Cozy Caramel Apple Cider Cocktail – Best Easy Fall Drink
A warm, cozy caramel apple cider cocktail with a homemade caramel swirl, bourbon, and fresh apple cider. Ready in under 10 minutes, this easy fall drink is perfect for gatherings or a quiet evening by the fire.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 6 ounces apple cider (fresh, unfiltered)
- 2 ounces bourbon (e.g., Buffalo Trace or Maker’s Mark)
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Cinnamon stick (for garnish, optional)
- Apple slice (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Add 1/4 cup packed brown sugar and stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the sugar dissolves and the mixture bubbles, about 2 minutes.
- Slowly pour in 2 tablespoons heavy cream while stirring. The mixture will bubble up; keep stirring until smooth and combined, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt. Set aside.
- In a separate small saucepan, gently warm 6 ounces apple cider over medium-low heat until hot but not boiling, about 2-3 minutes. Optionally, add a cinnamon stick to the cider while warming to infuse flavor.
- Pour 2 ounces bourbon into a mug. Add 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice. Pour the warm apple cider over the top and stir gently to combine.
- Drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of the homemade caramel over the top of the drink. Do not stir; let it swirl and sink naturally.
- Garnish with a thin apple slice and a cinnamon stick if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
For a non-alcoholic version, skip the bourbon and add an extra ounce of apple cider. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The caramel can be made up to 2 weeks ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Warm your mug with hot water before adding the cocktail to keep it hot longer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Protein: 1
Keywords: caramel apple cider cocktail, fall drink, bourbon cocktail, easy cocktail, warm cocktail, homemade caramel