Rustic Apple Pie on the Rocks Recipe: A Sweet Sip Sensation

My grandma’s secret apple pie on the rocks brings unexpected magic to classic dessert territory.

Cold cocktail vibes mix perfectly with traditional pastry flavors.

Crisp apples dance alongside smooth whiskey in this inventive libation.

One sip transports you to cozy autumn memories with a spirited twist.

Bartenders and home mixologists will absolutely adore this clever liquid dessert interpretation.

Unexpected ingredients combine to create something delightfully memorable and conversation-worthy.

You’ll want to mix this crowd-pleasing cocktail right now and impress everyone at your next gathering.

Why Apple Pie on the Rocks Is a Cozy Cocktail

• Quick Cocktail Magic: Transforms classic apple pie into a sippable delight with minimal effort.
• Minimal Mixing Mastery: Requires just a cocktail shaker and basic bartending skills, perfect for home mixologists of all levels.
• Party-Perfect Presentation: Delivers stunning visual appeal with caramel-rimmed glass and elegant garnishes that impress guests instantly.
• Seasonal Crowd-Pleaser: Captures comforting autumn flavors in a sophisticated cocktail, ideal for gatherings, holidays, and cozy evenings.

Apple Pie on the Rocks Ingredients

• Vanilla Vodka: Smooth base with sweet vanilla notes, choose a high-quality brand for best flavor.
• Apple Cider: Fresh, crisp apple flavor that captures the essence of the pie, select seasonal or local cider when possible.

• Caramel Sauce: Rich, sweet syrup that adds depth and mimics pie filling, opt for thick, homemade or premium store-bought version.
• Cinnamon Schnapps: Warm spice that echoes traditional apple pie flavors, provides additional sweetness and complexity.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acid that balances sweetness and adds freshness, use freshly squeezed for best results.

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Crunchy coating that represents pie crust, creates textural contrast on glass rim.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Sweet and spicy mix that complements apple pie profile.
• Apple Slice: Fresh fruit garnish that signals the drink's apple theme.
• Cinnamon Stick: Aromatic stirrer that releases warm spice notes.

• Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy topping that adds decadence, mimics pie à la mode style.

Apple Pie on the Rocks Drink Instructions

Step 1: Prepare The Rimming Station

Spread graham cracker crumbs mixed with cinnamon sugar onto a small plate.

This creates a delicious coating for the glass rim that adds extra flavor and texture to your cocktail.

Step 2: Dress Up The Glass

Carefully coat the rim of a rocks glass with caramel sauce, then gently dip and twist the glass into the graham cracker mixture.

Ensure an even, beautiful coating around the entire rim.

Step 3: Chill The Cocktail Base

Fill a cocktail shaker completely with fresh ice cubes.

The ice will help chill and blend all the delicious flavors together.

Step 4: Build The Flavor Profile

• Vanilla vodka
• Apple cider
• Caramel sauce
• Cinnamon schnapps
• Lemon juice

Step 5: Shake With Energy

Seal the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.

This powerful shaking will combine and chill all the ingredients perfectly.

Step 6: Prepare Serving Glass

Fill the caramel-rimmed rocks glass with fresh ice cubes, creating a frosty base for your cocktail.

Step 7: Pour And Strain

Carefully strain the mixed cocktail into the prepared glass, allowing the liquid to flow smoothly over the ice.

Step 8: Add Final Touches

Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top of the cocktail for extra sweetness and visual appeal.

Step 9: Create Stunning Garnish

Elegantly garnish the drink with a crisp apple slice and a cinnamon stick for a beautiful presentation.

Step 10: Optional Decadent Finish

For an extra indulgent touch, add a light float of whipped cream and dust with ground cinnamon.

Apple Pie on the Rocks Mixing Guide

• Use a rolling pin or food processor to create fine, even graham cracker crumbs for a smooth, consistent glass rim.
• Adjust cinnamon schnapps and caramel sauce to taste, ensuring the cocktail isn't too sweet or overpowering.
• Use large, clear ice cubes to prevent quick dilution and maintain the drink's robust flavor profile.
• Cut apple slice paper-thin for an elegant presentation and easier drinking experience.
• If adding whipped cream, use a light hand to avoid overwhelming the cocktail's delicate apple pie essence.

Apple Pie on the Rocks: Stash It or Sip Now?

• Store leftover cocktail in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the garnishes separate to maintain their freshness.
• Before serving, give the stored cocktail a quick shake with fresh ice to revive its flavors and restore the perfect chill.
• Due to the cocktail's delicate balance of ingredients, it's best to enjoy freshly mixed for optimal taste and texture.
• Always prepare new apple slice and cinnamon stick garnishes when serving stored cocktail to ensure the best presentation and flavor.

