Paul Kushner
The Sir Isaac Newton Cocktail is a refined and flavorful drink that highlights the timeless pairing of apple and spice. Apple brandy forms the base, bringing smooth fruitiness and depth, while fresh lemon juice adds a crisp, tart brightness that keeps the cocktail lively. A few dashes of Angostura bitters introduce warm spice and aroma, giving the drink balance and character. Garnished with a floating apple slice, it is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Perfect for autumn evenings, dinner parties, or relaxed nights at home, this cocktail offers a mix of warmth, freshness, and classic flavor.
This post may include affiliate links; for details, see our disclosure policy
Tasting Notes
The Sir Isaac Newton Cocktail blends fruit and spice into a drink that feels both classic and seasonal. Apple brandy provides a rich, orchard-forward base, with depth and smoothness. Apple-cinnamon syrup brings layered sweetness and warm spice, reminiscent of baked apples or seasonal desserts. Fresh lemon juice balances the richness with sharp acidity, keeping the cocktail lively and refreshing. Angostura bitters add complexity with herbal and spiced undertones that tie everything together. Garnished with a floating apple slice, the drink has an inviting presentation and offers a balance of tart, spiced, and sweet flavors in each sip.
Equipment and Glassware
Preparing this Sir Isaac Newton Cocktail requires only a few essential tools. A cocktail shaker is key for combining and chilling the ingredients, while a strainer ensures a clean pour into the glass. A jigger helps measure the syrup, juice, and brandy accurately to maintain proper balance. A citrus press or juicer ensures fresh lemon juice, which adds brightness to the drink. For serving, a chilled coupe or cocktail glass works best, showcasing the rich amber hue and allowing the garnish to rest elegantly on the surface. A sharp knife or mandoline is helpful for cutting a thin, neat apple slice.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce apple-cinnamon syrup
- 0.5 ounce lemon juice
- 1.5 ounces apple brandy
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Apple slice for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the apple-cinnamon syrup, lemon juice, apple brandy, and Angostura bitters.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously until the mixture is well-chilled and fully combined.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Float a slice of apple on the surface of the drink as a garnish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, spiced flavors of this elegant cocktail.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best brightness.
- Opt for a quality apple brandy to bring depth and smoothness.
- Make apple-cinnamon syrup at home for fresher flavor control.
- Garnish with a thin, crisp apple slice for a floating effect.
- Chill the glass before pouring to keep the drink cold longer.
- Double strain for a smoother texture without ice shards.
- Add a light dusting of ground cinnamon on the apple slice for extra aroma.
- Balance sweetness by adjusting syrup quantity to taste.
When to Serve
The Sir Isaac Newton Cocktail is an excellent choice for autumn and winter occasions, when apple and spice flavors are most fitting. It works beautifully at dinner parties as a pre-dinner drink, offering guests something seasonal and flavorful. Its rich but balanced profile also makes it well-suited for holiday gatherings, pairing easily with festive meals. The presentation, complete with a floating apple garnish, makes it a conversation starter at more formal events. Whether enjoyed fireside on a quiet evening or shared at a celebration, this cocktail is versatile, flavorful, and seasonally inspired.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Apple Brandy: Laird’s Applejack, Christian Drouin, Copper & Kings
- Bitters: Angostura, Fee Brothers, Bittercube
Similar Cocktails
- Caramel Apple Manhattan
- The Woodsman Cocktail
- Harvest Moon Applejack Cocktail
- Apple Brandy Rickey
- Apple Brandy Negroni
Ingredients
- 1 ounce apple-cinnamon syrup
- 0.5 ounce lemon juice
- 1.5 ounces apple brandy
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Apple slice for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the apple-cinnamon syrup, lemon juice, apple brandy, and Angostura bitters.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously until the mixture is well-chilled and fully combined.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Float a slice of apple on the surface of the drink as a garnish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, spiced flavors of this elegant cocktail.
Notes
Pro Tips
- For a more intense cinnamon flavor, make your apple-cinnamon syrup with a stronger cinnamon infusion or use a cinnamon stick for garnish.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best balance of tartness and freshness.
- To enhance the presentation, consider dusting the apple slice garnish with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Tasting Notes
The Sir Isaac Newton Cocktail offers a harmonious blend of sweet, tart, and spiced flavors. The apple-cinnamon syrup provides a warm, comforting base that is complemented by the rich apple brandy and brightened by the lemon juice. The Angostura bitters add depth and complexity, making each sip smooth and satisfying. The floating apple slice adds a crisp, aromatic finish, making this cocktail both visually appealing and delicious.
