Gin and Apple Fall Cocktail

The Gin and Apple Fall Cocktail blends crisp seasonal flavors with the refreshing character of gin. Apple cider adds natural sweetness, lime juice brings balance, and a touch of cinnamon provides gentle warmth. Simple syrup ties everything together, while fresh apple pieces and thyme give the drink an aromatic finish. This cocktail is light yet flavorful, making it a perfect choice for autumn evenings, gatherings, or simply enjoying the flavors of the season in a glass. Serve it over ice for a refreshing touch, or enhance the cozy mood with a subtle sprinkle of spice.

---

Tasting Notes

The Gin and Apple Fall Cocktail is crisp and refreshing with subtle seasonal warmth. The gin brings a botanical backbone, its herbal qualities pairing naturally with the sweetness of apple cider. Lime juice adds brightness and acidity, while simple syrup balances the flavors with smooth sweetness. A touch of cinnamon introduces a gentle spice that ties the drink to autumn. The diced apple pieces add fresh crunch and a subtle infusion as they rest in the glass. Finished with a thyme sprig, the cocktail has layered aromas and a seasonal profile that feels light, flavorful, and well-rounded.

Equipment and Glassware

This Gin and Apple Fall Cocktail requires only a few simple tools. A shaker ensures the gin, cider, lime juice, syrup, and cinnamon combine smoothly while chilling quickly over ice. A jigger is useful for precise measurements, helping balance citrus, sweetness, and spirit. A strainer makes pouring into glasses easier while leaving ice behind for a cleaner presentation. A sharp knife is needed to dice or cut apples into matchsticks for garnish. Serving in rocks glasses is ideal, as they allow plenty of room for ice, apple pieces, and garnishes while highlighting the drink’s seasonal presentation.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• 2 oz apple cider
• 0.5 oz lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 1 sprig thyme for garnish
• 0.5 apple diced or cut into matchsticks
• Ground cinnamon optional

Instructions

• In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, apple cider, lime juice, simple syrup, and a pinch of ground cinnamon.
• Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
• Fill two glasses with ice and add the diced or matchstick apples.
• Strain the shaken cocktail into the prepared glasses.
• Garnish each glass with a sprig of thyme.
• Enjoy

Pro Tips

• Use freshly pressed apple cider for richer flavor.
• A cinnamon stick can replace ground cinnamon for a subtler spice.
• For a smoother texture, double strain the cocktail.
• Try an herbal gin, such as one with rosemary or sage, to complement the thyme garnish.
• Chill the glasses before serving to keep the drink extra refreshing.
• Replace simple syrup with honey syrup for added depth.
• Garnish with both thyme and apple slices for a more layered look.

When to Serve

This Gin and Apple Fall Cocktail is perfect for early fall evenings and holiday gatherings where light but flavorful drinks are appreciated. Its fresh apple and botanical profile makes it a great pre-dinner option, pairing well with cheese boards, roasted nuts, and small bites. Because it’s refreshing but still carries seasonal spice, it’s versatile for both casual get-togethers and more festive celebrations. With its easy preparation and approachable flavor, it works well as a batch cocktail for entertaining, while still being simple enough to prepare as a single serve. It’s a reliable choice for any autumn occasion.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Gin: Hendrick’s, Tanqueray, or Bombay Sapphire for classic botanicals.
• Apple Cider: Martinelli’s, R.W. Knudsen, or orchard-fresh unfiltered cider.
• Simple Syrup: Monin, Torani, or homemade for customization.
• Lime Juice: Fresh-squeezed for best flavor; bottled options like Lakewood Organic if needed.
• Cinnamon: McCormick or Simply Organic for quality spice.
• Thyme: Fresh sprigs from local grocers or homegrown for aroma and presentation.
• Apple Garnish: Honeycrisp or Gala apples for crispness and color.

Similar Cocktails

• Apple Cider Cocktail
• Autumn Apple
• Cognac Apple Cider Cocktail
• Apple Juice Maple Cocktail
• Apple Cider Cinnamon Whiskey