juice, and a touch of sweetness. Finished with fresh apple, thyme, and cinnamon, it’s an easy seasonal cocktail perfect for cozy autumn gatherings.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger
- Bar spoon
- Rocks glass
- Strainer if your shaker does not have one
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 2 oz apple cider
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Ice
- 1 sprig fresh thyme for garnish
- ½ apple diced or cut into matchsticks
- Ground cinnamon optional
Instructions
Prepare the apple
- Cut half an apple into small dice or thin matchsticks. Set aside a few pieces for the garnish.
Fill the shaker
- Add the gin, apple cider, lime juice, simple syrup, and a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker.
Shake
- Shake firmly for about 10–15 seconds until the shaker feels very cold. This chills the drink and blends the cider, citrus, gin, and syrup.
Strain
- Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice. Strain the cocktail into the glass.
Garnish
- Add the apple pieces and a fresh thyme sprig. Finish with a very small pinch of cinnamon if you like.
Notes
- Use fresh apple cider whenever possible.
- Fresh lime juice gives the best balance.
- Taste your cider before adding the full amount of simple syrup.
- Use plenty of ice when shaking.
- Shake for about 10–15 seconds.
- Don’t add too much cinnamon; it can overpower the drink.
- Honeycrisp and Pink Lady apples are excellent garnishing apples.
- Add the thyme just before serving for the freshest aroma.
- For a drier cocktail, reduce the simple syrup.
- For a sweeter cocktail, add another small splash of syrup.