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Caramel Apple Pie Cocktail - Cozy, Dessert-Inspired Sipper

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ounces apple cider (unfiltered is best for rich flavor)
  • 1.5 ounces vanilla vodka (or plain vodka plus a drop of vanilla extract)
  • 1 ounce caramel liqueur (such as caramel vodka or caramel-flavored liqueur)
  • 0.5 ounce apple brandy or whiskey (optional, but adds depth)
  • 0.5 ounce fresh lemon juice (brightens and balances)
  • 1–2 teaspoons caramel sauce (for the rim and a drizzle)
  • Cinnamon-sugar (1:1 mix of ground cinnamon and sugar for rimming)
  • Ice
  • Garnishes: Thin apple slice, cinnamon stick, or a light caramel drizzle

Method
 

  1. Prep the glass: Spread caramel sauce on a small plate. Mix cinnamon and sugar on another plate. Dip the rim of a chilled coupe or rocks glass into the caramel, then into the cinnamon-sugar.
  2. Build the cocktail: In a shaker, add apple cider, vanilla vodka, caramel liqueur, apple brandy or whiskey (if using), and lemon juice.
  3. Ice and shake: Fill with ice. Shake hard for 10–12 seconds until very cold and slightly frothy.
  4. Strain: Double strain into your prepared glass to catch ice shards and cider pulp. Use a coupe for “up” or a rocks glass over fresh ice for “on the rocks.”
  5. Garnish: Add a thin apple slice or a cinnamon stick. Optionally, drizzle a tiny ribbon of caramel on top.
  6. Taste and tweak: For more sweetness, add a touch more caramel liqueur. For more tartness, add a splash of lemon juice.