Apple Infused Vodka
Take your cocktails to a new level by making this apple infused vodka recipe. It has only two ingredients, so it’s easy to make and adds wonderful, natural flavor to your favorite apple cocktails.
I love infusing alcohol with fruit. I’ve mentioned before that I prefer homemade infusions because I can control the ingredients. When you buy a bottle of flavored vodka, you really don’t know what is in there, especially if the label says ‘natural flavor’. If it were natural, why not let us know what it is?
This apple vodka is fun because apples are readily available year round. The flavor is subtle yet delicious. I look forward to sharing the drinks I make with it.
Here are some other alcohol recipes or infusions I’ve made: raspberry vodka, blackberry vodka, strawberry vodka, cherry vodka, cherry bourbon, watermelon vodka, rhubarb vodka, jalapeño tequila, grapefruit vodka, and cranberry vodka.
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Helpful tips
- Use a sealable glass jar like a Ball jar, a Mason jar, or anything else you would use for canning.
- I use Honeycrisp apples because they are sweet, but use what you prefer. I’d just stay away from apples like Red Delicious that tend to go mealy. Other good infusion choices are Braeburn, Gala, Fuji, and Granny Smith.
- I recommend a good mid-level vodka like Ketel One, which I’m using here, but if that doesn’t match your budget, use what you prefer. Another good, budget-friendly vodka is Tito’s handmade vodka.
- Wash the apples before you cut them in slices. I use Whole Foods 365 natural, unscented foaming hand soap. You want to wash off the pesticides before adding it to the vodka.
- Once you cut the apple into slices, they will start to oxidate. Don’t be alarmed. It’s normal. The slices may even develop spots, but again, it’s nothing to worry about.
- Don’t be tempted to eat the apple slices after the infusion is done. Once you see them, you probably won’t want to anyway, but throw them away.
- To remove the fruit from an infusion, I usually line a sieve with fine cheesecloth and pour the fruit and vodka over it. However, in this case, the apple slices are big enough that you don’t need to strain the vodka through cheesecloth; the sieve will be sufficient.
- Some people add a sweetener to their fruit vodka infusions, but my thought is that base alcohol infusions do not need a sweetener. The time to add sweeteners is when you are making a cocktail and simple syrup is a great sweetener to then use.
- You can infuse the vodka on the counter because apples aren’t fragile like strawberries or raspberries. But if you want, you can put it in the fridge to infuse or in a cool dark place like a pantry or a cupboard.
- I find that apples take a full five days to properly infuse. You want the vodka’s color to be close to what you see pictured here. If you think your vodka infusion may be done sooner based on its color, simply taste the vodka to decide.
How to make apple infused vodka
Pre-step
Get a 32 ounce Ball or Mason jar, wash it with warm, soapy water, dry well, and set aside. Also wash the apples.
Step one
Gather the ingredients – apples and vodka.
Step two
Cut the apples in half, remove the cores, and cut one and a half apples in slices. Place apple slices in the clean container. (A)
Step three
Pour the vodka in the jar over the apples. (B)
Step four
Fill it up to the top of the jar. (C)
Step five
Cap the jar and shake it vigorously. (D)
Step six
Set the jar on the counter or a dark location like a pantry or a cupboard but make sure to shake it vigorously at least once a day.
Let the vodka infuse with the apples at least three days, though I recommend five because apples have less sugar and less intense flavor than some other fruits, like berries and cherries. You want the vodka’s color to be close to what you see pictured here, so if you suspect your vodka infusion may be done sooner based on its color, simply taste the vodka to decide.
Just a warning: once apples are exposed to air, they will oxidize, become brown, and develop spots. (E)
Step seven
Place a fine-mesh sieve in a large glass bowl and pour the apple and vodka in the sieve. Let the apples drain fully before removing the sieve from the bowl. Throw away the apple slices as they will not be edible. (F)
Step eight
Pour the apple vodka into either a clean jar or a decorative bottle or two.
The coloring is subtle but the vodka is tasty!
I hope you enjoyed this apple infused vodka recipe! Once you start infusing fruit with alcohol, you will be looking for any opportunity to start another infusion.
And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!
If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
Apple Infused Vodka
Ingredients
- 1.5 medium honeycrisp apples (1 – 2 apples. Use your favorite but honeycrisp is a great tasting apple)
- 2 cups vodka
Instructions
- Wash the jar with warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly and dry.
- Wash the apples of pesticides with a non-scented, natural soap.
- Cut the apples in half and core them. Cut 1.5 apples in slices and add them to the jar.
- Pour the vodka in the jar over the apples.
- Cap the jar and shake vigorously. Leave on the counter for 5 days and shake vigorously at least once a day.
- Place a sieve in a large bowl and pour the contents of the jar in the sieve so the vodka can drain from the apples.
- Transfer either to a clean jar or decorative bottles.
- Sip
- Smile
- Enjoy
Notes
Nutrition
From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.
What a cool idea for all the fall flavoured drinks. This would make a great food gift. I need to give this a try.
Great, Gloria! Thank you for your comment and yes, it will be perfect as a gift!
That sounds really a delicious drink. I need to share this with my sister I am sure she will love this.
Thanks Amy. 🙂
I just used apple brandy last night, but now I must try this apple vodka! My husband has been making all kinds of mixed drinks lately – he will love adding this to his collection!
That’s fun Lauren! I hope you enjoy it and thanks for letting me know.
Do you know the real reason your store bought flavored vodkas say natural flavors? It’s because they don’t want you to know that it’s just vodka that had some fruit soaking in it. LOL. This is amazing. Do I store the finished apple vodka in the fridge, or is it OK on the counter?
Haha. So true, but I do think they put artificial flavoring or it would be colored and even then, I’d think they added the coloring. And you can leave it on the counter. I’ve never had any infused alcohol go bad.
This apple-infused vodka is the best liquor to have on hand for fall cocktails. So delicious!
Thank you, Sharon. I appreciate it.
I can’t wait to make this!! A great Fall start for many drinks. I would love to give these as gifts too. I saw all of the different infusions you can make. WOW!! But this week I’m starting with this apple recipe. I already have an idea what drinks I want to make. Thank you for sharing.
I hope you enjoy it Marisa! Thank you. 🙂 It’s a solid choice of infused vodka. But you really have to try the strawberry infused vodka!
Super easy to make, a great item to add to my cocktail liquors and spirits. I had a bottle of vodka in the house and I immediately made it. Thanks.
I’m glad to hear that, Silvia! Thanks so much and enjoy!
This apple infused vodka is so refreshing and good! It will certainly get lots of use in cocktails this holiday season.
Yay. I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks for letting me to know LaKita!
I had no idea it was this easy to make apple flavored vodka! This is perfect for my holiday drinks!
Thanks Jamie! I appreciate you letting me know!
This was fabulous and refreshing! I loved the flavor and it’s perfect for fall parties !!! I will be making this again! Have a wonderful day!
Awesome, Heidy! I’m glad you liked it! And thanks for letting me know.
Hey Elaine. I read somewhere that I should use 100 proof vodka. Is that a fact or a myth?
Myth for sure, Beth.
So I just tried this. I love it. I also made apple pie infused vodka, but haven’t tried it yet.
Thanks for the idea
Ann
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Ann. 🙂 Apple pie vodka is yummers too! Thanks for taking the time to let me know.