As the leaves begin to change and the crisp fall air sets in, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing drink to warm your spirits. And what better way to celebrate the season than with a glass of something featuring the star of the show: Washington apples! From sweet and tangy ciders to spicy and sophisticated cocktails, we’ve rounded up 20 delicious recipes that showcase the versatility and flavor of these iconic Pacific Northwest fruits.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the flavors of fall with a collection of innovative and mouth-watering drinks that incorporate Washington apples in all sorts of creative ways. Whether you’re looking for a cozy nightcap or a refreshing pick-me-up after a day outdoors, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Spiced Washington Apple Cider
Warm up with a deliciously spiced Washington apple cider that’s perfect for the fall season. This recipe combines the sweetness of apples with the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Ingredients:
– 2 gallons Washington apple cider
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 6-8 whole cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the cider has reached your desired level of spiciness.
4. Strain the cider into a large pitcher or individual mugs to serve.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Washington Apple Sangria
Elevate your fall gatherings with this refreshing and flavorful Washington Apple Sangria, featuring crisp apples from the Evergreen State.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 2-3 cups apple slices (Wine Country Apples or other sweet varieties)
– 1/4 cup brandy or triple sec
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1 cinnamon stick
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine and apple slices. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Add the brandy or triple sec, brown sugar, and orange juice to the pitcher. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Add the cinnamon stick and stir gently.
4. Chill the sangria in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
5. Just before serving, garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None
Caramel Apple Moscow Mule
Combine the classic Moscow Mule with the sweetness of caramel and the crunch of fresh apples for a unique twist on this beloved cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Vodka
– 4 oz Ginger Beer
– Juice of 1 Lime
– 1/2 oz Caramel Syrup (or to taste)
– 1/2 cup Sliced Apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
– Ice
– Lime Wheel, for garnish
– Fresh Apple Slice, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add vodka and caramel syrup.
3. Top with ginger beer and squeeze in lime juice.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and a fresh apple slice.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in minutes.
Washington Apple Hot Toddy
Washington Apple Hot Toddy Recipe
Warm up with this delicious and soothing cocktail that combines the flavors of crisp Washington apples with a hint of spice and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for cold winter nights or as a pick-me-up any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces bourbon or apple-flavored whiskey
– 1/2 cup apple cider
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 cinnamon stick, crushed
– Slices of Washington apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large mug, combine bourbon or apple-flavored whiskey, apple cider, and water.
2. Add the honey and crushed cinnamon stick to the mixture.
3. Stir until the honey is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
4. Garnish with slices of Washington apples.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Apple Pie Moonshine Cocktail
Escape to a crisp autumn evening with this warm-weather twist on the classic apple pie. This sweet and tangy cocktail combines the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple cider with a hint of moonshine.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz apple cider-infused bourbon
– 1/2 oz caramel syrup
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup apple cider
– 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
– Ice
– Whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the bourbon, caramel syrup, lemon juice, apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Washington Apple Bourbon Smash
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic bourbon smash. This autumnal drink combines the crisp flavors of Washington apples with the warmth of bourbon, perfect for a cozy evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1 oz apple cider syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 3-4 slices of Washington apple (such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
– Ice
– Mint sprig and apple slice for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, apple cider syrup, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add sliced apples to the shaker and fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a mint sprig and an apple slice.
Cooking Time: None
Sparkling Apple Rosemary Spritzer
Elevate your gatherings with this refreshing Sparkling Apple Rosemary Spritzer, perfect for warm weather or anytime you want a crisp and flavorful drink. This easy-to-make spritzer combines the sweetness of apples with the earthiness of rosemary, all tied together with a splash of sparkling water.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple juice (chilled)
– 1/4 cup rosé wine (chilled)
– 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
– 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
– Sparkling water
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine chilled apple juice and rosé wine.
