Caramel Apple Cider Spritzer
This apple cider spritzer is made with just three ingredients: caramel vodka, apple cider, and Prosecco. The iconic flavors of fall come together for a mindblowingly delicious cocktail!
Every once in a while I will ask my friends on Facebook what they are drinking for happy hour. My friend, Jaye, told me about this cocktail. She didn’t tell me the amounts she used but she did tell me what was in the recipe.
So, this is my interpretation of her cocktail. Thank you, Jaye!
What makes this spritzer different?
I think just about everything in this cocktail makes it delicious and different. But what really excites me is the caramel vodka and the Prosecco.
Do you have to use caramel vodka?
No, you don’t. But if you haven’t had caramel vodka yet, you are missing out. It is so delicious and aromatic. But, you can make this delicious cocktail with plain ole vodka. 🙂
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Helpful Tips
- Use fresh apple cider. I always try to buy my cider from a local orchard.
- I use a 2:1 ratio of sugar and cinnamon for garnish. You don’t need a lot – I’d say a teaspoon total.
- If you are feeling adventurous, you can add a more spices like a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg to the cinnamon/sugar mixture.
- When ready to garnish, wet the rim of the glass by dipping your finger in simple syrup or cider and running it around the rim.
- After dipping the rim in the cinnamon/sugar mixture, with the glass still upside down, shake it to remove excess cinnamon and sugar.
- If you like more fizz to your apple spritzer, decrease the apple cider to 3 ounces and increase the mount of Prosecco.
- Someone asked me if you can use apple juice instead of cider, but I don’t recommend it as it alters the taste.
- Apples to use as garnish: thin slices of Honeycrisp, Gala, Cortland, or Granny Smith.
- Other garnish ideas: whole cloves, star anise, and cinnamon sticks.
- I always use different shaped glasses when I serve most cocktails. With this cocktail, I went with a Collins glass and double old fashioned glass. I purchased both of these glasses at Crate and Barrel.
How to make the caramel apple cider spritzer
Pre-step
Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Get a measuring glass, glassware, martini picks, and gather the garnish.
Cut 4 thin slices of the apple of your choice, get 2 cinnamon sticks, and if you want a fun splash of color – both fresh mint and fresh thyme goes well with apples.
After measuring the ingredients, pour them into the shaker.
Step one
Gather the ingredients – caramel vodka, fresh apple cider, and Prosecco.
Step two
Measure 4 ounces of vodka. (A)
Step three
Measure 8 ounces of apple cider. (B)
Step four
Even though you see that I measured out the Prosecco, you won’t need to. But here is 4 ounces. Don’t pour it into the shaker. (C)
Step five
Wet your finger with simple syrup, or apple cider and rub it around the rim of the glasses. Place each glass face down in cinnamon sugar mixture. With the glass still upside down, shake off any extra cinnamon and sugar. (D)
Step six
Add ice to the glasses. Cap the shaker and shake for 15 seconds and divide and pour the contents between the glasses.
Depending on how fizzy you want your spritzer, leave between 1 to 4 inches to the top of the glass.
Step seven
Pour the Prosecco in the glasses until they are filled close to the rim.
Step eight
Place two thin slices of apple in each glass. This next step is optional: add a cinnamon stick, fresh mint leaf, and/or fresh thyme to each glass.
Isn’t that fun!
It’s so delicious! Let’s get a closer look.
Let’s look at the vertical view.
Wait until you taste it. This cocktail is perfect for the holidays, especially Thanksgiving.
I hope you enjoyed this caramel apple cider spritzer recipe!
Other great holiday cocktails
- Apple dumpling cocktail
- Pomegranate gin cocktail
- Apple butter old fashioned
- Mistletoe martini
- Winter wonderland
And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!
If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love the know what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
Caramel Apple Cider Spritzer
Ingredients
- 4 ounces caramel flavored vodka
- 8 ounces apple cider
- 4 ounces Prosecco or champagne or enough to fill the glass
Garnish
- 4 apple slices cut in half
- cinnamon and sugar small amount for rim
- cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker half way with ice and get a measuring glass and glasses.
