Best Caramel Vodka Apple Cider Cocktail For Fall

This caramel vodka apple cider drink tastes like a grown-up caramel apple. Add a cinnamon sugar rim and you have the ultimate fall cocktail for holidays, tailgating, or sipping around the fire any weekend.

This drink has all the classic flavors in a caramel apple cider cocktail. It couldn't be simpler to make and it's the perfect drink for all your favorite fall activities.

You can even make a large pitcher (or thermos) full and take it along for tailgate parties, hayrides or bonfires. It's one of the easiest fall cocktails to mix for a crowd.

Take advantage of apple cider season and try it as a Halloween treat for the adults while the kids are trick or treating. Serve it as your pre-Thanksgiving dinner cocktail or at the Christmas cookie exchange party.

Here's what you'll need

• Caramel vodka - there are many options to choose from. I used Van Gogh Dutch Caramel Vodka, but Smirnoff, Effen and Stoli all make a salted version.
• Vodka - I use plain vodka to cut the sweetness of the caramel vodka and so you just get a hint of caramel in the vodka cocktail. But if you want to experiment, you can try vanilla, whipped cream or cinnamon vodka or just leave it out.
• Fresh apple cider - it's the time of year that apples are in season, so look for fresh-pressed cider from your local farmers' market. If you're lucky enough to live near an apple farm, you might find different varieties of cider. (And don't forget to pick up some cider donuts too!)
• Apple - a small red apple will make the best apple slices for garnish. Brush them with lemon juice to keep them from browning if you're not using them right away.
• Salted caramel sauce - adds caramel flavor accented by a touch of salt. I use a salted caramel ice cream topping, but you can use any sauce or syrup to rim your glass. If it's not already salted, add a pinch of fine sea salt to the sugar and spice mix.
• Sugar and apple pie spice - this is as simple as a spoonful of sugar and sprinkle of pie spice mixed together on a plate. You can also use pumpkin spice or plain cinnamon sugar.

Bar Equipment

• Double rocks glass - sometimes called a double old-fashioned or lowball glass is a short heavy glass that you can use for any cocktail served over ice. It's the perfect size for this drink.
• Bar spoon - you can stir it with a regular spoon, but a long skinny cocktail spoon makes it easy to stir around the ice without disturbing the rim. Of course you can use a cocktail shaker and pour it over ice if you like, but it isn't necessary.
• Mini measure shot glass - this clear shot glass with ounces marked on the side is the best for measuring cocktail ingredients.

How to Make It

1. Start by rimming your glass. Pour caramel sauce onto a small plate and mix the sugar and spices on another plate. Dip the rim of glass in the sauce, then in the sugar and spice mixture.
2. Fill glass with ice cubes. Pour caramel vodka, vodka and cider into the glass. Stir gently to blend.
3. Garnish with an apple slice or apple wedge on the side of the cocktail.

Variations

Warm caramel apple cider cocktail - Heat the apple cider in a saucepan on the stove top, but don't let it come to a boil. Add the vodkas to the individual glasses and garnish with cinnamon sticks.

For a party, keep the cider warm in a slow cooker and add the vodka to each glass of hot apple cider as you serve it.

Apple cider sangria - Add Pinot Grigio and diced apples for an easy fall sangria. It's a good way to make a pitcher of fruity wine punch.

Caramel apple martini - Decrease the cider and add more plain vodka for a stronger cocktail. Serve it up in a chilled glass instead of over ice. If you want the version without the caramel, here's the apple cider martini with lemon.

Sparkling caramel vodka drink - Top it off with champagne, prosecco or club soda. Pour the cider and vodka in first, then add the bubbles so it doesn't fizz up over the rim.

Make a pitcher of apple cider punch

It's easy to make this apple cider drink recipe for a party. You can mix up a pitcher ahead of time and refrigerate for later. Here's what you'll need to make a batch recipe for 8 servings:

• 4 cups apple cider (32 ounces)
• 1 cup caramel flavored vodka (8 ounces)
• ½ cup vodka (4 ounces)

Rim the glasses in advance, then fill them with ice when it's time to serve.

More Fall Cocktails To Try

Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail - Caramel apple cider and honey bourbon with a squeeze of lemon, finished with a cinnamon stick.

Apple Cider Margarita - Reposado tequila, citrus and a touch of maple syrup, with a pumpkin spice rim. It's another one you can mix by the pitcher.

Apple Cider Mimosa - Cider in place of the orange juice, champagne on top, and a cinnamon sugar rim for an autumn brunch.

Green Apple Martini - Vodka, apple juice and sour apple schnapps for a sweet-tart drink.

Pumpkin Spice Martini - With vodka, Irish cream, pumpkin and warm spices, it tastes like pumpkin pie.