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Poison Apple Drink Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Poison Apple Drink Recipe

I made this poison apple drink recipe for my Halloween get-together last year, and it disappeared faster than any other drink on the table. I love how the deep red color and the smoky bubbles make it feel like something straight out of Snow White's story, even though it only takes a few minutes to put together.
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Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup apple cider – this is the base of the drink and gives it that warm fall flavor.
  • 2 ounces cranberry juice cocktail – adds tartness and that gorgeous deep red color.
  • ½ ounce grenadine optional – I like adding this for an even richer red shade.
  • 2 ounces caramel vodka – brings a caramel apple pie flavor that pairs beautifully with the cider.
  • Ice cubes – needed to chill and shake the drink properly.
  • Dry ice chips optional – gives the drink that bubbling, smoky poison apple effect.
  • Apple slices or a cinnamon stick for garnish – a simple way to make the drink look extra festive.

Method
 

  1. I start by filling my cocktail shaker about two-thirds full with ice cubes. This chills the drink fast and helps everything blend together smoothly. Cold ice also keeps the caramel vodka from tasting too sharp once it's mixed.
  2. Next, I pour in the apple cider, cranberry juice cocktail, grenadine if I'm using it, and the caramel vodka. I always measure these with a jigger so the flavors stay balanced. This step is where the poison apple drink with crown apple or any other whiskey swap would go in if you prefer that variation.
  3. I cover the shaker tightly and shake it hard for about 30 seconds. This is what chills the drink and blends all those flavors into one smooth sip. You will feel the shaker get noticeably cold in your hands, which is a good sign it's ready.
  4. I strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass or any cocktail glass I have on hand. Straining keeps the ice chips out and leaves you with a perfectly smooth, clear pour. This is also the moment where the drink's deep red color really shows off.
  5. If I'm using dry ice, I carefully drop in one small chunk with tongs right before serving. It starts bubbling and smoking almost instantly, which is honestly the best part of this snow white poison apple cocktail. Never touch dry ice with your bare hands, and always let it fully dissolve before drinking.
  6. I like to serve the drink immediately while the dry ice is still smoking for the full dramatic effect. If you skip the dry ice, it's still delicious and just as pretty with a fresh apple slice on top. Either way, this step is where your guests usually start asking for the recipe.

Notes

  • I always chill my glass in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring, it keeps the drink colder for longer.
  • I use fresh cranberry juice cocktail instead of pure cranberry juice, since pure juice is much more tart and sour.
  • I have found that a tiny pinch of edible gold luster dust makes the drink look even more magical when it swirls around.
  • I like to make a big batch ahead of time when I'm hosting, so I'm not standing at the shaker all night.
  • I always keep my tongs right next to the dry ice so I never forget to use them.