Caramel Apple Vodka Cocktail Recipe

Mixing up new drinks is honestly one of my favorite ways to unwind, especially when the flavors remind me of childhood treats. Caramel apples—sweet, a little tart—are such a classic, so why not try to put that vibe into a cocktail?

This Caramel Apple Vodka Cocktail is super easy to make and, I swear, it tastes just like a grown-up version of the fall fair treat.

You only need a handful of ingredients to pull this off. I’d say it’s ideal for parties, but honestly, it’s just as good for a cozy night at home.

If you’re after a sweet, apple-forward cocktail, you’ll probably want to give this a shot.

Caramel Apple Vodka Cocktail Recipe

Making a Caramel Apple Vodka Cocktail at home is way simpler than it sounds. The combo of tart apple cider, caramel vodka, and sweet syrup comes together for a drink I pretty much crave every fall.

Having the right tools and ingredients really helps the flavors blend, but you don’t need anything fancy.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger or shot glass (for measuring)
• Bar spoon (for stirring)
• Small plate (for rimming the glass)
• Serving glass (martini, rocks glass, or honestly whatever you’ve got)
• Strainer (if you’re shaking with ice)
• Knife (for slicing apple garnish)
• Small bowl (for cinnamon sugar, if you want to rim)
• Spoon (for drizzling caramel sauce)

A cocktail shaker is kind of key for mixing everything well. I usually rim my glass with cinnamon sugar, just for that extra kick.

Sometimes I skip the shaker and just stir with a bar spoon if I’m feeling lazy.

Ingredients

• 2 oz caramel flavored vodka
• 3 oz fresh apple cider (or apple juice, if cider’s nowhere to be found)
• 1 oz caramel syrup or caramel sauce
• Ice cubes
• Ground cinnamon (for dusting or rim)
• 1 tbsp cinnamon sugar mix (for the rim)
• 1 apple slice (for garnish)
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)
• Splash of apple liqueur (if you want more apple oomph)
• Pinch of sea salt (optional, for that salted caramel vibe)

Fresh apple cider always tastes best to me, but apple juice will do in a pinch. Caramel vodka is where the magic happens, flavor-wise.

Caramel syrup or sauce just doubles down on the sweetness. I like to add a cinnamon sugar rim and a slice of apple to make it look a little more festive.

Instructions

• Wet the rim of your glass, then dip it into cinnamon sugar to coat.
• Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
• Add the caramel vodka, fresh apple cider (or juice), and caramel syrup (or sauce) to the shaker.
• Shake for about 15 seconds, or until it feels nice and cold.
• Strain into your rimmed glass.
• Garnish with an apple slice and maybe a cinnamon stick.
• Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top if you’re into that.
• Drizzle a little caramel sauce over the drink for more sweetness (totally optional).
• Toss in a pinch of sea salt if you want to go the salted caramel route.

Shaking with ice just makes everything blend better, and the drink comes out super smooth. I’ll admit, the cinnamon stick or apple slice on top just makes it look extra fun.

Notes

If I’m out of caramel vodka, caramel apple liqueur works, too. Sometimes I just mix plain vodka with caramel syrup if I’m desperate—no shame.

Want it non-alcoholic? Just skip the vodka and use more cider.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, go heavier on the caramel syrup or sauce. If not, just dial it back and pick a cider that’s not loaded with sugar.

Fresh apple cider really pops compared to juice or the bottled stuff. Sometimes I’ll dust the top with cinnamon or even a little sea salt for that whole salted caramel thing.

The cinnamon sugar rim is honestly worth the extra step—it smells amazing and adds a tiny bit of spice. I always try to serve this cocktail cold, so it stays crisp and refreshing.

When I make these for friends, I’ll set out toppings like apple slices, caramel sauce, and cinnamon sugar so everyone can dress up their drink however they want.

Tasting Notes

So, the first sip of this caramel apple vodka cocktail? It’s got this nice balance—tart hits first, and then that smooth caramel just sort of hangs out in the background.

Right away, the apple flavor pops, and honestly, the caramel finish lingers longer than you’d expect.

The drink itself feels crisp and light. Not heavy, not syrupy—just kind of refreshing.

You can still taste the vodka, but it doesn’t bulldoze over the fruitiness. That’s always a relief.

I really like how the caramel brings in this gentle richness. It never tips the drink into being too sweet.

Every sip kind of reminds me of biting into a caramel apple at a fall fair. Maybe that’s just me, but hey, it’s a vibe.

Some flavor notes that stand out:

• Fresh apple—there’s this tartness, but also a bit of sweetness
• Soft caramel that’s sort of buttery
• And a warm kick from the vodka, just enough to notice

The aroma? Fruity, for sure, with fresh apple up front and a hint of vanilla from the caramel sneaking in.

In the glass, it’s usually a golden yellow. Looks pretty inviting, honestly.

If you let the ice melt a little, everything softens out. The caramel and apple blend even more, and the whole thing gets extra smooth.

It’s sweeter than a lot of cocktails I’ve had, but not in an overpowering way. Really easy to sip—kind of perfect for a cozy night or sharing with friends.