As a seasoned bartender with over a decade of experience, I’m always experimenting and trying to come up with new concoctions that push the boundaries of mixology to surprise my friends, family, and patrons.
That’s largely why I started this mixing drinks 101 series, to help educate others on some of the surprisingly tasty cocktails that may at first seem like an unlikely combination.
In this episode, we’re going to take a look at two of the most popular beverages and answer a question that has likely crossed your mind at some point: Can you mix cider and vodka?
Whilst the answer may seem straightforward, there’s a lot to learn about which drinks can and cannot be mixed together and whether or not it’s a good idea in the first place.
So, if you’ve ever been curious about mixing cider and vodka, keep reading as you’re in the right place!
Can You Mix Cider And Vodka?
Yes, you can certainly mix cider and vodka. This combination is quite popular and can result in some seriously delicious drinks.
The neutrality of vodka works well with the sweet and tangy flavor of cider, creating a balanced cocktail that is certainly worth trying if you haven’t already.
One popular cocktail that combines vodka and cider is the Apple Cider Moscow Mule.
This is a twist on the classic Moscow Mule that incorporates the flavors of apple cider along with vodka, ginger beer, and a dash of lime.
Another tasty cocktail that’s worth trying is the Spiked Caramel Apple Cider.
This decadent cocktail is crafted by adding caramel vodka to apple cider, resulting in a sweet, indulgent drink that is reminiscent of caramel-dipped apples, a favorite treat during the fall season.
Of course, the ratio of cider to vodka can be adjusted according to personal preference and you can also add other ingredients like lemon juice, cinnamon, or apple slices to enhance the flavor.
Read more: Can you mix milk and vodka?
What Happens When You Mix Cider And Vodka?
Mixing cider and vodka results in a cocktail that beautifully combines the smooth, neutral profile of vodka with the tangy sweetness of cider.
Depending on the cider you use – whether it’s an apple, pear, or even a tart cherry – you can create a whole spectrum of flavors that are brought to life with the addition of vodka.
But it’s important to note that the alcohol content of the drink will also increase, of course, due to the vodka, so always enjoy this kind of cocktail responsibly.
Vodka is a high-proof alcohol, typically 40% alcohol by volume (ABV). On the other hand, cider, which is a fermented beverage usually made from apples, has a lower alcohol content that typically ranges from 4% to 8% ABV.
Adding any strong spirit such as vodka, rum, or tequila will significantly increase the alcohol content, which can lead to becoming more intoxicated than anticipated if you’re not careful.
As for the mixing process, cider and vodka blend quite easily together, thanks to vodka’s relatively neutral flavor profile.
This neutrality allows the character of the cider to shine through while the vodka adds a kick of alcohol.
You can experiment with the ratios according to your taste preferences, but a common starting point might be 1 part vodka to 3 parts cider.
>> Read more: Can you mix baileys with milk?
Is Mixing Cider And Vodka A Good Idea?
Yes, mixing cider and vodka is generally considered a good idea, particularly if you’re on the hunt for a refreshing, easy-to-make cocktail.
One of the key reasons is the compatibility of their flavor profiles. Vodka, with its neutral flavor, provides a smooth base that allows the characteristics of other ingredients to take center stage.
It adds strength to the drink without altering the taste much. Whereas, cider brings a nice fruity acidity and a sweet tang that can vary depending on whether you opt for a traditional apple cider, pear cider, or another fruit variant.
The result is a drink that’s both flavorful and balanced, making the combination of cider and vodka an exciting canvas for cocktail creativity.
Whether you’re looking to spice it up with some cinnamon for a fall-themed drink or brighten it up with some citrus for a summer cocktail, the options are endless.
Give it a try.
>> Read more: Can you mix tequila and coke?
Can You Drink Vodka After Cider?
Yes, you can drink vodka after cider. This practice falls into the realm of drinking etiquette rather than hard-and-fast scientific rules.
The primary concern when consuming different types of alcohol is the cumulative effect of the alcohol content and how your body reacts to it.
Both cider and vodka contain alcohol, with vodka having a significantly higher alcohol content. If you’re switching from cider to vodka, you might feel the effects of alcohol more strongly due to the increased alcohol content in vodka.
However, the order in which you consume these drinks doesn’t have a direct effect on how intoxicated you will get.
That is primarily determined by the total amount of alcohol consumed, the time frame in which you drink, your body size, metabolism rate, and whether you’ve eaten, among other factors.
In terms of taste, drinking vodka after cider might be a pleasant experience since the neutral taste of vodka could serve as a sort of palate cleanser after the sweeter and more flavorful cider.
So there’s no need to panic if you fancy a couple of vodka after you’ve been drinking cider, just remember to stay hydrated in between drinks and take it easy when moving onto vodka.
>> Read more: Can you mix red and white wine?
Final Thoughts
To wrap things up, the answer to “Can you mix cider and vodka?” is a resounding yes, so don’t be afraid to go out there and whip up some delicious cocktails using both of these ingredients.
This mix, merging the neutral character of vodka with the fruity sweetness of cider, opens up a whole world of possibilities, from simple two-ingredient cocktails to more complex creations.
However, it’s important to remember that while these mixtures can be delicious and refreshing, they also carry a higher alcohol content, making responsible consumption paramount.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender or a home mixologist, always keep in mind the effects of what you’re serving and drinking.
Now go out there and give this mix a try, I know you won’t be disappointed.
See you in the next one!