Did you know that there’s an entire day dedicated to the apple? That’s right – National Apple Day is an occasion to celebrate the highly versatile apple. Today, we’re going to chat about fall cocktails like apple cocktails that perfectly capture that je ne sais quoi of fall. We’ll also help you learn how to craft the best fall cocktails and apple cider cocktails using local spirits, fresh apple cider, and fresh apples. So, let’s dive right in and get started, shall we?

What is National Apple Day?

National Apple Day really is just a celebration of all things apple-related – not just apple cocktails; however, we’re certainly pretty excited about them here at Distillery Nearby. After all, apples are a really popular fruit, for very good reason. They’re a nutritious snack, a great baking ingredient, great for juices, and a versatile ingredient in mixology. National Apple Day encourages us to embrace the apple in all its forms, whether in the orchards, the kitchen, or a cocktail glass.

What’s the History of National Apple Day?

National Apple Day has its roots in the United Kingdom, where it was established in 1990 by the charity Common Ground. This organization, at the time, aimed to highlight the diversity of apple varieties and the importance of orchards. Since then, the celebration has gained popularity and spread globally, reminding people of the cultural and ecological significance of apples.

When Is National Apple Day?

National Apple Day falls on October 21st, and it’s celebrated in many different countries. Here in the United States, National Apple Day tends to fall at the end of apple season for more northern states and towards the beginning for central and southern states. Plus, with nationwide shipping, apple season really can be all year long!

National Apple Day 2023: Falls on a Saturday

National Apple Day 2024: Falls on a Monday

National Apple Day 2025: Falls on a Tuesday

National Apple Day 2026: Falls on a Wednesday

National Apple Day 2027: Falls on a Thursday

How Can I Celebrate National Apple Day?

If you’re wondering how you can celebrate National Apple Day, we’ve got you covered. Celebrate National Apple Day by incorporating apples into your life in creative and delicious ways. Here are some ideas:

#1: Visit a Local Orchard and Pick Your Own Apples

The true spirit of National Apple Day can really be felt by visiting a local orchard and picking your own apples. There’s an amazing scent in the air, and you can really feel fall setting in. Take your time walking through the orchard, picking apples of different varieties, and appreciating the season. After all, it’s not just about the apples; it’s an opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories with family and friends!

#2: Host an Apple-Themed Party

Gather your loved ones for an apple-themed party, because why not? Plan a menu filled with apple-based dishes, from savory to sweet, and complement them with apple cider or punch. We bet the aroma of apple pies, apple cider glazed chicken, and warm apple cider cocktails will fill your home, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that captures the essence of fall. What’s not to love about that?

#3: Experiment With Apple Recipes

Channel your inner chef and create some delicious recipes. Whether it’s apple crisps, tarts, or a hearty apple-stuffed pork roast, the possibilities are endless. You could even try to make your own apple sauce, apple cider, apple juice, or apple liqueur!

#4: Try Your Hand at Mixing Apple Cocktails and Apple Cider Cocktails

Here at Distillery Nearby, we’re all about cocktails. And National Apple Day is the perfect excuse to put your mixologist skills to the test and create amazing apple cocktails and apple cider cocktails. 

Gather an assortment of apples, create apple mixers, and slice/dice/peel up some apple garnishes. Experiment with what you have on hand to find the perfect blend. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy evening by the fireplace, having a warm or cold apple cocktail in your hand only serves to elevate it!

What Types of Apple Products Can I Use in My Fall Cocktails and Apple Cocktails?

When it comes to crafting apple and fall cocktails, you have a wide array of apple-related products to choose from. These can include fresh apples, apple cider, apple brandy, apple liqueurs, and apple bitters. Using these ingredients, you can create cocktails that capture the essence of the season. Let’s take a look:

Fresh Apples

Fresh apples really are the heart of any good apple cocktail. They offer natural apple flavor, and their texture and sweetness can vary depending on the variety you choose. Crisp, juicy, and often slightly tart, fresh apples can be sliced or muddled to infuse your drinks with their essence. 

Whether you prefer Granny Smith for a zesty kick or Honeycrisp for a sweeter touch, the choice of apple variety can significantly impact the flavor profile of your cocktail.

Apple Cider

There’s no denying that apple cider is the quintessential autumn beverage. Its rich, sweet, and slightly tangy profile makes it a perfect base for fall cocktails. Whether you use it as the primary mixer or as a complementary element, apple cider adds natural sweetness and depth to your drinks. 

Look for local, freshly pressed apple cider for the best results.

Hard Cider

Hard cider is another excellent addition to your arsenal of apple-related ingredients for crafting fall cocktails. This alcoholic beverage is made by fermenting apple juice, resulting in a delightful combination of apple flavor with a subtle alcoholic kick. Hard cider can be used in various cocktails to enhance the apple essence, provide effervescence, and offer a touch of sweetness.

Apple Brandy

Apple brandy, often known as applejack, brings a robust apple flavor and a touch of warmth to your cocktails. This spirit is crafted by distilling fermented apple cider, resulting in a more concentrated apple essence. It’s a fantastic addition to cocktails, especially those that call for a bit of heat and a deeper apple character. Be sure to choose quality apple brandy for the best results.

Apple Liqueur

Apple liqueurs offer a sweet and fruity note to your cocktails. These liqueurs come in various styles, from clear to amber, and can range from crisp and green apple flavors to richer, caramelized apple profiles. They can be used to add sweetness and complexity to your drinks, making them versatile for both beginner mixologists and cocktail connoisseurs. 

Experiment with different apple liqueurs to find the one that best suits your palate and your chosen cocktail. Be careful, though. A good majority of apple liqueur products are not steeped with real apples.

