The “Washington Apple” cocktail is a delightful drink that captures the essence of a crisp apple with a touch of cranberry juice and optional vodka for those who prefer a bit more kick. It’s a quick and easy recipe, perfect for those moments when you crave a refreshing beverage that’s fruity and not overly sweet.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Apple Pucker
- 1/2 oz vodka (optional)
- 1/2 oz cranberry juice
- Kosher salt (for rimming the glass)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Glass:
- Begin by salting the rim of a 2 oz shot glass or a small cocktail glass with Kosher salt. This step adds a nice savory contrast to the sweet and tart flavors of the drink.
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Mix the Drink:
- Pour 1 oz of Apple Pucker into the prepared glass. Apple Pucker is a schnapps liqueur with a distinct green apple flavor that forms the base of this cocktail.
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Optional: Add Vodka:
- If desired, add 1/2 oz of vodka to the glass. This step is purely optional and can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version or if you prefer a milder drink without the extra kick of vodka.
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Add Cranberry Juice:
- Top off the glass with 1/2 oz of cranberry juice. This adds a touch of tartness and balances out the sweetness of the Apple Pucker.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Stir gently to mix the ingredients. Optionally, you can garnish with a slice of apple or a twist of lemon for an extra visual appeal.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 8.1 kcal
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 0.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1.8g
- Protein: 0g
Tips and Variations:
- Salt the Rim: Rimming the glass with salt enhances the flavors and adds a sophisticated touch to your cocktail.
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of cranberry juice or using a sweeter cranberry juice cocktail instead.
- Garnish Creatively: Experiment with garnishes like apple slices, lemon twists, or even a few cranberries for a festive look during holidays.
Flavor Profile:
The Washington Apple cocktail is known for its vibrant apple flavor, enhanced by the tartness of cranberry juice and the optional kick from vodka. It’s a balanced drink that’s easy to prepare and perfect for enjoying during social gatherings or as a relaxing treat at home.
Serving:
This recipe makes one serving in a standard shot glass or small cocktail glass. Adjust quantities accordingly if serving multiple guests or for a larger gathering.
Enjoy the crisp and refreshing taste of a Washington Apple cocktail, whether you choose to make it with or without vodka, and savor its fruity flavors with every sip!
