If you have ever dreamed of capturing the warm, cozy essence of a freshly baked apple pie in a glass, then the Homemade Apple Pie Vodka Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful infusion balances the crisp tartness of Granny Smith apples with fragrant cinnamon and smooth vodka, creating a drink that feels like a hug in a glass. Whether you want to serve it up at a party or just savor a seasonal treat, this recipe is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. It’s a delicious way to bring the nostalgia of apple pie to any occasion with a fun, boozy twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Homemade Apple Pie Vodka Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, from the punchy tartness of Granny Smith apples to the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon sticks. The vodka serves as the perfect neutral canvas, soaking up all the goodness, while simple syrup and filtered water round everything out for the perfect balance.
- Granny Smith apples: Tart and firm, these apples provide a bright apple flavor that stands up beautifully to the vodka.
- Cinnamon sticks: Adding gentle warmth and spice, cinnamon is essential for that unmistakable apple pie vibe.
- Everclear: This high-proof vodka captures and intensifies all the flavors from the apples and cinnamon for a potent base.
- Filtered water: Used to dilute the alcohol to a smooth, drinkable strength without losing the essence of the infusion.
- Simple syrup: A touch of sweetness to balance out the tartness and spice, making your vodka perfectly sippable.
How to Make Homemade Apple Pie Vodka Recipe
Step 1: Fill the Jar with Apples and Cinnamon
Start by slicing 4 to 5 Granny Smith apples, then pack them tightly in a 32-ounce mason jar along with 3 cinnamon sticks. Aim to fill the jar up to the top to maximize the flavor infusion. This step sets the stage for a beautifully spiced apple flavor that will infuse into your vodka.
Step 2: Add the Everclear
Pour Everclear into the jar until it reaches the brim, ensuring all the apples and cinnamon sticks are fully submerged. The high-proof alcohol extracts and locks in every burst of apple tartness and the spicy warmth from the cinnamon.
Step 3: Seal and Shake Gently
Seal your jar tightly and give it a gentle shake to make sure all the apple slices are soaked evenly. This helps the alcohol absorb an even flavor profile and keeps the infusion consistent throughout.
Step 4: Refrigerate and Let It Infuse
Place the sealed jar in the refrigerator for at least 48 hours. This is where patience pays off: the longer the infusion, the more pronounced and harmonious the apple pie flavors become.
Step 5: Strain Out the Solids
Once infused, pour the vodka through a fine mesh strainer to remove all apple pieces and cinnamon sticks. This step keeps your drink crystal clear while preserving all the carefully developed flavors.
Step 6: Mix in Simple Syrup and Water
Pour the strained vodka back into the mason jar, then add ¼ cup of simple syrup along with 1¾ cups of filtered water. Stir gently to blend everything together and mellow out the high-proof spirit into a smooth, perfectly balanced vodka.
Step 7: Seal and Store
Seal the jar tightly and keep your homemade apple pie vodka refrigerated until you’re ready to enjoy. It will stay fresh and flavorful, ready for your next celebration or cozy evening at home.
How to Serve Homemade Apple Pie Vodka Recipe
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way to elevate the presentation and flavor of your cocktail. Try adding thin apple slices, a cinnamon stick, or even a small sprig of fresh rosemary for a subtle herbal contrast. These touches make sipping your Homemade Apple Pie Vodka Recipe feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This vodka pairs beautifully with dessert-inspired snacks or lighter fare. Consider serving it alongside spiced nuts, cheddar cheese and crackers, or even warm baked brie with honey. The salty, sweet, and savory bites complement the warm spice and crisp apple notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your apple pie vodka chilled in a rocks glass with a cinnamon stick stirrer or pour it over ice with a splash of ginger beer for a refreshing twist. You can even use it in cocktails like apple pie martinis or mix it into warm apple cider for a cozy winter treat that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Homemade Apple Pie Vodka Recipe will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for several weeks. Just make sure it’s sealed tightly to maintain its fresh flavors and prevent any unwanted aromas from mixing in.
Freezing
Because of the alcohol content, freezing the vodka isn’t necessary or recommended—it may affect the texture and balance of flavors. Instead, keep it chilled in the fridge for optimal taste.
Reheating
This vodka is typically enjoyed cold or at room temperature. However, for a cozy twist, you can warm a small amount gently and mix it into hot cider or tea for a heartwarming drink on chilly evenings.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer the perfect tartness, you can experiment with Fuji or Honeycrisp for a sweeter or more floral nuance. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will shift slightly.
How long does the infusion take?
For best results, allow the vodka to infuse for at least 48 hours. You can go longer for a deeper flavor, up to a week, but be sure to taste occasionally to avoid an overpowering taste.
Is Everclear necessary, or can I use regular vodka?
Everclear works best because of its high alcohol content, which efficiently extracts flavors. However, you can use regular vodka—it may take a bit longer to infuse, and the flavor might be less intense but still delicious.
How sweet is this vodka? Can I adjust sweetness?
The simple syrup adds a gentle sweetness to balance the tartness but is easily adjustable. Feel free to add more or less syrup depending on your personal taste preferences.
Can I make this recipe for a party?
Definitely! This is a fantastic crowd-pleaser and can be made in larger batches ahead of time. Just multiply the ingredient amounts accordingly and store in large, airtight containers until ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Homemade Apple Pie Vodka Recipe—it’s a true celebration of fall flavors wrapped up in a smooth, spirited delight. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing it with friends, it’s a joyful way to capture the essence of apple pie without turning on the oven. So grab your ingredients, get infusing, and prepare to fall in love with this irresistible homemade treat!
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Homemade Apple Pie Vodka Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 48 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Apple Pie Vodka is a flavorful, spiced vodka infused with Granny Smith apples and cinnamon sticks, perfect for adding a cozy autumn twist to your cocktails. Made by steeping fresh apples and warming spices in Everclear, then sweetened with simple syrup and diluted with filtered water, this vodka captures the essence of apple pie in a bottle.
Ingredients
Infusion Ingredients
- 4–5 Granny Smith apples, sliced
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 cups Everclear (high-proof grain alcohol)
Mixing Ingredients
- 1¾ cups filtered water
- ¼ cup simple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the jar: Fill a 32-ounce mason jar with the sliced Granny Smith apples and cinnamon sticks. Adjust the quantity of apples to fill the jar completely.
- Add the alcohol: Pour in the Everclear, filling the jar to the brim to ensure all apples are fully submerged.
- Seal and shake: Secure the lid tightly and shake gently to ensure the apples are fully in contact with the alcohol.
- Refrigerate and infuse: Place the jar in the refrigerator and let the mixture infuse for at least 48 hours to develop the apple and cinnamon flavors.
- Strain the infusion: After infusion, pour the liquid through a fine mesh strainer to remove apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Return the infused vodka to the mason jar.
- Mix and sweeten: Add the simple syrup and filtered water to the infused vodka, stirring well to combine.
- Store and chill: Seal the jar tightly and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy chilled or use in your favorite cocktails.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for a tart and crisp flavor that complements the spice.
- Allowing the vodka to infuse for longer than 48 hours will intensify the apple and cinnamon flavors.
- Adjust the amount of simple syrup based on your desired sweetness level.
- Ensure all fruit is fully submerged in alcohol to prevent spoilage.
- This homemade infusion should be consumed within 1-2 weeks for best freshness and flavor.
