If you’re looking to dazzle friends or simply treat yourself to a vibrant, fruity drink that brings together crisp apples and tart cranberries, the Cranberry Apple martini is a must-try. This cocktail is a showstopper at holiday parties—for good reason! The beautiful red hue feels festive, and the balanced blend of vodka, apple liqueur, and cranberry juice makes every sip burst with fresh flavor. Whether you’re celebrating the fall harvest or ringing in the new year, a Cranberry Apple will always put you in a cheerful mood and is easier to make than you might think.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your Cranberry Apple martini ingredients is delightfully straightforward—each one has a special job, from adding tang and brightness to extra smoothness. These essentials will layer depth, color, and a burst of festive flair in every glass.
- Vodka: The smooth, neutral base that allows the cranberry and apple notes to shine; use plain or apple-flavored vodka to suit your taste.
- Sour apple schnapps (or apple liqueur): Delivers the signature bright apple kick and a hint of tangy sweetness.
- Cranberry juice: Gives the drink its bold ruby color and juicy, tart flavor—try unsweetened for a tangier sip or sweetened if you prefer a smoother finish.
- Triple sec (or Cointreau): Adds a lively orange undertone that complements the fruits and lifts the entire blend.
- Simple syrup (optional): Perfect for dialing up the sweetness if you like your martinis on the smooth side.
- Ice cubes: Essential for chilling your cocktail thoroughly so you get a crisp, refreshing sip every time.
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish): Add a burst of color and cue guests in to the flavors waiting inside.
- Thin apple slice (for garnish): Brings an elegant finishing touch and a whiff of fresh apple aroma to each glass.
- Lemon twist (optional, for garnish): Brightens the look and aroma even more—totally optional but highly recommended!
How to Make Cranberry Apple
Step 1: Fill the Shaker with Ice
Start by grabbing your favorite cocktail shaker and fill it two-thirds of the way with ice. The ice chills your Cranberry Apple martini while also slightly diluting it for smoothness—don’t skimp!
Step 2: Add the Spirits, Juice, and Sweetener
Pour in 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of sour apple schnapps or apple liqueur, and 2 ounces of cranberry juice. Add ½ ounce of triple sec or Cointreau, and if you like your drink a touch sweeter, toss in ½ ounce of simple syrup. This mix is where the Cranberry Apple magic starts to come together.
Step 3: Shake Vigorously
Secure the lid on your shaker and—here’s the fun part—shake it like you mean it! Aim for 15 to 20 seconds. You want everything ice-cold, well-mixed, and just a bit frothy. The color will turn beautifully ruby and the aroma will tease what’s to come.
Step 4: Strain Into a Chilled Glass
Take a chilled martini glass (a quick stint in the freezer really helps!) and strain your Cranberry Apple martini into it. The pour should be translucent, rosy, and perfectly chilled. If you’re feeling fancy, you can sugar the rim beforehand for extra sparkle.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Drop in a few fresh cranberries, float a thin slice of apple on top, or add a twist of lemon for a burst of citrus aroma. Your Cranberry Apple martini is ready to make a fabulous first impression.
How to Serve Cranberry Apple
Garnishes
Nothing brings out the festive spirit like a creative garnish! For a classically elegant touch, top your Cranberry Apple with a single apple slice or a few jewel-like cranberries. A lemon twist adds a zippy fragrance and sophisticated look—don’t be afraid to play with edible flowers or even a sugared rim if you want extra glitz at your next get-together.
Side Dishes
This cocktail pairs beautifully with light, salty nibbles. Try serving it alongside a nutty cheese platter, crisp crostini, tangy goat cheese dip, or even a tray of honey-roasted nuts. The tartness of the Cranberry Apple is a bright contrast to rich, creamy snacks, making it a hit before dinner or at cocktail hour.
Creative Ways to Present
Change up the vibe by serving your Cranberry Apple in vintage coupe glasses for a bit of old-school glamour, or pour it over ice in a rocks glass for a more laid-back feel. For parties, try mini martini glasses so guests can sample other drinks too. Feeling especially festive? Pour a splash of prosecco or club soda on top for a sparkling version that’s sure to turn heads.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Cranberry Apple (though that’s rare!), pour it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors stay vibrant, but be sure to give it a good shake or stir before serving again, as the juice and spirits may separate slightly during chilling.
Freezing
For longer storage or for fun frozen variations, pour the mixed Cranberry Apple into ice cube trays and freeze. Later, you can blend the cubes for a slushy-style drink or drop a few into a glass of sparkling wine for a festive twist.
Reheating
This cocktail is meant to be enjoyed cold, so skip any heat! If the drink has been stored in the fridge, just shake it with fresh ice to chill and restore its crisp texture and frothy top.
FAQs
Can I use cranberry-apple juice instead of plain cranberry?
Absolutely! Cranberry-apple juice is a fantastic shortcut if you want to blend those fruity flavors easily—just adjust the syrup to suit your sweetness preference, as some blends are already fairly sweet.
What kind of vodka is best for Cranberry Apple cocktails?
Plain vodka gives a classic, clean background, while apple-flavored vodka brings extra depth and intensifies the apple taste. Both are delicious, so go with whatever you have on hand or want to highlight!
Is there a way to make a non-alcoholic version?
Yes! Swap the vodka and schnapps for more cranberry juice, apple cider, or even sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail that keeps all the fruity sparkle with none of the booze.
How can I make a Cranberry Apple cocktail less sweet?
Choose unsweetened cranberry juice, skip the simple syrup, and use a citrusy triple sec rather than a sweet one. The tartness will really shine through, giving you a crisp, dry finish.
What’s the best way to sugar the rim?
Run a lemon wedge around the edge of your glass, then dip it in a plate of red or gold sanding sugar. This adds stunning color and a playful crunch with each sip—perfect for special occasions!
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about shaking up a Cranberry Apple martini, whether you’re welcoming guests or enjoying a quiet evening at home. The balance of tart, sweet, and crisp flavors turns every sip into a little celebration. Don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients and let this festive cocktail become one of your signature drinks!
Print
Cranberry Apple Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
A crisp, festive martini made with vodka, cranberry juice, and apple liqueur. Bright, fruity, and perfect for holiday celebrations or fall gatherings.
Ingredients
Vodka:
2 oz
Sour Apple Schnapps:
1 oz
Cranberry Juice:
2 oz
Triple Sec:
½ oz
Simple Syrup:
½ oz (optional)
Ice Cubes
For Garnish:
Fresh cranberries, Thin apple slice, Lemon twist (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, apple schnapps, cranberry juice, triple sec, and simple syrup if using.
- Shake vigorously until well chilled (15–20 seconds).
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with cranberries or an apple slice.
Notes
- For a sparkling version, top with a splash of prosecco or club soda.
- Use cranberry-apple juice blend for an easy shortcut.
- Make it festive by sugaring the rim with red or gold sanding sugar.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks / Cocktails
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
