Washington Apple

Perry Santanachote
Perry Santanachote
Perry is a food writer, photographer, and recipe developer based in New York City. She cooks every day, and somehow eats even more often. Her recipes have been published in Eating Well, Fine Cooking, Food & Wine, The Kitchn, Thrillist, and Tone It Up. Perry grew up in Denver, Colorado and was raised by two grandmothers who taught her the importance of cooking with all five senses and never adhering to a diet with a name. She has a degree in anthropology and a slightly more practical master’s degree in journalism.
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published Sep 8, 2021
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Washington Apple cocktail with an apple slice garnish
Credit: Perry Santanachote

This whisky cocktail is just the thing to sip in late summer and early fall, when rosé is no longer an all-day affair and it’s still too soon for cider.

Makes1 drink

Prep3 minutes

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Washington Apple cocktail with an apple slice garnish
Credit: Perry Santanachote

This whisky cocktail is just the thing to sip in late summer and early fall, when rosé is no longer an all-day affair and it’s still too soon for cider. Apples are coming back into season, so garnishing with a slice with whatever is at the farmers market will welcome the autumn season well.

Many recipes for the Washington Apple call for equal parts Canadian whisky, sour apple schnapps, and cranberry juice. This recipe kicks up the whisky (it is a whisky cocktail, after all!) and dials back the schnapps for less sweetness. We also use less cranberry juice, which can be overpowering — especially if you’re using the good stuff.

What Type of Whisky Should I Use for a Washington Apple?

Canadian whisky is used for the Washington Apple cocktail because it’s light, smooth, and ideal for mixing. Crown Royal and Canadian Club are popular brands, but any mid-priced Canadian whisky or blended whisky will do.

Credit: Perry Santanachote

What Is the Best Sour Apple Schnapps?

Bright green DeKuyper Sour Apple Pucker is popular and easy to find, but you can get great apple flavor without the Jolly Rancher taste. Upgrade with an apple liqueur from brands, such as the following:

  • Bols
  • Leopold Bros
  • Mr. Boston
  • Mr. Stacks
  • Berentzen
  • Schönauer
  • Siegburg
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Is Washington Apple a Shot or Cocktail?

There are a few variations on this drink. To make it a shot, just halve the amount of each ingredient, shake it, and strain it into a shot glass. You can also serve the Washington Apple on the rocks and simply pour the ingredients into an ice-filled old-fashioned glass and stir well. 

Comments

Washington Apple Cocktail Recipe

This whisky cocktail is just the thing to sip in late summer and early fall, when rosé is no longer an all-day affair and it’s still too soon for cider.

Prep time 3 minutes

Makes 1 drink

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces

    Canadian whisky

  • 1 ounce

    sour apple schnapps

  • 1/2 ounce

    cranberry juice

  • Ice

  • 1

    apple slice

Instructions

  1. Chill a coupe or martini glass.

  2. Pour 1 1/2 ounces Canadian whisky, 1 ounce sour apple schnapps, and 1/2 ounce cranberry juice into a cocktail shaker. Fill 3/4 full with ice, cover, and shake until completely cold, 8 to 12 seconds. Pour through a Hawthorne or fine-mesh strainer into the glass. Garnish with an apple slice.

Recipe Notes

Apple garnish: Once cut and exposed to oxygen, the flesh of an apple will turn brown rather quickly. To slow down oxidation and keep your apple garnishes looking fresh, soak them in lemon juice.

Make ahead: If entertaining, mix up a large batch of the whisky, schnapps, and juice, then transfer to a bottle. Serve it on the rocks, or pour into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake to order.

Filed in:
Beverages
Cocktails
apples
quick
uncooked