Apple Bitters

Apple bitters are the secret ingredient that can make your cocktails supreme. Just a few dashes of these concentrated bitters can provide a burst of apple aroma and a balanced, slightly bitter note to your drinks. They are a great addition when you want to highlight the apple element in a cocktail without adding sweetness. 

Apple bitters can be used in various apple and fall-themed cocktails to create a nuanced and complex flavor profile. Explore different brands and styles to find the apple bitters that suit your mixological endeavors best.

How to Make the Best Fall Cocktails and Apple Cocktails:

To create the best fall cocktails and apple cocktails, consider these five tips and tricks. Some of these we’ve already touched on, but here’s a good list for you:

1. Use Fresh, Local Apples: Opt for locally sourced, seasonal apples to ensure freshness and flavor.
2. Experiment with Apple Varieties: Different apple varieties offer distinct flavors. Experiment with a variety that complements your chosen cocktail.
3. Incorporate Apple Cider: Apple cider adds natural sweetness and a hint of tartness to your drinks.
4. Utilize Apple Spirits: Apple brandy and apple liqueurs can enhance the apple essence in your cocktails.
5. Not Quite Balanced? Use Bitters: Apples tend to be sweet and tart, but adding a bitter element can really round out your drink. Try it out!
6. Garnish Creatively: Garnish your drinks with apple slices, cinnamon sticks, or caramel drizzle for a visually appealing and aromatic experience.
7. Use Local, Craft Spirits: To take your cocktails up several notches, check your local area for craft distilleries and use their spirits.

5 Fall Cocktails and Apple Cocktails to Try for National Apple Day:

Now, we’re going to jump into some fall-vibe, apple cocktails for you to try. Remember, you can change these to suit your tastes, and you can even create your own unique cocktails! Let’s take a look at some popular ones, though:

Apple Pie Martini:

A delightful mix of apple vodka, vanilla liqueur, and cinnamon for a taste of apple pie in a glass.

1. Rim a martini glass using the moistness of an apple slice and cinnamon sugar.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add 2 oz apple vodka (you can make your own!), 1 oz vanilla liqueur, ½ oz cinnamon schnapps, and ½ oz apple cider.
3. Secure the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This will chill the mixture and combine all the flavors.
4. Strain the mixture into your prepared martini glass, being careful not to disturb the cinnamon-sugar rim.
5. Garnish your Apple Pie Martini with a thin apple slice. 

Spiced Apple Cider Sangria

A fruity blend of apple cider, white wine, and spices for a refreshing fall sipper.

1. Begin by preparing the fruit and spices. Slice 2 apples and 1 orange into thin rounds. Insert 3-4 whole cloves into a couple of the orange slices.
2. In a large pitcher, combine one bottle of dry white wine, 1 ½ c fresh apple cider, ½ c brandy, and ¼ c triple sec. Stir well to mix these components. If you prefer a sweeter sangria, you can add a bit of honey or sugar at this point and stir until dissolved.
3. Add the sliced apples and orange rounds, along with the cinnamon stick, to the pitcher. If you’d like a cinnamon sugar rim on your glasses, wet the rim of each glass with a slice of orange and dip it into a shallow dish filled with cinnamon sugar.
4. Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and let the sangria chill for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better.
5. Just before serving, add a few ice cubes to the pitcher. If you’d like your sangria to have a bit of effervescence, you can top off each glass with a splash of sparkling water. 
6. To serve, pour the Spiced Apple Cider Sangria into glasses, making sure to include some of the fruit slices in each glass.

Caramel Apple Mule

A twist on the classic Moscow Mule with apple vodka, ginger beer, and a caramel drizzle.

1. Fill a copper mug or glass with ice cubes, then add 2 oz apple vodka, ½ oz fresh lime juice, and drizzle 1 oz caramel syrup into the glass.
2. Top off your Caramel Apple Mule with 4 ounces of ginger beer. 
3. Gently stir all the ingredients together in the glass.
4. Garnish your cocktail with a slice of fresh apple for a crisp and colorful touch.

Hot Apple Toddy

A warm, soothing blend of apple brandy, hot water, honey, and spices.

1. Start by heating water in a kettle or microwave until it’s nearly boiling. You’ll want hot – not boiling – water to maintain the flavors of the ingredients.
2. While the water is heating, prepare your glass. Choose a heat-resistant glass or mug and pre-warm it with hot water.
3. In the pre-warmed glass, add ½ oz honey and ½ oz fresh lemon juice.
4. Add 2 oz apple brandy, then pour 4 oz hot water into the glass.
5. Place a cinnamon stick and three whole cloves into the glass. Stir with your cinnamon stick to dissolve the honey.
6. To garnish, add a lemon wheel and apple slice to the glass.

Apple Cinnamon Whiskey Sour

A tart and spicy cocktail made with whiskey, apple cider, and a touch of cinnamon. To make your own cinnamon syrup for this cocktail, check out this recipe.

1. In a cocktail shaker, add 2 ounces of whiskey, 1 ounce of apple cider, 1/2 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce of the prepared cinnamon syrup.
2. Fill the shaker with ice, ensuring it’s about two-thirds full.
3. Secure the shaker’s lid and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill the mixture and properly combine the ingredients.
4. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. If desired, garnish your Apple Cinnamon Whiskey Sour with a thin apple slice and a cinnamon stick for an extra touch of autumn charm.

Distillery Nearby: Your Destination for Local, Craft Spirits

To create exceptional apple cocktails, we highly recommend you consider using local spirits. You can support local distilleries and your local economy by exploring the unique flavors they offer. At Distillery Nearby, you can easily find distilleries in your area through our state-by-state distillery directory, and make your fall cocktails even more special with locally crafted spirits. So, what are you waiting for? Get mixing!

Browse Our Distillery Directory for Your State →