Washington Apple Shot: Whisky & Apple Unite

The Washington Apple Shot simplifies the beloved Washington Apple cocktail into a straightforward, fun shooter.

Whether you’re an apple brandy aficionado or not, this whisky-based shot with its fruity undertones is hard to resist. It’s a versatile mix that promises a good time, regardless of your usual drink preferences.

Here’s an in-depth guide to creating this refreshing and flavorful whisky shot.

If you love the shot – why not try the sip and savour the Washington Apple Cocktail.

Washington Apple Shot Ingredients

• Canadian Whisky (3/4 ounce / 22 ml): Offers a smooth, slightly sweet base that complements the apple schnapps and cranberry juice.
• Sour Apple Schnapps (3/4 ounce / 22 ml): Infuses the shot with a vibrant, tart apple flavor, reminiscent of biting into a fresh, crisp apple.
• Cranberry Juice (3/4 ounce / 22 ml): Adds a layer of tartness and sweetness, enhancing the fruitiness of the shot while contributing to its appealing red hue.
• Club Soda (a splash): Introduces a subtle fizz that lightens the shot, adding an effervescent quality.

Washington Apple Shot Recipe

1. Chill Ingredients:
   • Ensure your ingredients, especially the club soda, are chilled. This keeps the shot refreshing and enhances the flavors.
2. Combine the Spirits and Juice:
   • In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour 3/4 ounce (22 ml) of Canadian whisky, 3/4 ounce (22 ml) of sour apple schnapps, and 3/4 ounce (22 ml) of cranberry juice.
   • The ice not only chills the ingredients but also slightly dilutes them, ensuring a smooth blend.
3. Shake to Chill:
   • Secure the lid on the shaker and give it a vigorous shake for about 15-20 seconds.
   • Shaking thoroughly ensures that the whisky, schnapps, and cranberry juice are well-incorporated, creating a unified and chilled mixture.
4. Strain and Serve:
   • Strain the mixture into a shot glass, capturing the essence of the combined flavors in a concentrated form.
   • Using a fine mesh strainer can help remove any ice shards, ensuring a smooth shot.
5. Add a Splash of Club Soda:
   • Top the shot with a splash of chilled club soda. This not only adds a refreshing fizz but also slightly lifts the flavors, making the shot even more enjoyable.

Tips for the Best Washington Apple Shot

• Use Quality Ingredients: The quality of the whisky and schnapps significantly affects the shot’s flavor. Opt for a reputable Canadian whisky and a good-quality sour apple schnapps.
• Adjust to Taste: Depending on your preference for sweetness or tartness, you can adjust the proportions slightly. More cranberry juice will sweeten the shot, while extra schnapps will enhance the tartness.
• Presentation Matters: Serve the shot in a clear glass to showcase its appealing color. A small apple slice or a twist of lime on the rim can add a decorative touch.

The Washington Apple Shot –  In Detail

The Washington Apple Shot simplifies the classic Washington Apple cocktail into a quick, enjoyable form.

Its simple composition—equal parts Canadian whisky, sour apple schnapps, and cranberry juice—easily adjusts in volume to match the size of your gathering. For larger groups, just increase the ingredients proportionally, mix in a few shaker tins, and you’re set to share and celebrate together, which is always more fun than drinking alone.

Despite its simplicity, the Washington Apple Shot achieves a surprisingly harmonious balance. The robust Canadian whisky slices through the sweetness of the cranberry and the tang of the sour apple schnapps, while a splash of club soda brings a subtle dilution and a bubbly lift, seamlessly binding the flavors.

When selecting your whisky, opt for a favorite that’s bold enough to hold its own against the mixers.

For those inclined to tone down the shot’s tartness, swapping the schnapps for Calvados is a sophisticated twist. This switch introduces a genuine apple flavor without the artificial sweetness or sharp sourness, elevating the drink’s alcoholic strength in the process.

Venturing into Calvados territory might stray from the original Washington Apple Shot concept, but creativity in cocktail recipes is celebrated. Feel free to rename your creation with a playful nod to its French influence—perhaps something whimsical like Le Washington Apple Shot.

Check out some more of the best whisky shots.