What to Eat With Apple Pie on the Rocks

• Enhance Apple Pie on the Rocks with These Delectable Pairings
• Complement Creamy Cheesecake: Serve a slice of classic New York-style cheesecake alongside the cocktail. The smooth, tangy cream cheese perfectly balances the sweet and spicy notes of the drink.
• Match with Warm Apple Crisp: Plate a small portion of homemade apple crisp next to the cocktail. The warm, crunchy oat topping and soft apple filling mirror the drink's flavor profile and create a delightful dessert experience.
• Pair with Cinnamon Spice Cookies: Offer crisp, thin cinnamon sugar cookies as a side nibble. These light, buttery treats will echo the cocktail's graham cracker rim and cinnamon undertones, providing a delightful textural contrast.
• Accompany with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a small scoop of rich vanilla bean ice cream. Its creamy, smooth texture and pure vanilla essence will complement the cocktail's complex flavors, creating a harmonious dessert pairing.

Try These Apple Pie Drink Variations

• Non-Alcoholic Apple Pie Mocktail: Replace vanilla vodka and cinnamon schnapps with apple juice and zero-proof vanilla extract for a family-friendly version.
• Spiced Autumn Version: Swap apple cider with pumpkin spice syrup and add a dash of nutmeg for a seasonal autumn-inspired cocktail.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers or crushed almond cookies for the glass rim to accommodate gluten-sensitive guests.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute caramel sauce with sugar-free caramel syrup and use a zero-calorie sweetener to reduce overall sugar content.

FAQs

• What kind of vodka works best in this cocktail?

Vanilla vodka is ideal, as it complements the apple and cinnamon flavors perfectly. If you don’t have vanilla vodka, regular vodka can be used with a touch of vanilla extract.

• Can I make this cocktail without alcohol?

Yes, create a mocktail version by substituting the vodka and cinnamon schnapps with apple juice or apple cider, and add a splash of vanilla extract for depth of flavor.

• How do I achieve the perfect graham cracker rim?

Press the glass rim firmly and rotate it in the graham cracker mixture, ensuring an even coating. Tap off any excess crumbs for a clean presentation.

• What's the secret to getting the best flavor balance?

The key is shaking the cocktail vigorously for 15-20 seconds. This not only chills the drink but also helps blend the caramel, apple cider, and spirits for a harmonious taste.

Apple Pie on the Rocks Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cool American classic “Apple Pie on the Rocks” blends nostalgic dessert flavors with smooth cocktail craftsmanship. Crisp apple spirits and warming spices dance together, offering you a delightful twist on traditional pie memories.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cocktail Components:

• 2 ounces (59 milliliters) vanilla vodka
• 2 ounces (59 milliliters) fresh apple cider
• 1/4 ounces (7 milliliters) cinnamon schnapps
• 1/2 ounces (15 milliliters) caramel sauce
• 1/4 ounces (7 milliliters) fresh lemon juice

Ice and Dilution:

• Ice cubes

Garnishes:

• Graham cracker crumbs mixed with cinnamon sugar (for rim)
• Thin apple slice
• Cinnamon stick
• Caramel drizzle
• Optional: whipped cream float

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a textured rim by blending graham cracker crumbs with fragrant cinnamon sugar on a small plate.
2. Create an elegant glass presentation by tracing caramel sauce around the rim, then delicately rolling the edge in the graham cracker mixture.
3. Select a cocktail shaker and fill it generously with crisp ice cubes to ensure proper chilling.
4. Pour vanilla vodka, crisp apple cider, rich caramel sauce, warming cinnamon schnapps, and bright lemon juice into the shaker.
5. Energetically agitate the mixture, shaking with vigor for approximately 15-20 seconds to thoroughly blend and chill the liquid components.
6. Artfully layer fresh ice into the prepared rocks glass, creating a foundation for the cocktail.
7. Carefully strain the chilled liquid mixture into the glass, preserving the intricate layered texture.
8. Elegantly drizzle additional caramel sauce across the surface of the cocktail for enhanced visual appeal and flavor complexity.
9. Embellish the drink with a delicate apple slice and aromatic cinnamon stick, elevating the sensory experience.
10. As an indulgent final touch, optionally crown the cocktail with a billowing cloud of whipped cream and a whisper of ground cinnamon for added decadence.

Notes

• Use high-quality apple cider for the most authentic and rich apple flavor, preferably fresh-pressed from local orchards.
• Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of caramel sauce, creating a personalized cocktail experience that suits individual taste preferences.
• Consider using a dairy-free whipped cream alternative for those with lactose intolerance or vegan dietary restrictions.
• Experiment with different types of cinnamon schnapps to find the perfect balance of spice and warmth in the cocktail.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Cocktails
• Method: Shaking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg