Quench your thirst and tantalize your taste buds with a crisp and invigorating Washington apple cocktail. This delightful drink combines the smoothness of Canadian whisky, the tanginess of apple pucker liqueur, and the refreshing burst of cranberry juice.

washington apple cocktail in a martini glass.

Several weeks ago here on Inspired by Charm, I taught you how to make a Washington apple shot. I enjoyed this recipe so much that I wondered if it could be turned into a drink recipe. As it turns out, so did someone else, and it’s already a drink that was created several decades ago.

While the exact origins of the Washington apple cocktail remain a mystery, its popularity can be traced back to the 1980s. It is believed to have emerged during the rise of cocktail culture, where mixologists experimented with unique flavor combinations. Over time, the Washington apple cocktail gained recognition and became a beloved choice for cocktail enthusiasts across the globe.

washington apple martini in glassed with apple garnish.

The combination of ingredients is the same as the shot version, which includes Canadian whisky, sour apple liqueur, and cranberry juice. It’s pretty simple.

The resulting drink is tart, refreshing, and so delicious! I think you’re going to enjoy it too! Oh, and if you like apple cocktails, be sure to check out my caramel apple martini, apple pie sangria, caramel apple cider moscow mule.

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe

2 Ingredients

3 How To Make

4 Recipe Variations

5 Frequently Asked Questions

6 More Drinks You May Enjoy

7 Washington Apple Cocktail

Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe

The combination of Canadian whisky, apple pucker liqueur, and cranberry juice creates a unique flavor that you won’t find in any other cocktail.
The sweetness of the apple pucker is perfectly balanced by the tartness of the cranberry juice, while the whisky provides a warm and comforting finish.
This cocktail is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making it the perfect choice for any occasion.
This cocktail doesn’t require elaborate techniques or exotic ingredients. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of Washington apple cocktails in no time, making it a convenient choice for gatherings or casual evenings at home.

While this drink is definitely giving off fall cocktail vibes, you can easily serve this any time of the year, and it will be a winner!

Looking for more classic cocktail recipes or old favorites made with a twist? Then be sure to check out my collection of the best mixed drinks for a list of favorites that will satisfy.

up close of washington apple cocktail in a martini glass.

washington apple cocktail in martini glasses with apple slice garnish.

Ingredients

Let’s gather up some ingredients to make this Washington apple drink. You will need:

Canadian whisky – A popular and well-loved whisky is Crown Royal. However, if you don’t have a Canadian whisky, feel free to use what you have.
cranberry juice – I opt for cranberry juice cocktail as it adds a little sweetness to this shot. If you’re looking to keep things tart, natural cranberry juice is best.
sour apple liqueur – Sour Apple Pucker is a staple at my bar, so that’s the brand I used and recommend here.

Optional: For those who prefer a sweeter drink, consider adding a dash of maple syrup or honey to the mix.

two washington apple cocktails in martini glass with apple garnish.

How To Make

Ready to mix up your cocktail game? Follow these simple instructions to whip up the perfect Washington apple martini. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Add the whiskey, cranberry juice, and sour apple liqueur to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake vigorously.

pouring washington apple cocktail from cocktail shaker into a martini glass.

Strain into a martini glass.
Garnish with a slice of apple.

It’s as easy as that. All that’s left to do is sit back and enjoy.

hand holding washington apple cocktail in martini glass.

Recipe Variations

Now that you have mastered the basic recipe for the Washington apple martini, it’s time to explore some variations that can add even more complexity and depth to your cocktail.

One option is to switch out the Crown Royal whisky for a different type of whisky, like Jameson or Maker’s Mark. This can bring a unique flavor profile to your drink and allow you to customize it to your personal tastes.
If you want to take things even further, consider incorporating different types of juices or liqueurs. For example, swapping out the cranberry juice for pomegranate juice or adding a splash of triple sec can create a whole new dimension to your cocktail.

As you begin to experiment with different variations, keep in mind that small changes can have a big impact on the overall taste. Don’t be afraid to play around with different ingredients until you find the perfect combination that suits your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of whisky?

Absolutely! While Canadian whisky is traditionally used, feel free to experiment with other whisky varieties based on your preference. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may slightly differ.

Can I substitute apple juice for apple pucker liqueur?

Apple pucker liqueur adds a distinct sweet and tangy flavor to the cocktail. If you don’t have apple pucker liqueur, you can substitute it with apple juice, but the taste may not be as intense.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version?

Certainly! To make a non-alcoholic Washington apple mocktail, simply replace the Canadian whisky and apple pucker with an equal amount of apple juice or a non-alcoholic whisky alternative.

Can I make a large batch of Washington Apple Martinis for a party?

Yes, you can make a large batch of Washington apple martinis for a party. However, it’s important to keep the ratio of ingredients the same to ensure consistency in taste.

washington apple cocktail Martin served in a glass with apple slice garnish.

More Drinks You May Enjoy

I hope you’ll try shaking up this Washington apple cocktail. It’s such a unique cocktail, I know you’re going to LOVE it. If you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.

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