Apple Cider Vodka Crush
This Apple Cider Vodka Crush Recipe is an easy 5-minute fall cocktail made with apple cider, vodka, ginger ale, crushed ice, and cinnamon. Refreshing, lightly fizzy, and full of cozy apple flavor, it’s perfect for fall parties, Thanksgiving, or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces apple cider
- 2 ounces ginger ale
- 1 ounce Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka
- Crushed ice enough to fill the glass
- 1 Honeycrisp apple slice for garnish
- 1 cinnamon stick for garnish
- A dash of ground cinnamon sprinkled on top
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Garnish
- Wash and dry the Honeycrisp apple. Cut one thin apple slice or wedge for the garnish. If you are preparing the garnish ahead of time, a small amount of lemon juice can help slow browning.
Step 2: Fill the Glass With Crushed Ice
- Fill a rocks glass or another short cocktail glass generously with crushed ice. Don’t pack the ice down too firmly. A loose layer allows the cider and vodka to flow through the ice while keeping the drink cold.
Step 3: Add the Apple Cider
- Pour 3 ounces of apple cider over the crushed ice. Give the cider a quick stir if it has separated slightly.
Step 4: Add the Vodka
- Measure 1 ounce of Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka and pour it into the glass. A jigger is helpful here because accurate measurements keep the cocktail balanced.
Step 5: Add the Ginger Ale
- Slowly pour 2 ounces of ginger ale over the cider and vodka. Pouring slowly helps preserve the carbonation and prevents the drink from foaming over.
Step 6: Stir Gently
- Use a bar spoon or regular spoon to gently stir the drink once or twice from the bottom upward. Don’t stir aggressively. The goal is to combine the ingredients while keeping the ginger ale bubbly.
Step 7: Add Cinnamon
- Sprinkle a small dash of ground cinnamon over the top. A little goes a long way. Too much cinnamon can become powdery and overpower the apple flavor.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
- Add the Honeycrisp apple slice and cinnamon stick. Serve immediately while the drink is cold and fizzy.
Notes
Apple cider varies in sweetness from brand to brand, so taste the finished drink before adding any extra sweetener. The combination of cider and ginger ale is usually sweet enough on its own. For the freshest flavor and best carbonation, assemble the cocktail immediately before serving.
If your cider is very sweet, choose a drier ginger ale or ginger beer. If your cider is tart, a regular ginger ale can provide a pleasant balance.
If your cider is very sweet, choose a drier ginger ale or ginger beer. If your cider is tart, a regular ginger ale can provide a pleasant balance.