2. Add fresh rosemary leaves and lemon zest to the pitcher; stir gently.
3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, add sparkling water to taste.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Sparkling Apple Rosemary Spritzer over the ice.
Cooking Time: None
Washington Apple Margarita
Experience the crisp flavors of Washington state with this refreshing twist on the classic margarita. This sweet and tangy cocktail is perfect for autumn gatherings or any time you want to add a touch of apple goodness to your drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 ounce Washington Apple Cider Syrup (see below)
– 1/2 ounce triple sec
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Sliced apples and lime wedges, for garnish
Washington Apple Cider Syrup:
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 cup water
Combine apple cider, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Strain and let cool.
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. Combine tequila, lime juice, Washington Apple Cider Syrup, and triple sec in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into prepared glass.
5. Garnish with sliced apples and lime wedges.
Cooking Time: None
Cinnamon Apple Whiskey Sour
A warm and spicy twist on the classic whiskey sour, featuring cinnamon-infused apple puree and a hint of maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz fresh lemon juice
– 1/2 oz apple puree (cinnamon-spiced)
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1 dash of Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Lemon twist or cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add whiskey, lemon juice, apple puree, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
5. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or cinnamon stick.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)
Washington Apple Ginger Beer Punch
A refreshing twist on classic punch, this recipe combines the sweetness of Washington apples with the spicy kick of ginger beer. Perfect for gatherings and celebrations!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple juice
– 1 cup ginger beer
– 1/2 cup Washington apple cider
– 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda
– Slices of Washington apples, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine apple juice and ginger beer.
2. Add Washington apple cider and stir to combine.
3. Top with lemon-lime soda.
4. Stir gently to mix.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This punch is ready to serve immediately.
Tips:
– Adjust the amount of ginger beer to your taste, depending on how spicy you like it.
– Use fresh Washington apple slices as garnish for a pop of color and flavor.
Apple Cranberry Sparkler
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing Apple Cranberry Sparkler! This autumn-inspired drink combines the sweetness of apples and cranberries with a hint of spice.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1 cup cranberry juice
– 1/2 cup ginger ale
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Ice cubes
– Sliced apples and lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine apple cider, cranberry juice, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add ginger ale and stir gently to combine.
3. Add ground cinnamon and stir to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve the Apple Cranberry Sparkler over ice cubes, if desired. Garnish with sliced apples and lime wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is a refreshing cocktail that’s ready to serve in just a few simple steps.
Washington Apple Tea Infusion
This recipe combines the sweet flavors of Washington apples with a soothing herbal tea, perfect for a relaxing evening or a pick-me-up any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried apple pieces (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
– 1 cup organic black tea leaves
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon lemon peel, dried
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the dried apple pieces and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Add the black tea leaves, cinnamon sticks, ground ginger, and lemon peel to the pot. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
3. Strain the mixture into teapots or cups. Discard the solids.
4. Serve hot, or let it cool and refrigerate for a refreshing tea infusion.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Maple Apple Old Fashioned
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique twist on the classic Old Fashioned, combining the warmth of maple syrup with the crunch of fresh apple.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
– 1/2 oz maple syrup
– 1/2 oz apple cider
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– 1 orange twist
– 1-2 slices fresh apple (such as Granny Smith)
– Ice
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon or rye whiskey, maple syrup, and apple cider.
2. Add two dashes of Angostura bitters.
3. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with one large ice cube.
5. Express a strip of orange peel over the drink, then use as garnish or place on the side of the glass.
6. Place one to two slices of fresh apple on top of the drink.
Cooking Time: None
Washington Apple Prosecco Punch
Elevate your gatherings with this refreshing and fruity punch, perfect for warm weather celebrations. This Washington Apple Prosecco Punch combines the sweetness of apples and the effervescence of Prosecco for a delightful twist on traditional punches.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle Prosecco
– 1 cup apple juice (preferably Washington-grown)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup sliced green apples
– Sprigs of fresh mint for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine Prosecco, apple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add sliced green apples to the pitcher and stir gently.
