I’ve always enjoyed mixing drinks that remind me of cozy fall days, and honestly, this caramel apple rum cocktail is up there with my favorites. It’s got that sweet caramel, crisp apple, and smooth rum combo that just hits the spot.
Perfect for a gathering or just kicking back after a long day, if you ask me.
Whenever I bring out these caramel apple cocktails, they pretty much vanish instantly. If you’re after something simple but packed with flavor, this one’s a winner.
The best part? The flavors come together in just a few minutes, and you don’t need any fancy bar tools.
Let’s get into it—I’ll walk you through the equipment, ingredients, and steps so you can whip up your own caramel apple cocktail at home.
Caramel Apple Rum Cocktail Recipe
This Caramel Apple Rum Cocktail is sweet and smooth, making it perfect for a fall party or just a cozy night in. I love how the caramel, apple, and a touch of warming spice come together for a festive, easy drink.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Short glass (rocks or lowball)
- Small plate (for rimming the glass)
- Spoon or stirring stick
- Knife (for slicing apples)
- Small sieve (optional, for straining ice)
Having the right tools really helps mix and chill the drink well. I like using a plate if I’m feeling fancy and want to rim the glass with caramel and cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients
- 2 oz spiced rum (sometimes I swap in caramel vodka or apple liqueur for a twist)
- 3 oz apple cider (cloudy cider gives it a richer apple taste)
- 1 oz caramel syrup or caramel sauce (plus extra for the rim, if you want)
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 dash ground cinnamon or nutmeg
- Ice cubes
- Optional garnish: apple slice, cinnamon stick, extra cinnamon, or a caramel rim
Fresh apple cider and lemon juice really do make a difference. I usually stick with spiced rum for that warm note, but caramel vodka or apple liqueur can be fun if you’re in the mood for something different.
Instructions
- If I’m rimming the glass, I spread caramel sauce on a small plate, dip the rim in it, then roll it in ground cinnamon or cinnamon sugar.
- I fill the cocktail shaker with ice.
- Next, I pour in the spiced rum, apple cider, caramel syrup, and lemon juice.
- I’ll toss in a dash of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a little extra spice.
- Shake it all up for about 10-15 seconds, just until it’s nice and cold.
- Then I strain the mix into my glass, which I’ve already filled with fresh ice.
- For garnish, I like to add an apple slice and a cinnamon stick, or maybe just dust the top with a little more cinnamon.
Notes
This recipe is for one, but you can easily double or triple it if you’ve got company.
Prep time is around 5 minutes, depending on how much you want to fuss with the garnish or rim.
If you’re not into super sweet drinks, just use less caramel syrup or swap in regular rum instead of spiced.
Sometimes I get playful with the garnish—apple slices, caramel drizzle, or a cinnamon stick look great. If you want it richer, a splash of caramel vodka does the trick.
For a non-alcoholic version, just skip the rum and add a bit more apple cider with caramel syrup.
Equipment
- Short glass (rocks or lowball)
- Small plate (for rimming the glass)
- Spoon or stirring stick
- Knife (for slicing apples)
- Small sieve (optional, for straining ice)
Ingredients
- 2 oz spiced rum
- 3 oz apple cider preferably cloudy
- 1 oz caramel syrup or caramel sauce plus extra for rimming, optional
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 dash ground cinnamon or nutmeg
- Ice cubes enough to fill the shaker and glass
- Optional garnish: apple slice cinnamon stick, extra ground cinnamon, or caramel rim
Instructions
- If desired, rim the glass: spread caramel sauce on a small plate, dip the rim of your glass into the caramel, then roll it in ground cinnamon or cinnamon sugar.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add 2 oz spiced rum, 3 oz apple cider, 1 oz caramel syrup or sauce, and ½ oz fresh lemon juice.
- Add a dash of ground cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Shake well for 10–15 seconds until chilled.
- Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice and strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Garnish with an apple slice, cinnamon stick, or a light dusting of cinnamon if desired.
Tasting Notes
When I take a sip of the Caramel Apple Rum Cocktail, the first thing I notice is that sweet caramel flavor. It’s smooth and creamy, almost like a grown-up candy.
The apple comes through, too—crisp and fresh, kind of like biting into a juicy caramel apple. The balance between caramel and apple feels just right, not overly sweet or tangy.
I also get those warm spices. There’s a gentle hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, which makes the drink cozy but not overpowering. The spices blend in with the caramel and apple, giving it a little extra warmth.
The finish is smooth, with the sweetness lingering for a moment. After that, there’s this gentle spice that just makes the whole thing feel comforting.
Must Have Ingredients
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Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails | Buy On Amazon |
Substitute
If I feel like changing up my Caramel Apple Rum Cocktail, honestly, there are plenty of easy swaps. Sometimes I just run out of rum or maybe I’m craving a different flavor vibe.
Alcohol Substitutes
- Vanilla vodka is a nice choice if I want it a little sweeter.
- For a bit of a twist, I’ll grab apple brandy or even cinnamon whiskey—they both bring out more apple or spice, depending on my mood.
- No caramel-flavored booze? I just stir in some caramel syrup with basic vodka or whiskey and it works out fine.
Recipe Alternatives
When I’m in the mood for something new, I like to try these:
| Drink Name | Main Swap | Extras |
|---|---|---|
| Caramel Apple Martini | Vodka for rum | Shaken with apple cider |
| Salted Caramel Apple Martini | Add sea salt | Salt rim or salted caramel syrup |
| Caramel Apple Sangria | White wine | Apple slices & caramel syrup |
| Caramel Apple Mimosa | Champagne | Splash of apple juice or cider |
| Caramel Apple Moscow Mule | Ginger beer | Vodka, caramel syrup; served in mug |
Non-Alcoholic Options
Sometimes I just want a mocktail instead. I’ll mix up apple cider, caramel sauce, and a splash of sparkling water for a tasty, booze-free version.
Quick Ingredient Swap List
- Swap rum for vanilla vodka, apple brandy, or cinnamon whiskey if that’s what you have.
- Store-bought caramel sauce or syrup totally works if you’re out of caramel liqueur.
- Want it fizzy? Club soda or ginger beer does the trick.
