Make Cozy Homemade Apple Cinnamon Infused Vodka with fresh apples and warm spices for fall cocktails, holiday entertaining, and seasonal gifts.
Warm, aromatic, and filled with the comforting flavors of fall, this Cozy Homemade Apple Cinnamon Infused Vodka Recipe transforms a few simple ingredients into a smooth seasonal spirit. Fresh apples provide delicate sweetness and bright fruit flavor, while cinnamon sticks add a warm, fragrant finish that becomes richer as the vodka infuses.
Homemade infused vodka is surprisingly easy to prepare. There is no cooking required, and the hands-on preparation takes only about 15 minutes. Once the apples, spices, and vodka are combined, time does most of the work. A gentle shake each day helps distribute the flavors and creates a balanced infusion.
Honeycrisp and Gala apples are especially well suited to this recipe because they offer plenty of natural sweetness without overpowering the vodka. Fuji and Pink Lady apples are also delicious choices. Optional cloves and star anise can be added for deeper holiday spice, while a spoonful of maple syrup or honey gives the finished vodka a softer, slightly sweeter flavor.
This seasonal infusion can be served chilled over ice, combined with sparkling apple cider, or used in autumn martinis and festive holiday punches. It also pairs beautifully with cranberry juice, ginger beer, lemon juice, and hot apple cider. Pour the strained vodka into decorative bottles for a thoughtful homemade gift that captures the cozy character of the season.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Infusing Time: 5 to 7 days
Total Time: 5 to 7 days
Yield: Approximately 4 cups
Ingredients
4 cups vodka, 80 proof or higher
2 medium Honeycrisp or Gala apples, washed and thinly sliced
3 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon whole cloves, optional
1 star anise pod, optional
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or honey, optional
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Wash the apples thoroughly and pat them dry. Leave the skins on to add flavor and color to the infusion.
Cut the apples into thin wedges, removing and discarding the cores and seeds.
Step 2: Fill the Jar
Place the apple slices in a clean 1-quart glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Add the cinnamon sticks.
For additional warm spice flavor, add the whole cloves and star anise pod.
Step 3: Add the Vodka
Pour the vodka into the jar, making sure the apple slices and spices are completely submerged.
For a slightly sweeter infusion, add the maple syrup or honey and stir gently until incorporated.
Step 4: Seal and Infuse
Seal the jar tightly and place it in a cool, dark location. Gently shake the jar once each day to redistribute the ingredients and encourage even flavor development.
Keep the apples and spices submerged throughout the entire infusion period.
Step 5: Taste the Infusion
Begin tasting the vodka after 5 days. Allow it to infuse for up to 7 days for a stronger apple and cinnamon flavor.
If the cinnamon becomes too intense, remove the cinnamon sticks and allow the apples to continue infusing until the desired flavor is reached.
Step 6: Strain the Vodka
Place a fine-mesh strainer over a clean bowl or measuring cup and line it with cheesecloth or an unbleached coffee filter.
Pour the infused vodka through the prepared strainer. Allow it to drain completely, then discard the apples and spices.
Step 7: Bottle and Store
Transfer the strained vodka to a clean glass bottle or jar with a tight-fitting lid.
The Cozy Homemade Apple Cinnamon Infused Vodka can be enjoyed immediately, although allowing it to rest for another day or two will help the flavors mellow and blend.
Notes
Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, and Pink Lady apples are excellent choices because they provide a pleasant balance of sweetness and fresh apple flavor.
Choose firm, unblemished apples and wash them thoroughly before slicing.
A smooth vodka produces the best-tasting infusion. An expensive specialty vodka is unnecessary, but avoid one with a harsh flavor.
The cinnamon flavor can intensify quickly. Taste the infusion daily beginning on the fifth day and remove the cinnamon sticks when the desired flavor is reached.
Keep the fruit and spices completely submerged during infusion. Discard the batch if you notice mold, unusual cloudiness, off odors, or other signs of spoilage.
For a stronger spice profile, add one fresh cinnamon stick after straining and allow it to steep for one additional day. Taste frequently to prevent the cinnamon from overpowering the apple flavor.
Store the finished infused vodka in a tightly sealed glass bottle in a cool, dark place. For the best flavor and quality, enjoy it within 6 months.
Serve the vodka chilled over ice or combine it with sparkling apple cider. It also pairs well with cranberry juice, fresh lemon juice, ginger beer, or hot apple cider.
For homemade gifts, divide the strained vodka among clean decorative bottles and label each bottle with the name and bottling date.
Must be 21 years of age or older to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.
