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Cursed Apple Martini

An icon representing a clock 7 min | easy | gluten-free, lactose-free, low-fat
Gold-glitter–rimmed martini glass filled with a deep red apple martini, shimmering with suspended gold flecks; styled on a dark surface with whole red apples and a sliced apple in the background.
Published Jun 27, 2025
Prep Time Cook Time Total Time
7 min 0 min 7 min
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Introduction

This cursed apple martini is a spooky spin on a classic appletini, with deep apple flavor and a dark, dramatic look.

It’s perfect for Halloween parties, horror-movie nights, or any fall gathering that needs a wickedly fun signature drink.

Unfiltered apple cider, grenadine, and apple vodka create a sweet-tart sip, while edible gold glitter gives it an eerie, magical shimmer.

Ingredients  (1 serving)

Adjust servings:

Ingredients

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Cursed Apple Martini in a clear martini glass with a sparkling edible-gold-glitter rim; the deep red drink glimmers with suspended gold flecks, styled on a dark surface with whole and sliced red apples in soft focus behind.

How to Make Cursed Apple Martini

  1. Chill the glass and prep the golden rim

    Place a martini glass in the freezer while you gather the rest of your ingredients.

    Pour a thin line of honey onto a small plate, wide enough to fit the rim.

    Sprinkle edible gold glitter onto a second small plate to create a sparkling bed.

    Dip the glass rim in the honey, then roll it through the glitter until fully coated.

  2. Measure the liquids into a cocktail shaker

    Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.

    Add the apple vodka, unfiltered apple cider, triple sec, and grenadine over the ice.

    Sprinkle in the edible gold glitter for that eerie, swirling shimmer.

  3. Shake until icy cold

    Seal the shaker and shake hard for about 15 seconds, until the outside feels very cold.

    Well-chilled cocktails taste smoother and help suspend the glitter more evenly.

  4. Strain, serve, and swirl

    Remove the prepared martini glass from the freezer and hold it at a slight angle.

    Strain the cocktail into the glass, aiming to avoid disturbing the glittered rim.

    Give the drink a gentle swirl with a cocktail pick if needed to wake up the shimmer.

Close-up of a martini glass filled with a deep red apple martini, sparkling with suspended gold edible glitter; two red apples sit blurred in the background and loose gold glitter is scattered on the gray surface.

Substitutions

Use regular vodka plus extra cider instead of apple vodka
Swap apple vodka for plain vodka and increase the cider to 1½ ounces for stronger apple flavor. The drink tastes slightly cleaner and less candy-like, with a softer, more natural apple note.
Try Cointreau or another orange liqueur instead of triple sec
Cointreau brings a brighter, more aromatic orange taste that feels a bit fancier. It keeps the sweetness but adds a touch more citrus complexity.
Use pomegranate juice and simple syrup instead of grenadine
Mix equal parts pomegranate juice and simple syrup to mimic grenadine in a pinch. You get a slightly tarter, fresher fruit flavor while keeping the gorgeous red color and a still-haunting vibe. For a dramatic cursed look, add just a pinch of edible black glitter to deepen the color.
Close-up of a martini glass filled with a deep red apple martini, shimmering with suspended edible gold glitter; blurred red apples sit in the background on a dark surface with scattered gold sparkles.

Tips

Use very cold glassware
A frosty glass keeps the martini crisp longer and makes the shimmer catch the light beautifully.
Choose cloudy, unfiltered cider
Unfiltered cider adds body and real apple flavor, which balances the vodka and orange notes.
Adjust sweetness to your taste
For a drier drink, cut the grenadine to a quarter ounce or add a squeeze of lemon.
Shake hard, but not forever
Shaking too long over-dilutes the drink, so stop once the shaker feels frosty and sounds slightly muffled.
Serve the glitter safely
Make sure your glitter is labeled edible, not just non-toxic, since only true edible glitter is safe to drink.

Nutrition Facts *

Energy 93 kcal
Protein 0 g
Total Fat 0 g
Carbohydrates 18 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g

* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.

FAQ

Can I make a big batch for a party instead of single drinks?
Yes, you can scale this into a pitcher drink very easily. Combine the vodka, cider, triple sec, and grenadine in a pitcher and chill well with no ice. Stir in the edible glitter just before serving, then shake or stir each portion with ice to chill.
My glitter sank to the bottom; what went wrong?
Glitter can sink if the drink sits too long or was not shaken vigorously enough. Next time, shake very well, pour quickly, and give the glass a gentle swirl right before serving.
How can I make this less strong without losing flavor?
You can cut the vodka down to 1½ ounces and increase the cider to 1½ ounces. The martini stays flavorful and apple-forward, but the alcohol hit feels softer.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of this cursed apple martini?
Yes, swap the vodka and triple sec for more cider plus a splash of orange juice. Use grenadine and edible glitter as written, then serve in a chilled martini glass for the same drama.

Serving Suggestions

For a spooky party, serve these cursed apple martinis on a dark tray with tea lights tucked around the glasses.

You can lean into the theme by adding dry ice nearby or pairing them with sharp cheddar and caramel apples.

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Recipe by Eunice.
“I learned to cook by standing in my grandma’s kitchen, watching her turn simple ingredients into meals that fed our entire family. That’s where it started. Today, I create recipes for real life, real kitchens, and anyone who wants good food without overthinking it.” Read more.

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