3. Chill the punch in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve the punch over ice in glasses and garnish with sprigs of fresh mint.
Cooking Time: None
Spiked Apple Cider Float
Elevate your fall gatherings with this refreshing twist on the classic root beer float: a Spiked Apple Cider Float. Rich, spiced apple cider pairs perfectly with creamy vanilla ice cream and a hint of bourbon.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup strong brewed apple cider
– 2 shots of bourbon (about 1/4 cup)
– 1 pint of vanilla ice cream
– Whipped cream and cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brew the apple cider to your desired strength.
2. In a large mug, combine the warmed apple cider and bourbon. Stir gently to combine.
3. Scoop the vanilla ice cream into the mug, allowing it to float on top of the cider mixture.
4. Garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon sticks, if desired.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (including brewing time)
Washington Apple Lemonade
Freshen up with a refreshing twist on traditional lemonade by incorporating the sweetness of Washington apples. This recipe is perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick pick-me-up any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh Washington apple juice
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– Sliced Washington apples and lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, mix together apple juice and lemon juice until well combined.
2. Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
3. Add water to the pitcher and stir gently to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. Garnish with sliced Washington apples and lemon wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: None – simply mix and chill!
Apple Honey Bourbon Fizz
Elevate your cocktail game with this autumnal twist on the classic bourbon fizz. This refreshing drink combines the warmth of bourbon, the sweetness of honey, and the crispness of apple.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
– 3 oz apple cider
– 1/2 oz lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Splash of club soda
– Apple slice or cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, honey syrup, apple cider, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of club soda.
6. Garnish with an apple slice or cinnamon stick.
Cooking Time: None
Washington Apple Rum Punch
This refreshing punch combines the crisp flavors of Washington apples with the warmth of rum, perfect for a chilly fall evening or a festive holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup dark rum
– 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh apple (such as Granny Smith)
– Slices of Washington apple for garnish
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine apple cider and pineapple juice.
2. Add dark rum and stir to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Just before serving, add lemon-lime soda and chopped fresh apple.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Serve chilled, garnished with slices of Washington apple.
Cooking Time: None required!
Vanilla Apple Chai Latte
Combine the comfort of a warm latte with the flavors of apple and vanilla to create a delicious and inviting drink perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk (whole, 2%, or nonfat)
– 1/2 teaspoon loose-leaf black tea
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup apple cider (chilled)
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brew the black tea according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine milk, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Heat over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until the mixture is steaming hot.
3. Add brewed tea, vanilla extract, and apple cider to the saucepan. Whisk until well combined.
4. Taste and add honey if desired.
5. Pour into mugs and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Washington Apple Hard Cider
Experience the crisp taste of Washington state’s finest apples with this easy-to-make hard cider recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon water
– 6 lbs Washington apple cider (fresh or frozen)
– 1 lb brown sugar
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 1 packet champagne yeast (or 2-3 teaspoons active dry yeast)
Instructions:
1. Sanitize all equipment and workspace with a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar.
2. Combine water, apple cider, and brown sugar in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature (70-75°F).
4. Add lemon juice and stir well.
5. Pitch yeast into the mixture and cover the pot with cheesecloth or a breathable cloth.
6. Allow the cider to ferment in a dark, warm place (68-72°F) for 2-3 weeks.
7. Once fermentation is complete, rack the cider into glass carboys or bottles.
Cooking Time: 2-3 weeks
Summary
Get ready to cozy up with these 20 refreshing Washington apple drink recipes perfect for fall! From Spiced Washington Apple Cider to Maple Apple Old Fashioned, and even a Sparkling Apple Rosemary Spritzer, there’s something for everyone. Discover how to incorporate the sweet and tangy flavors of Washington apples into classic cocktails, like a Bourbon Smash or Moscow Mule. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want to warm up on a chilly fall evening, these recipes are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
