Don't you just love fall? The cool crisp air, the beautiful colors of leaves, and all the flavors unique to the season. One of my favorites is apple cider, a delicious fresh beverage that is always best in fall.
Apple cider vs apple juice - what's the difference?
Apple cider is the term used in the US and Canada for an unfiltered, unsweetened, non-alcoholic beverage made from apples. (Wikipedia) Liquid is extracted from the apples, and is typically cloudy appearing due to the presence of fine apple particles in suspension. It is traditionally considered a "fresh" beverage but all US commercial producers are now required to pasteurize or irradiate apple cider in order to reduce the risk of pathogens.
By contrast, apple juice is always filtered and pasteurized. However, there are now some producers who sell "unfiltered" apple juice. Clearly, this is increasingly becoming an area of blurred lines.
It is also worth noting that in other parts of the world, the term "cider" refers to an alcoholic drink. In the US, the drink is considered "hard cider" if it contains alcohol.
This cocktail specifically calls for apple cider, however I have used a good apple juice as a substitute and was just as delighted with the result. It's always good to have options. 😃
Ingredients needed for this caramel apple cider vodka cocktail
Only 2 ingredients needed:
- Apple cider (or juice - see above)
- Caramel flavored vodka
Optional ingredients: apple slices and/or cinnamon sticks for garnish. You could also dust the rim with cinnamon sugar if desired. Entirely optional but very fun. 😀
I dusted with a brown sugar-cinnamon mix. Very yummy!
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How to make this cocktail
Start by filling a glass with ice. Pour in a shot of caramel flavored vodka. Fill with apple cider and stir.
Garnish with apples and/or a cinnamon stick.
Tastes just like a caramel apple!
If you're loving this adult beverage with fall flavors, you might want to check out the pumpkin spice sangria at RV Tailgate life. Sure to be another favorite!
📖 Recipe
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Caramel (Vodka) Apple Cider
Video
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz caramel flavored vodka
- 6 oz apple cider or juice
- optional: apple slices/cinnamon stick for g
Instructions
- Fill glass with ice.
- Pour in a shot of flavored vodka.
- Fill glass with apple cider.
- Garnish as desired and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Other options
On cool day you sometimes just need a warm drink. I love hot apple cider, so of course had to try some with a little caramel vodka added in. Yes, it is just as delicious as the cold version.
I can't speak to all brands, obviously. As I mentioned above, I tried a good apple juice. To me, that's the kind that is in the refrigerated section and also looks like it has a little sediment in the container. Mostly because I was trying to find something as close as possible to real apple cider.
My best guess is, if you like the apple juice, then you will also like it in this drink. 😀
Dawn Conklin
This caramel apple cider is so easy to make and so delicious! It's the perfect treat for the holidays.
Sula
Yes I get very excited when it's apple cider season!
Kayla DiMaggio
This caramel apple cider is amazing! The perfect warming Fall drink!
Sula
There's something about sweet apple cider that just screams of fall, doesn't it?
Andrea Metlika
The flavor is fantastic and makes me happy just thinking about this drink. Did not know about the cider/hard cider. Very interesting.
Sula
It's a happy drink for sure!
Ashley
This is going to get me in trouble! So deliciously simple!
Sula
Yes, It's like that for me too!!! LOL
Lisa
Love the simplicity of this easy cocktail. A perfect quencher for the hard work of handing out candy!!!
Sula
Right?!? Candy distribution is HARD WORK!
Maria
Perfect for my birthday! This is new to us, I'm totally sure that they'll gonna love it!
Sula
I hope you love it like I do!
Big Trouble
Are you trying to get us drunk?! Because that's what happens when you make a drink this delicious. Thank you so much for your service. 🙂
Sula
You are so very welcome! I am here to serve. 🙂
Chef Dennis
what a perfect drink for the fall! I can't wait to give it a try!!
Sula
I hope you do - it's really delicious!
Magali
great flavors! I really enjoyed it. Thank you!
Sula
You are so welcome - I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Audrey
Yum I love apple anything
Sula
Me too!
Texasgirl
Need this for the upcoming cold weekend. Sounds delish
Sula
Yes it works great either hot or cold!
Blake Moon
Love caramel. Mmmm.
Sula
It adds just the right touch!