Apple Ginger Smash

A delicious and refreshing cocktail from blogger Girl Versus Dough made with a homemade apple spice simple syrup, ginger liqueur, apple cider, and a cinnamon-C&H® Sugar rim. Perfect for fall and holiday parties!

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes

Meet the Chef: Stephanie Wise

Stephanie is the baker, blogger and babbler behind the website, Girl Vs. Dough. For a decade she has written about her adventures in creating desserts, breads, family-friendly dinners and other unique, delicious and easy-to-follow recipes on her site, engaging a loyal readership with a down-to-earth personality and a step-by-step approach to baking and cooking.

Servings
  • C&H® Golden Brown Sugar ¼ cup ¼ cup C&H® Golden Brown Sugar
  • C&H® Organic Raw Cane Sugar ½ cup ½ cup C&H® Organic Raw Cane Sugar
  • 1 ½ cups Water 1 ½ cups Water
  • 1 Small Apple, Sliced 1 Small Apple, Sliced
  • 1 tablespoon Cinnamon 1 tablespoon Cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Grated Ginger 1 teaspoon Fresh Grated Ginger
  • 2 to 4 ounces Vodka 2 to 4 ounces Vodka
  • 2 ounces Ginger Liqueur 2 ounces Ginger Liqueur
  • 1 cup Apple Cider 1 cup Apple Cider
  • Ice, Crushed or Cubed Ice, Crushed or Cubed
  • Thin-Sliced Apple and/or Rosemary Sprigs, for garnish (optional) Thin-Sliced Apple and/or Rosemary Sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

Make the apple spice simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine C&H® Golden Brown Sugar, ½ cup C&H® Organic Raw Cane Sugar, water, apple slices, 1 tablespoon cinnamon and fresh ginger. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, about 20-30 minutes or until sugar is dissolved and mixture is slightly syrupy. Remove from heat; set aside to cool completely, then strain into an airtight container. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 2

Meanwhile, in a small shallow bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons C&H® Organic Raw Cane Sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon until well combined. Dip rims of two cocktail glasses in apple cider or water, then dip and roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat. 

Step 3

In a large cup or cocktail shaker, stir together two handfuls of ice along with vodka, ginger liqueur, 2 ounces of the cooled apple spice simple syrup and 1 cup apple cider. Strain mixture between prepared cocktail glasses; add ice as desired. Garnish with apple slices and rosemary sprigs, if desired.

Chef's Tip

  • If you love ginger, add an extra teaspoon to the simple syrup for added spice.

  • Save extra simple syrup for more cocktails! The syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

  • Use a sweeter apple variety to flavor the simple syrup, such as Gala, Braeburn or Honeycrisp apples.