Caramel Apple Vodka Cocktail with Apple Cider

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A little caramel, a little tart, and a lot of apple. This easy Caramel Apple Cocktail hits all the right fall notes.

Apple cocktails with caramel vodka are quintessential fall drinks. But so often - thanks to the sweetened vodka - caramel apple drinks come out too sweet. With this cocktail, we're balancing out the sweet with fresh lemon juice and the natural tartness in the apple cider.

When it comes to the apple liqueur, you can use your favorite in this drink. I've made it with various apple liqueurs and even apple brandy, and all variations have been delicious.

What You Need

Apple cider
Caramel vodka
Apple liqueur or apple brandy
Pure maple syrup
Fresh lemon juice
Cinnamon
Sugar

Prepare your glass

Combine cinnamon and sugar in a shallow dish.

Wet the rim of your glass using a little water or lemon juice.

Gently roll the wet portion of the glass into the cinnamon sugar mixture.

The rim of a martini glass being rolled in a shallow dish of cinnamon and sugar.

Fill the glass with ice and set it aside.

Make your cocktail

Combine remaining ingredients in a shaker filled with ice.

Vodka being poured into a cocktail shaker

Lemon juice being poured into a cocktail shaker.

Shake and strain into your prepared glass.

Enjoy!

Tips on Caramel Apple Cocktail

What kind of vodka should I use?

I like Smirnoff Caramel Kiss vodka in this drink. Smirnoff is easy for me to find and the caramel flavor in the vodka is on point with a caramel candy square. Feel free to use your favorite caramel flavored vodka in this cocktail.

What can I use in place of the apple cider?

Swap apple juice for the apple cider if it's not cider season or you don't have any on hand. Simply brand apple juice is my go-to when I can't find cider but still want a caramel apple cocktail.

What if I can't find apple liqueur?

You can use apple brandy in place of the apple liqueur if that's what you have on hand or can easily find.

How do I garnish this cocktail?

If you'd like to garnish your drink beyond the cinnamon sugar rim, use a slice or two of fresh apple. Slice your apple through its equator to get a fun star design in the middle of the slice from the core. A cinnamon stick or twist of lemon peel would also be fun.

What can I substitute for the maple syrup?

If you don't have 100% pure maple syrup on hand, use brown sugar syrup. Do not use pancake syrup.