Paul Kushner
The Sparkling Apple Pie Cocktail blends crisp apple juice, warming cinnamon schnapps, and golden honey with the celebratory sparkle of wine. Balanced between cozy autumn flavors and a light, bubbly finish, this cocktail is perfect for festive gatherings, seasonal dinners, or a holiday toast. The cinnamon-sugar rim adds a dessert-like touch that pairs beautifully with the apple base, while the honey syrup rounds out the drink with gentle sweetness. Easy to prepare yet impressive in presentation, this cocktail brings a seasonal twist to sparkling wine that feels both comforting and refreshing.
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Tasting Notes
The Sparkling Apple Pie Cocktail brings together crisp apple juice, warming cinnamon schnapps, and the gentle sweetness of honey syrup, topped with lively sparkling wine. The rim of cinnamon and sugar adds both aroma and texture, reminiscent of fresh-baked pie crust. The honey balances the spice, keeping the drink smooth without being too heavy. Each sip is light yet layered, finishing with a festive sparkle from the bubbles. Garnished with a fresh apple slice, this cocktail feels seasonal, comforting, and celebratory, ideal for gatherings where you want something approachable but still special.
Equipment and Glassware
To prepare this Sparkling Apple Pie Cocktail, you’ll need a cocktail shaker and strainer for mixing and chilling the base ingredients. A small bowl or shallow dish is handy for combining cinnamon and sugar for the rim. A spoon will help dissolve the honey in hot water, creating the syrup. A bar jigger ensures precise measurements, especially when balancing the schnapps and honey. For serving, flute glasses or coupe glasses highlight the sparkling wine and garnish beautifully. A small paring knife will also be useful if slicing fresh apple for garnish. With these tools, preparation becomes quick and straightforward.
Ingredients
- 3 oz apple juice
- 0.75 oz cinnamon schnapps
- 0.5 oz honey
- 0.5 oz hot water
- 3 oz sparkling wine
- Cinnamon & sugar for rim
- Apple slice for garnish
Instructions
- Start by making the honey syrup. Combine the honey with hot water and stir until the honey is fully dissolved. Allow it to cool before preparing the cocktail.
- Prepare the glasses by mixing a bit of cinnamon and granulated sugar in a shallow dish. Wet the rim of each glass with water, then dip the rim into the cinnamon sugar to coat. Set the glasses aside.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the apple juice, cinnamon schnapps, and the cooled honey syrup.
- Shake the mixture well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
- Top the glass with 3 oz of sparkling wine, and gently stir to combine the ingredients.
- Garnish each glass with an apple slice for a festive touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Sparkling Apple Pie Cocktail!
Pro Tips
- Use chilled sparkling wine to keep the drink crisp and refreshing.
- Fresh-pressed apple juice provides better depth than store-bought cartons.
- For stronger spice notes, add a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top before serving.
- Make the honey syrup in advance and refrigerate for quicker preparation.
- A dry sparkling wine balances the sweetness from honey and schnapps.
- Prepare the cinnamon-sugar rim ahead of time for a neater presentation.
- Use thin apple slices to garnish so they rest easily on the glass rim.
When to Serve
This Sparkling Apple Pie Cocktail shines during autumn and winter gatherings, especially at holiday parties, family dinners, or New Year’s celebrations. Its apple-and-cinnamon profile makes it particularly suited for festive occasions, echoing flavors of seasonal desserts like apple pie or spiced cider. The sparkling wine component ensures it feels celebratory, while the approachable sweetness makes it crowd-friendly for mixed groups. It’s equally fitting for Thanksgiving toasts, Christmas brunches, or cozy evenings when you want something more than a standard glass of wine. Served chilled with a sparkling finish, it always brings a warm and cheerful mood to the table.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Goldschläger
- Hot Damn!
- Hiram Walker Cinnamon Schnapps
- DeKuyper Hot Cinnamon Schnapps
- Aftershock Red
Similar Cocktails
- Apple Maple Dark and Stormy
- Elderflower Apple Martini
- Cinnamon Cream Martini
- Apple Pie on the Rocks
- Frozen Peach Margarita
Ingredients
- 3 oz apple juice
- 0.75 oz cinnamon schnapps
- 0.5 oz honey
- 0.5 oz hot water
- 3 oz sparkling wine
- Cinnamon & sugar for rim
- Apple slice for garnish
Instructions
- Start by making the honey syrup. Combine the honey with hot water and stir until the honey is fully dissolved. Allow it to cool before preparing the cocktail.
- Prepare the glasses by mixing a bit of cinnamon and granulated sugar in a shallow dish. Wet the rim of each glass with water, then dip the rim into the cinnamon sugar to coat. Set the glasses aside.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the apple juice, cinnamon schnapps, and the cooled honey syrup.
- Shake the mixture well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
- Top the glass with 3 oz of sparkling wine, and gently stir to combine the ingredients.
- Garnish each glass with an apple slice for a festive touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Sparkling Apple Pie Cocktail!
Notes
Pro Tips
- Make the honey syrup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for quick preparation.
- For a drier balance, choose a Brut sparkling wine; for sweeter notes, use Prosecco.
- Use fresh-pressed apple juice for a more authentic apple pie character.
