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Golden Apple Martini 4.3 ★

An icon representing a clock 10 min | easy | gluten-free, low-fat
Three martini glasses filled with a pale golden apple cocktail, sparkling with suspended edible gold glitter and a gold-sugar rim, on a rustic wooden table with red-and-green apples scattered nearby.
Published Jun 21, 2025
Prep Time Cook Time Total Time
10 min 0 min 10 min
Rate/Review

Introduction

This Golden Apple Martini is a crisp, grown-up twist on caramel apples with plenty of sparkle in every sip.

Vodka, sour apple liqueur, and bubbly cider come together for a sweet-tart cocktail that feels light and refreshing.

Edible gold glitter and a gold-sugar rim make it perfect for holiday parties, New Year’s Eve, or any celebration that needs some shimmer.

Ingredients  (1 serving)

Adjust servings:

Ingredients

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Three martini glasses filled with pale golden apple martinis, shimmering with edible gold glitter and a gold-sugar rim, set on a wooden surface with red and green apples scattered nearby.

How to Make Golden Apple Martini

  1. Chill the martini glass

    Place a martini glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.

    Leave it longer if you have time, for an extra frosty finish.

  2. Prepare the gold sugar rim

    Pour a tablespoon of lemon juice into a shallow dish.

    Spread gold sanding sugar on a separate small plate.

    Dip the rim of the chilled glass into lemon juice, then into the sugar.

  3. Fill the shaker

    Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.

    Add vodka, sour apple liqueur, sparkling cider, and lemon juice.

    Sprinkle in a pinch of edible gold glitter.

  4. Shake the cocktail

    Seal the shaker and shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds, until very cold.

  5. Strain and garnish

    Strain the drink into the prepared martini glass.

    Add a tiny extra sprinkle of gold glitter on top for more shimmer.

    Serve immediately while the bubbles are lively and the drink is icy.

Close-up of a pale golden apple martini in a chilled martini glass with a gold sanding sugar rim and gold glitter swirling in the drink; more martini glasses blur in the background, with whole and halved red apples on a wooden board.

Substitutions

Vodka -> Gin
Use a floral gin instead of vodka for a more aromatic martini that still stays crisp and strong.
Sour apple liqueur -> Apple brandy plus lemon
Swap the neon green sour apple liqueur for apple brandy mixed with a little extra lemon juice. You get a deeper, more grown-up apple flavor and a warmer golden color.
Sparkling cider -> Dry sparkling wine
Use a dry prosecco or cava instead of cider for a stronger, less sweet martini that still feels festive and bubbly.

Tips

Shake until the shaker frosts
Keep shaking until the outside of the shaker looks frosty and almost painful to hold. That means enough dilution and chill.
Chill everything for a smoother sip
Chill the vodka, cider, and glass ahead for the coldest, silkiest texture without needing tons of extra ice.
Adjust tartness to your taste
For a sweeter martini, add a splash of simple syrup or a little more cider. For more bite, increase the lemon juice by a quarter ounce.
Use edible glitter sparingly
Start with just a pinch of glitter; you can always add more, but too much can feel gritty on the tongue.
Split into mini martinis
Pour the drink into two small coupe glasses for lighter servings that still look luxurious on a party tray.

Nutrition Facts *

Energy 398 kcal
Protein 1 g
Total Fat 0 g
Carbohydrates 32 g
Dietary Fiber 2 g

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

FAQ

Can I make a nonalcoholic version of this golden apple martini?
Use sparkling cider, lemon juice, and a nonalcoholic apple syrup in place of the vodka and sour apple liqueur. Top with chilled club soda for fizz, then add a tiny pinch of edible glitter.
My drink tastes too sweet; how can I fix it?
Add another quarter to half ounce of lemon juice, then shake again to brighten the flavor. You can also add a splash of cold water to soften the sweetness without more alcohol.
How do I keep the glitter from clumping?
Sprinkle the glitter into the shaker with the liquids, not directly onto the ice. Shake well so it disperses evenly and does not form little streaks in the glass.
Can I make a pitcher of golden apple martinis for a party?
Yes, multiply the ingredients by four or eight and mix them in a large pitcher without ice. Chill the pitcher very well, then shake each serving with ice just before pouring into glasses.
What if I do not have a cocktail shaker?
Use a mason jar with a tight lid, fill it with ice and your ingredients, then shake. If you prefer to stir, mix everything in a mixing glass with ice, then strain into your martini glass.

Serving Suggestions

This sparkling golden apple martini pairs beautifully with a cheese board, salty snacks, or simple dark chocolate truffles.

For a signature house version, garnish with a thin apple fan or a tiny gold star cut from apple peel.

Serve in vintage-style coupes for an old-Hollywood feel that matches the drink's glamorous golden shimmer.

Profile picture of Eunice

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.

Reviews

Rated 4.3 ★ (out of 5) based on 3 reviews.

Post your review and pictures below! ⬇︎

  • Christopher, Denver: Loved it and so did everyone that tried it. Great thank you! — 5 ★

    Eunice: Glad it was a hit, Christopher!

  • yvonne.co, Tulsa: I enjoy all of your recipes I will make this one. — 5 ★

    Eunice: Hope you enjoy this one too!

  • Stephen, St. Petersburg, FL: i don’t recommend this drink. It was way too sweet and the glitter kinda clumped up and felt gritty. I followed the recipe exactly and it looked pretty until i tasted it. TOO MUCH apple pucker and lemon and it just tasted like sour candy... — 3 ★

    Eunice: Sorry it skewed sweet and gritty, Stephen. Try 1 oz schnapps and 3.5 oz vodka, then top with cider. Use fine luster dust, and add it after shaking to prevent clumps.

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