Washington Apple Cocktail: 5-Ingredient Easy Recipe

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A Sweet-Tart Sip That Screams Fall

If you’re looking for a crisp, tart cocktail that packs just enough punch and a whole lot of apple flavor, let me introduce you to the Washington Apple cocktail. Think of it as the grown-up cousin to the Washington Apple shot, all dressed up in a cocktail glass, ready for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or just a cozy night in.

It’s got Crown Royal Canadian whiskey, sour apple schnapps, and cranberry juice—simple, right? But trust me, when you shake these up just right, magic happens. Let’s dive into why this Washington apple cocktail recipe belongs in your fall rotation.

Why We Love This Recipe

This cocktail has everything going for it:

Perfect for Fall: Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas—you name it. This Washington apple drink fits in.
Bright, tart flavor: The cranberry and sour apple schnapps do a little tangy tango.
Easy to mix: No syrups, no infusions, just shake and go.
Crisp like biting into a fresh apple: Seriously, this is the Washington apple cocktail you’ll want again and again.

What is a Washington Apple Drink Made Of?

Here’s what you need for the classic Washington apple drink recipe:

Crown Royal Canadian whiskey – smooth and balanced.
Dekuyper Sour Apple Pucker – green and tart, this is your apple punch.
Cranberry juice – adds a red hue and balances the sweetness.

That’s it. Just three bottles and a shaker between you and a Washington apple cocktail drink recipe that delivers.

Why is it Called a Washington Apple?

Legend has it, this drink was born from a batch of ruined Washington apples that were fermented and distilled by a resourceful guy named Christof Guycoogan. What could’ve been a total loss turned into liquid gold—an apple liqueur that inspired this now-iconic Washington apple drink.

The result? A cocktail that pays homage to the state’s namesake fruit and a little ingenuity.

Washington Apple Cocktail Ingredients

Here’s your grocery list, along with why each ingredient matters:

1 cup ice – Essential for chilling the drink quickly while slightly diluting for balance.
2 oz Crown Royal Canadian whiskey – A smooth, slightly sweet whiskey that provides the base structure and warmth.
2 oz cranberry juice – Brings tartness and a touch of sweetness, creating that signature red hue and balance.
1 oz Dekuyper Sour Apple Pucker schnapps – The green, tangy apple kick that defines the Washington Apple flavor profile.
Fresh apple slices (for garnish) – Not just for looks—this adds a light aroma and a fresh crunch if your guests want a nibble.

Washington Apple cocktail ingredients with green apples, cranberries, and sour apple schnapps.

How to Make the Washington Apple Cocktail (Step-by-Step)

Fill your shaker with ice – About 1 cup. This chills the ingredients quickly and ensures proper dilution. Cold cocktails always taste cleaner and more balanced.
Add your booze and juice – Pour in 2 oz Crown Royal, 2 oz cranberry juice, and 1 oz sour apple schnapps. This trio creates that perfect tart-meets-smooth profile.
Shake it like you mean it – Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds or until the outside of your shaker feels icy. This step properly integrates all the ingredients and chills the drink fast.
Strain into a glass – Use a fine mesh strainer and pour into a coupe or martini glass. This keeps any ice shards or pulp out and gives a clean, elegant presentation.
Garnish with apple slice – A thin slice floats beautifully and adds a fresh apple aroma. Bonus: it’s a nice little snack if you’re feeling fancy.

Let it rest a moment in the glass, and take a sip. You’ll get that crisp, apple-cranberry pop with a smooth whiskey finish—balanced and refreshing.

Substitutions & Tips

Want to switch things up with your Washington apple recipe? Try these:

Add sparkle: Top with club soda or sparkling cider.
Use Crown Royal Apple: More apple, more depth.
Try cran-apple juice: A smoother, sweeter twist.

Chef’s Tips:

Don’t skip the shake. It chills and blends everything perfectly.
Use real cranberry juice (not cocktail) for a tarter, richer taste.
Thin apple slices look better than chunks—this is a cocktail, not a fruit salad.

These festive drinks pair perfectly with the Washington Apple cocktail for everything from Friendsgiving to the 4th of July:

Red, White, and Blue Jello Shots – party-perfect and patriotic, great for big celebrations.
4th of July Mojito Recipe – a refreshing minty option for your seasonal cocktail list.
Bomb Pop Cocktail – for colorful cocktail ideas that match any holiday theme.
Kid-Friendly Patriotic Punch – great when you’ve got a mixed-age crowd at the party.
Drink Orange Crush Recipe – bright, fruity, and a fun companion to the Washington Apple.

Washington Apple Cocktail Recipe

Washington Apple cocktail in a sugar-rimmed glass with apple slice garnish and cranberries.

Print Recipe

A sweet-tart sip that screams fall, combining Crown Royal whiskey, sour apple schnapps, and cranberry juice for a crisp, cozy cocktail.

Author: Emilio
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Category: Cocktail
Method: Shaken
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup ice
2 oz Crown Royal Canadian whiskey
2 oz cranberry juice
1 oz Dekuyper Sour Apple Pucker schnapps
Fresh apple slices (for garnish)

Instructions

Fill your shaker with 1 cup of ice.
Pour in 2 oz Crown Royal, 2 oz cranberry juice, and 1 oz sour apple schnapps.
Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled.
Strain into a coupe or martini glass using a fine mesh strainer.
Garnish with a thin apple slice and serve.

Notes

Use real cranberry juice for a richer taste and always shake well to chill and blend the ingredients perfectly.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cocktail
Calories: 200
Sugar: 11g
Sodium: 2mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: washington apple cocktail, whiskey, apple schnapps, cranberry, fall drink

Benefits of the Washington Apple Cocktail

Here’s a quick look at why this cocktail deserves a spot in your fall and holiday drink lineup:

Benefit	Description
Seasonal Flavor	Combines cranberry and apple for the perfect autumn taste.
Simple Ingredients	Just three core items—no special syrups or hard-to-find liqueurs.
Fast to Prepare	Shake-and-pour style makes it a time-saver for parties.
Versatile for Events	Great for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or even the 4th of July.
Customizable	Easily tweak with bubbles, flavored whiskey, or different juices.

FAQ: Washington Apple Cocktail

What is in a Washington Apple cocktail?

A Washington apple cocktail recipe typically includes Crown Royal, sour apple schnapps, and cranberry juice.

What’s the difference between a Washington Apple shot and cocktail?

The Washington apple shot with Crown Apple is a smaller, stronger version of the drink. The cocktail is a full-sized version meant for sipping.

Can I make a Washington Apple cocktail in advance?

Yes. Mix the ingredients and store in the fridge. Shake with ice before serving.

Can I make it non-alcoholic?

Absolutely—use apple juice, cranberry juice, and a splash of lemon-lime soda.

Conclusion: Shake Up Fall With a Washington Apple

Whether you’re hosting a holiday get-together or just craving something sweet, tart, and easy to sip, this Washington apple cocktail recipe hits the spot. It’s simple, it’s seasonal, and it just works.

Give it a try—and if you really love it, pass the Washington apple drink recipe along. Sharing is caring, especially when it tastes this good.

Cheers to fall, crisp apples, and cocktails done right. This is the Washington apple cocktail I want to drink. And don’t forget to invite—visit my page on Pinterest for more festive cocktail ideas and recipes!