- Add vodka and apple cider.4 ounces caramel flavored vodka, 8 ounces apple cider
- Wet rim of glass with apple cider and dip it in the cinnamon/sugar mixture.cinnamon and sugar
- Add some ice cubes into the glasses.
- Cap the shaker and shake for 15 seconds. Divide and strain liquid between the two glasses and top it with Prosecco.4 ounces Prosecco or champagne
- Garnish the glass with the sliced apple and cinnamon stick4 apple slices, cinnamon stick
- Sip
- Smile
- Enjoy
Notes
- Use fresh apple cider. I always try to buy my cider from a local orchard.
- I use a 2:1 ratio of sugar and cinnamon for garnish. You don’t need a lot – I’d say a teaspoon total.
- If you are feeling adventurous, you can add a more spices like a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg to the cinnamon/sugar mixture.
- When ready to garnish, wet the rim of the glass by dipping your finger in simple syrup or cider and running it around the rim.
- After dipping the rim in the cinnamon/sugar mixture, with the glass still upside down, shake it to remove excess cinnamon and sugar.
- If you like more fizz to your apple spritzer, decrease the apple cider to 3 ounces and increase the mount of Prosecco.
- Someone asked me if you can use apple juice instead of cider, but I don’t recommend it as it alters the taste.
- Apples to use as garnish: thin slices of Honeycrisp, Gala, Cortland, or Granny Smith.
- Other garnish ideas: whole cloves, star anise, and cinnamon sticks.
- I always use different shaped glasses when I serve most cocktails. With this cocktail, I went with a Collins glass and double old fashioned glass. I purchased both of these glasses at Crate and Barrel.
Nutrition
Originally posted November 2016.
From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.
This is what I call a proper cocktail! You can never go wrong with a decent shot of vodka…
Katrin,
Indeed. The more the merrier 🙂
Hahahaha I totally relate about the warm apple juice thing…not about going on tour but my mom would give me apple juice when I was sick as a kid and I still can’t with it. Cider though- different ball game. What a pretty cocktail!
Jenna!
Thanks so much. I agree, cider is so different from apple juice. 🙂
I’m an avid vodka drinker … well I mean I prefer vodka when I’m having a drink so this looks delicious to me!
Denise!
I’m right with you about vodka! Thanks!
This kissed caramel vodka looks super good and dangerous!!! This drink sounds delicious with this vodka and apple cider. Also, love the cinnamon sugar rim. I bet one just isn’t enough!!
Julie,
Thanks! You are correct. One isn’t enough. Ask me how I know? 😉
what a refreshing looking cocktail. Another winner!
Thanks, Christopher.
I’ve never heard of caramel vodka – sounds SO good. Such a fun holiday drink, thanks for sharing!
You are in for a treat. Caramel vodka is so good and especially delicious in this cocktail.
I love apple cider drinks in the fall. Will be adding this simple and delicious cocktail to “must try” list.
Yay. I hope you enjoy it, Andrea! Thanks for your comment.
This was such a creative and delicious cocktail that did not disappoint! Easily, my new favorite way to unwind; hands down delicious!
Thanks so much, Sara! I’m very glad to hear that.
This has fall written all over it! I love the flavor of the caramel and apple together. Such a great drink!
Thanks, Jamie! It’s a family favorite for sure! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
The caramel vodka in this drink was so delicious. Made these for some of my friends and they loved it! This is now our favorite drink to have!
I’m happy to hear that, Mirlene! I appreciate you taking the time to tell me. Cheers!
This spritzer is the perfect fall cocktail! I can’t wait for the leaves to change colors and sip this in October!
Thanks, Veronika. Fall is my favorite season! Thanks for your comment.
This drink sounds delicious! Perfect for fall and cooler temperatures! Excited to give it a try! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, Ann. Thanks for your comment and yes, this cocktail is perfect for fall!