This gin and sparkling apple juice makes an easy seasonal twist on a gin and tonic which is ideal to serve at a Christmas party. Cranberry ice cubes are easy to make, and really make it look so much more special.
The season of Christmas parties is about to start, and there is the always the question of what to serve your guests.   I like to have something different, but not too alcoholic, heavily spiced or anything that I am going to feel the effects of the day after.
I like to serve my guests something different, which is easy to prepare as well as looking appetising.  In a twist on a the classic everyday G&T I have swapped the tonic for Appletiser, sparkling apple juice, and served with cranberry ice cubes, a stick of cinnamon, twist of lime and a slice of apple.  It looks great with the jewelled cranberry ice cubes, tastes delicious, the cinnamon has a lovely Christmassy smell, and importantly it can be made as strong or as week, or even as a mocktail to each guest’s taste.  An added bonus is that at a crowded party any spills won’t stain the carpet!
Appletiser has been made since 1966, and is popular world over, I remember greatly enjoying it through the years, and certainly as a child drank it for a treat.
If making this for a large number of people start making the ice cubes a good few days in advance – use the biggest ice cube tray you have for big chunky cubes, and prepare the lime and apple slices (stop them browning with a squeeze of lime) before your guests arrive. Make sure that everything is well chilled.  I used a branded, but not a premium gin for these.
How to make Jewelled Ice Cubes
Fruit ice cubes like these cranberry ice cubes will make any drink look far more special.  The trick is to freeze the fruit in the middle of the cube, and to make large ice cubes. I use a silicone mould that makes 15 cubes.    Pop a few cranberries into the middle of the mould then half top up with water. If they float freeze with the ice cube tray half full.  Once frozen top up with more water and refreeze.
A simply fuss free almost effortless trick for impressive serving.
- Cranberries - I used frozen
- Filtered water
- 50 ml / 2 shots of gin - chilled use a branded label, but no need to splash out on premium
- 250 ml Appletiser original - chilled
- 3 Cranberry ice cubes
- Cinnamon stick
- Slice apple
- Wedge of lime
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Place 4 cranberries in each compartment of an ice cube tray, top up with distilled water and freeze overnight. If the cranberries float, half fill the tray, allow to freeze then top up with more water.
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Pour the gin into a glass, top with with Appletiser, add the ice cubes, cinnamon stick and apple. Give the lime wedge a gentle squeeze and then add to the drink.
Adapt for summer drinking with a sprig of mint in place of the cinnamon stick, and mint or lemon jewelled ice cubes
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If you like Appletiser you may also like
- Sarah’s Appletiser Prosecco Cocktail with Brandy
- Katie’s Spiced Apple Mojito Cocktail with Appletiser
- Jac’s Green Apple Margarita with Appletiser
- Jeanne’s Toffee Apple Dessert Appletiser Cocktail
And for the spring you will love my rhubarb and ginger gin recipe.
Carry on the cocktail chat using #CrownTheMoment
Fuss Free Flavours encourages you to drink responsibility.  For advice please visit Drinkaware.
Recipe commissioned by Appletiser. All opinions our own.Â
Emma @ Supper in the Suburbs
This is right up my street Helen! A big gin fan but I must admit I’ve never swapped out tonic for Appletiser before. Very original! I’ll definitely give this a try.
Helen
It was super delicious – and a nice refreshing twist on a classic.
kate @veggie desserts
These sound so festive, but refreshing! I love the cranberry ice cubes and the appletiser is such a great tonic alternative. YUM!
Helen
I really do not like over spiced food at Christmas. People get so heavy handed on the mixed spice, nutmeg etc.
Janie
I’m beginning to wish that I loved gin as my feed is full of delicious looking gin based cocktails today!
Janie x
PS Gorgeous pics x
Helen
Thanks Janie, I am sure it would work with vodka too?
Dan
A very Christmassey looking drink, and now it’s December I can start to enjoy the pre Christmas build up. Lovely!
Helen
That is the spirit! (pun intended there)
Meredith Fletcher
I adore the cranberries frozen into ice. I’ll have to do that with lemon and lime slices. I do like borage flowers frozen in ice in Pimms cup in summer.
Helen
Thanks Meredith. It is all in the presentation isn’t it?
Sarah, Maison Cupcake
That looks totally festive, I could do with a glass of that whilst putting my Christmas tree up!
Helen
Absolutely. It was so refreshing too.
