Looking for a taste of fall in a glass? This spiced apple gin fizz is exactly what you need! A delightful blend of crisp apple cider, warming spices, botanical gin, and bubbly fizz, it’s the perfect cocktail to sip on crisp autumn evenings.
What is a Spiced Apple Gin Fizz?
A Spiced Apple Gin Fizz—what a mouthful, right? Makes you wonder where that name even came from! Did a mischievous apple fall into a vat of gin, only to be spiced and carbonated? Okay, maybe not. But perhaps some inventive mixologist, inspired by the bountiful fall harvest, decided to marry the crisp tartness of apples with the botanical notes of gin.
Or maybe it was just a happy accident, like penicillin or discovering that cookie dough tastes better raw. We may never know the true origin, but one thing’s for sure: this drink is a delicious ode to autumn! They say ‘ the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach’. Well, we’d argue this cocktail is a surefire way to win hearts (or at least spark some delightful conversation). Time to start mixing and discover the magic of the Spiced Apple Gin Fizz yourself!
Key Ingredients for Spiced Apple Gin Fizz:
Here’s a look at what you’ll need to create this amazing fall cocktail:
- 2 oz Gin: The base of our cocktail. A London Dry style works well.
- 4 oz Apple Cider: Use a good quality, unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor.
- 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness.
- 0.75 oz Simple Syrup: Adjust to your preferred sweetness level.
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks: Infuses the cider with warm, spicy notes.
- 2 Star Anise: Adds a subtle licorice flavor and beautiful aromatic complexity.
- Soda Water: Provides the fizz and a refreshing finish.
- Apple Slices & Cinnamon Stick (for garnish): Adds a festive touch.
How to Make Spiced Apple Gin Fizz:
This Spiced Apple Gin Fizz is Easy to Make, Delicious to Drink, and wonderfully Satisfying!
This autumn cocktail is surprisingly easy and quick to prepare, it takes about 10-15 minutes from start to finish. The spiced cider adds incredible flavour depth, the gin provides a delightful botanical edge combined with bubbly soda water, it’s the perfect drink to enjoy with friends or on a cozy night inside,
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Infuse the Cider: In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Heat over medium heat until simmering, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to infuse the cider with the spices. Remove from heat and let cool completely. This step can be done ahead of time.
Prepare the Cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add the Ingredients: Pour in the gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and 3oz of the spiced apple cider (Strain to remove spices).
Shake Well: Close the shaker tight and shake well for about 15-20 seconds. This chills the cocktail and mixes all the ingredients properly.
Strain and Top: Strain the cocktail into a highball glass filled with ice.
Top with Soda: Top off with soda water.
Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh apple slices and a cinnamon stick.
Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Spiced Apple Gin Fizz!
Why You’ll Love This Spiced Apple Gin Fizz:
This Spiced Apple Gin Fizz is more than just a cocktail; it’s an autumnal experience in a glass. The spiced apple cider is the star, transforming a simple gin fizz into something truly special. Making it at home saves you money compared to ordering it at a bar, and you get to control the quality of ingredients!
The apple slices and cinnamon stick garnish elevates the presentation, and the combination of flavors is simply divine and to round it out the simple syrup allows you to control the sweetness to your taste! If you’re a fan of other gin-based cocktails like a classic Gin and Tonic, this spiced apple version is sure to become a new favorite. Ready to embrace fall flavors? Give this recipe a try!
What to Serve Spiced Apple Gin Fizz With:
This Spiced Apple Gin Fizz is perfect as an aperitif or alongside light bites. Here are some pairing suggestions:
- Cheese and Charcuterie Board: The dryness of the gin and the spice notes complement creamy cheeses and smoky meats.
- Apple and Brie Crostini: A natural pairing that enhances the apple flavor of the cocktail.
- Spiced Nuts: A savory snack that complements the sweet and spicy notes of the drink.
- Light Appetizers: It also works well alongside things like mini quiches, bruschetta, and other finger foods.
Top Tips for Perfecting Spiced Apple Gin Fizz:
- Spice it up: Experiment with other spices like cloves, nutmeg, or allspice for a unique twist.
- Sweeten Smarter: If you don’t have simple syrup, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile.
- Gin Selection: Choose your gin wisely. A classic London Dry gin provides a clean base, while a more floral gin will add complexity.
- Chill Your Glass: Chilling your glass before pouring the cocktail will help keep it cold for longer.
- Don’t Over-Shake Over-shaking can lead to a watered-down cocktail. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds and that is it!
- Avoid Watery Ice When possible it is to make the gin fizz and use ice from your refrigerator to prevent having watery ice.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
While this cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the spiced apple cider ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store, let it cool completely and keep it in an airtight container. Unfortunately, the finished cocktail doesn’t store well after it’s been mixed with the soda water because it will lose its fizz. I do not recommend freezing this drink, as the soda water will lose its carbonation and change the texture!
Final Thoughts:
This Spiced Apple Gin Fizz recipe is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall. Its combination of crisp apple cider, warm spices, and refreshing fizz is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. I hope this recipe brings you the joy, and inspires to create your own variations, Let me know in the comments what you think and how it turned out!