When the leaves start to turn, and there’s a crispness in the air, my mind inevitably drifts toward the warm, comforting flavors of fall. There’s something special about the combination of apple and thyme that just screams autumn.

This Apple Thyme Martini isn’t just any cocktail—it’s the perfect balance of sweet apple flavor with the earthy, aromatic notes of thyme. The addition of elderflower liqueur gives it a floral depth, while the lime juice adds just the right amount of tanginess.

Whether you’re enjoying it on your own porch watching the sunset or serving it to friends during a cozy get-together, this drink is sure to impress.

Chef Secrets to Make It Work

Use Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme sprigs are essential for making a thyme simple syrup that bursts with flavor. The earthy, slightly peppery notes of fresh thyme elevate the sweetness of the syrup, creating a complex base for your martini.
Shake, Don’t Stir: To get that perfectly chilled martini with a smooth texture, shake the cocktail vigorously for about 10 to 15 seconds. This not only chills the drink but also slightly dilutes it, achieving the perfect balance.
Chill Your Glasses: Always start with chilled martini or coupe glasses. This ensures your martini stays cold from the first sip to the last.

Ingredients Used

Vodka
Apple schnapps
Elderflower liqueur
Apple juice
Lime juice
Thyme simple syrup
Apple slices (for garnish)
Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)

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Serving Suggestions

This martini is best served in chilled martini glasses, garnished with thin slices of apple and a sprig of fresh thyme.

It pairs wonderfully with light appetizers like a cheese platter or even a sweet dessert like apple tart.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Fresh thyme is recommended for the best flavor.
What’s the best apple juice to use?
Opt for a fresh, unsweetened apple juice for the best apple flavor. If you can find it, cloudy apple juice adds a lovely depth and authenticity to the drink.
How can I make this a mocktail?
To make a non-alcoholic version, replace the vodka and elderflower liqueur with an equal amount of apple cider or sparkling water, and add a touch more thyme syrup for flavor.

Storing & Reheating Tips

While martinis are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the thyme simple syrup ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
This makes it easy to whip up a batch of Apple Thyme Martinis whenever the mood strikes.

More Martini Recipes

Equipment Used:

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Apple Thyme Martini

Discover the perfect balance of apple flavor and aromatic thyme in this Apple Thyme Martini recipe. Made with fresh thyme simple syrup and apple juice, this cocktail is a refreshing twist on classic martini recipes.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Cocktails

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Martini Recipe

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Servings:

Calories: 239kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

1 oz Ketel One Vodka
1 ½ oz Apple schnapps
½ oz elderflower liqueur
1 oz Apple juice
.5 oz lime juice
.5 oz thyme simple syrup
Apple Slices for garnish
Thyme Sprigs for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Glasses: Place your martini glasses in the freezer to chill.
Mix the Ingredients: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, apple schnapps, elderflower liqueur, apple juice, lime juice, and thyme simple syrup.
Shake: Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.
Serve: Strain the mixture into the chilled martini glasses.
Garnish: Decorate each drink with thin slices of apple and a sprig of fresh thyme.

Thyme Simple Syrup

Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, mix together sugar, water, and fresh thyme.
Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 5 minutes.
Cool and Store: Remove the pan from heat and allow the syrup to cool. Store any extra syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for future use.

Nutrition

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