Caramel Apple Cider Martini: Fall in a Glass

If fall had a signature drink, it wouldn’t be a pumpkin spice latte (sorry PSL lovers) — it would be THIS: the Caramel Apple Cider Martini. It’s like sipping a caramel apple straight from the orchard… but with a delightful adult twist. Crisp apple cider meets caramel vodka, shaken into a golden potion that practically whispers cozy sweater weather.

Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, carving pumpkins, or just need a reward after surviving a day of leaf-raking, this martini is your new go-to. Bonus: it’s ridiculously easy to make, but looks like you went full Martha Stewart.

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What You’ll Need To Make A Caramel Apple Cider Martini

• Cocktail shaker like THIS ONE
• 2 oz caramel vodka (or vanilla vodka + a drizzle of caramel syrup in a pinch)
• 3 oz apple cider (fresh from the farm stand if you’re feeling fancy)
• Ice

For the Rim (a must-do!)

• Caramel sauce
• Crushed graham crackers or cinnamon sugar

How to Make A Caramel Apple Cider Martini

• Prep the Glass: Dip the rim of your martini glass into caramel sauce, then into crushed graham crackers or cinnamon sugar. Try not to lick it before pouring. (No judgment if you do.)
• Shake It Like a Leaf in the Wind: Add vodka, apple cider, and ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake until your hands are freezing. That’s how you know it’s ready.
• Pour & Garnish: Strain into your rimmed glass. Add an apple slice or cinnamon stick if you want to feel extra fancy.

Make It a Party!

Turn this martini into a DIY Caramel Apple Cocktail Bar:

• Offer different vodkas: caramel, vanilla, cinnamon.
• Mixers: apple cider, sparkling apple juice, ginger beer.
• Rims: caramel + crushed pretzels, maple syrup + brown sugar, melted white chocolate + cinnamon.

Let your guests play bartender — the results get more entertaining as the night goes on.

Sip, Sigh, Repeat

This Caramel Apple Cider Martini is everything we love about fall in one glass — sweet, crisp, cozy, and dangerously drinkable. Whether you’re curled up by a fire or binge-watching Halloween movies, this cocktail makes even the chilliest night feel warm.

More Fall Favorites!

Here are some of my FAVORITE fall cocktails that I’m sipping on this season:

• Pumpkin Espresso White Russian
• Apple Cider Cooler
• Orange Rosemary Gin Fizz
• Pumpkin Espresso Martini
• Spiked Hot Cocoa with Peanut Butter Whiskey

So grab your shaker and get in the spirit — autumn just found its happy hour hero.

Love this drink as much as I do? Share your thought below! Happy sipping!