Matt
My girlfriend and me loved it, thanks Helen!
Matt
Helen
I am so glad!
Ana De- Jesus
This sounds fab would love to try this and it is perfect for xmas :) . I would take out the gin and replace it with something non-alcoholic.
Helen
The spiced Appletiser is rather nice. Make sure you make the jewelled ice cubes so it is special.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
Gin and Appletizer sounds like an incredible combination. I will be trying that very soon. Maybe even tonight!
Helen
It does make a nice change to tonic!
StressedMum
I have never thought of using appletiser before instead of tonic, but what a great idea, this could also work with other drinks as well if someone is not keen on gin. I will be trying this out while partying over christmas x
Helen
It is a really nice twist! And with the cinnamon it smells lovely and Christmassy.
Melanie Edjourian
That sounds interesting, I love Appletiser. I might make it over Christmas.
Helen
I’d not had Appletiser for years – it works so well with the gin and is lovely and seasonal!
The London Mum
I actually prefer the sound of this drink to a G&T any day. Love the extra flavours you’ve added. Yum!
Helen
Thank you. Perfect for a refreshing drink.
Samantha Rickelton
Oh I love appletiser but have never thought about using it in a cocktail! Such a good idea, especially at Christmas!
Helen
Did it count towards your 5 a day? It is juice based!
Rachel
Now this is a dream of a cocktail for me, I love everything about it!
Helen
thanks Rachel. I made it at 11am and of course had to fully test it!
Stella
This sounds like a drink I would normally take. I will be trying it this holiday.
Helen
Enjoy it!
Zoe IKIWN
Gin based cocktails are absolutely my favourite, this sounds divine!
Helen
I love gin too! And a nice refreshing long cocktail is so enjoyable.
Charlotte
I am not a fan of gin but I love appletiser! x
Helen
I am sure it would work as well with vodka!
Jenni - Odd Socks and Lollipops
I really like the sound of this – a very Christmassy drink =) I love the way the drink looks – it even looks Christmassy! hehe
Helen
Thanks Jenni, I love the jewelled ice cubes – easy but so effective.
Daniella
This drink looks incredibly festive and so appealing. I’m a huge fan of gin and always looking for different ways to serve it, I’ve never thought about turning it into a festive drink before so thanks for sharing the recipe.
Helen
Thanks Daniella! And I hope it is slightly different?
Natasha Mairs
I can’t believe I have never tried gin or appletiser before!! Will have to buy some as this recipe sounds yummy!
Helen
They go so well together!
Rebecca Smith
Sounds delicious! Showing my friend who adores gin and may have to give these a try at Christmas x
Helen
I think they are very deserving of a try!
Ali
mmm sounds yum, i might have to add this to my christmas cocktail repertoire!
Helen
We enjoyed it! Happy Christmas!
Charlotte Braithwaite
OMG Helen.
This looks divine & I bet it tastes bloody amazing too!
I need to try this – I love Appletiser so I’m really looking forward to this.
Thanks for sharing lovely.
Charlotte x
Helen
I hope you enjoy it Charlotte, it is super refreshing!
Jacqueline Meldrum
That cocktail looks amazing Helen> bet it’s so refreshing but full of flavour too. Love appletiser as a mixer. Much more interesting than plain lemonade.
Helen
I am loving rediscovering Appletiser. Lots of ideas for it.
Jeanne Horak-Druiff
Aaaah, love Appletiser! It’s a brand that was started in South Africa and I grew up with it :) I wish their red and white Grapetiser were more freely available in the UK too as they are both delicious. Love the sound of this Christmassy cocktail :)
Helen
I have loved rediscovering Appletiser. It makes a splendid mixer.
mercedes
hello,
i haven’t been able to find appletiser in america, anything i can substitute it for? thanks so much! i love G&T and would love to try this.
Helen
And fizzy or sparkling apple juice will be suitable.
Natalie M
These cocktails sound lovely, and not heavy. Perfect for a little Christmas joy. It is the season to be jolly after all.
Sophie
I remember having appletiser in glass bottles when I was a child. Really refreshing. These cocktails sound delicious, and perfect for Christmas parties.
Tasha
You’ve served these drinks so beautifully, they look amazing. Perfect for seasonal celebrations.
Kerry
Am loving the cranberry ice cubes, what a wonderful idea to add a touch of Christmas to your drink.
Shaun Ball
Great flavours for a great festive drink. Would never have thought of mixing with Appletiser.