A little sweet, a little spicy, and completely refreshing—this Apple Ginger Martini is one of my favorite cocktails to shake up. The crisp apple pairs beautifully with the warmth of ginger, creating a smooth, well-balanced drink that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or impressing guests at a gathering, this cocktail is easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Apple Ginger Martini
Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 2 oz (60ml) vodka
- 1 oz (30ml) apple juice (fresh is best, but store-bought works too)
- 0.5 oz (15ml) ginger syrup (see tips below for a quick homemade version)
- 0.5 oz (15ml) fresh lemon juice
- Ice (for shaking)
- Apple slice (for garnish)
Glass: A martini glass works best, but a coupe glass also gives it a stylish touch.
How to Make It
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in the vodka, apple juice, ginger syrup, and lemon juice.
- Shake well for about 15 seconds, until the mixture is well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a thin apple slice for a fresh, crisp finish.
Tips for the Best Apple Ginger Martini
- Use fresh ingredients—fresh apple juice and lemon juice make a huge difference in flavor.
- Chill your glass before pouring in the cocktail to keep it colder longer.
- Adjust the sweetness—if you like a drier drink, use less ginger syrup or swap it for fresh ginger juice for a spicier kick.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- You can mix everything except the ice ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours.
- When ready to serve, shake with ice and strain into a glass.
- If you have extra, store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours—just give it a good shake before serving.
Easy Substitutions
- No vodka? Try gin for a more herbal twist.
- Want a richer apple flavor? Swap apple juice for apple cider.
- No ginger syrup? Grate fresh ginger and mix it with honey or simple syrup.
What to Serve with It
This cocktail pairs beautifully with:
- A cheese platter – Creamy cheeses like Brie or sharp Cheddar balance the crisp apple and spicy ginger.
- Sushi – The fresh, delicate flavors of sushi work surprisingly well with the drink’s sweet and spicy notes.
- Grilled chicken – The smoky, savory taste of grilled chicken complements the bright, zesty flavors in the cocktail.
Fun Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few tasty twists:
Spiced Apple Ginger Martini
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the shaker before shaking.
Apple Ginger Mojito
- Swap vodka for rum and add fresh mint leaves.
- Muddle the mint with the apple juice and ginger syrup before adding the rest of the ingredients.
Apple Ginger Sour
- Add egg white for a frothy, silky texture.
- Shake all ingredients without ice first, then add ice and shake again before straining.
Non-Alcoholic Version
- Replace vodka with sparkling water for a refreshing, booze-free take.
FAQs
What’s the best vodka for this cocktail?
A smooth, high-quality vodka lets the apple and ginger flavors shine.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ginger syrup?
Yes! Just grate fresh ginger and mix it with a little honey or simple syrup.
How do I make it less sweet?
Reduce the ginger syrup or use fresh ginger juice instead.
What’s the best garnish?
A thin apple slice or a twist of lemon peel both work beautifully.
Can I make a batch in advance?
Yes! Mix everything (except the ice) ahead of time and chill. Shake with ice just before serving.
This cocktail has been my go-to for summer nights, and I love how easy it is to tweak to suit different tastes. Whether you like it sweet, spicy, or somewhere in between, it’s a drink that never disappoints. Cheers!
