If you’re looking for a cozy fall cocktail that’s perfect for the holiday season or Halloween parties, this Caramel Apple Whiskey Cider Cocktail is the answer. I love how it blends sweet apple cider, smooth whiskey, and a touch of caramel for an easy drink that tastes just like autumn in a glass.
With simple ingredients and basic equipment, I can whip up this drink in minutes. It’s great for relaxing with friends or adding a festive twist to any gathering.
This cocktail brings out all the best fall flavors without being too heavy or complicated. Plus, it’s just as good for a big holiday bash as it is for a quiet night in.
Caramel Apple Whiskey Cider Cocktail Recipe
When I want a cozy fall drink, I like to mix caramel, crisp apple, and smooth whiskey. It’s simple to make at home with just a few items and ingredients.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker: For mixing the whiskey, cider, and syrups together.
- Measuring jigger: Makes pouring the right amounts easy.
- Rocks glass or mason jar: I find a short wide glass works best.
- Cutting board and knife: For slicing apples to use as garnish.
- Small plates: Handy for the cinnamon-sugar rim and holding apple slices.
- Stirrer or spoon: To mix in caramel sauce or stir drinks.
- Ice cube tray: I like my drink over a handful of fresh ice cubes.
- Optional: Citrus zester if you want an extra bit of apple zest.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey (or caramel whiskey for more caramel flavor)
- 4 oz fresh apple cider (unfiltered is best for a cloudy look)
- 1/2 oz caramel syrup (or homemade caramel sauce)
- 1/4 tsp apple pie spice or fresh ground cinnamon
- 2-3 dashes of bitters (I use Angostura, but apple bitters work too)
- Apple slices (use for garnish; cut into thin wedges)
- Cinnamon sticks (for garnish if desired)
- Ice cubes (fill the glass about halfway)
- Cinnamon-sugar mixture (mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the rim)
- Lemon wedge (to moisten the glass rim before dipping in sugar)
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional for extra warmth)
- Salted caramel sauce (to drizzle on top or decorate the glass, if you like)
Instructions
- Wet the rim of your glass with a lemon wedge, dip it into the cinnamon-sugar mix until coated.
- Add a handful of ice cubes to your shaker.
- Pour in the bourbon whiskey, fresh apple cider, caramel syrup, bitters, and apple pie spice.
- Shake well for 15-20 seconds until very cold.
- Strain into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with an apple slice, a cinnamon stick, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- For extra sweetness, add a sprinkle of nutmeg or another dash of caramel.
- Stir gently before taking your first sip.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Measuring jigger
- Rocks glass or mason jar
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Small plates (for rim garnish and apple slices)
- Stirrer or spoon
- Ice cube tray
- Optional: citrus zester
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey or caramel whiskey
- 4 oz fresh apple cider unfiltered preferred
- 1/2 oz caramel syrup or caramel sauce
- 1/4 tsp apple pie spice or ground cinnamon
- 2 –3 dashes Angostura bitters or apple bitters
- 1 lemon wedge for rimming the glass
- 1 tbsp cinnamon-sugar mixture for rimming
- 1 apple slice for garnish
- 1 cinnamon stick for garnish
- 1 pinch nutmeg optional
- 1 tsp salted caramel sauce optional drizzle
- Ice cubes to fill glass halfway
Instructions
- Run a lemon wedge around the rim of your serving glass and dip the rim in cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice cubes.
- Add whiskey, apple cider, caramel syrup, apple pie spice, and bitters to the shaker.
- Shake well for 15–20 seconds until chilled.
- Fill your prepared glass with fresh ice.
- Strain the cocktail mixture into the glass.
- Garnish with an apple slice, cinnamon stick, and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.
- Optionally sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Stir gently before sipping and enjoy.
Notes
I like to use real apple cider for richer flavor, but apple juice works if I run out. Caramel vodka or caramel-flavored whiskey can make this even sweeter, but I recommend tasting as you go to keep balance.
For a festive touch, I sometimes add a cinnamon stick straight into the glass as a stirrer. If you want a stronger drink, use less cider.
If it’s too sweet, a few more dashes of bitters fix it. Cinnamon-sugar rims help give every sip a bit of apple pie flavor.
You can make it ahead and store in a jar for whenever you enjoy this cocktail. Always use fresh, crisp apple slices for garnish—they add a crunchy bite and look great.
Tasting Notes
When I take a sip of this caramel apple whiskey cider cocktail, the first thing I notice is the sweet apple flavor. The cider gives it a crisp and refreshing start.
Next, the caramel whiskey adds a smooth, buttery taste. It blends well with the apple, making each sip feel rich and cozy.
There’s a slight warmth from the whiskey. It’s not too strong or overpowering, which I enjoy.
I also taste a gentle hint of spice—especially if I add a cinnamon stick to the drink.
Here’s a quick list of what I taste:
- Sweet, tangy apple
- Buttery caramel
- Warm whiskey
- Light spices, like cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
I like that the cocktail finishes with a pleasant balance of sweet and tart. The drink isn’t too sugary, and the flavors don’t clash.
It’s best served chilled, but sometimes I try it warmed for extra comfort. Either way, I notice how the flavors mix nicely and leave me wanting another sip.
Must Have Ingredients
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Substitute
Sometimes I just don’t have all the ingredients for the Caramel Apple Whiskey Cider Cocktail. That’s fine—there are easy swaps that work in a pinch.
If I need to substitute, here’s what I’ll use:
- Caramel vodka instead of caramel whiskey
- Spiced rum if whiskey’s missing
- Pear cider for a twist in place of apple cider
- Maple syrup when caramel syrup is nowhere to be found
If I want to skip the alcohol, I just leave out the whiskey. Sometimes I’ll use extra cider or even apple juice—depends on my mood.
A splash of seltzer water or ginger ale instead of cider? It adds fizz and shakes up the flavor a bit.
Honestly, I just experiment with whatever’s in my kitchen. Keeps things interesting and the drink never gets boring.
