Description

A simple, one-pitcher autumn cocktail that balances tart apple cider with rich caramel sauce, warm spices, and a splash of bourbon or apple brandy. It’s naturally gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and improves with chilling.

Ingredients

Scale

16 oz (473 ml) 100% pure unfiltered apple cider
4 oz (120 ml) Apple Brandy (like Calvados) or Bourbon
3 tbsp (45 ml) Homemade or high-quality salted caramel sauce
2 medium apples (mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp/Fuji), cored and chopped into ½-inch cubes
2 whole star anise pods
1 large cinnamon stick (approx. 3 inches)
4 oz (120 ml) Sparkling water or dry white wine (like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc)

Instructions

Wash apples and chop into ½-inch cubes. If not serving immediately, toss with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning.
In a 2-quart glass pitcher, combine the apple cider, apple brandy (or bourbon), and caramel sauce.
Add the cinnamon stick and star anise to the pitcher.
Stir vigorously for about 60 seconds until the caramel is completely dissolved and the liquid is a uniform light amber color.
Add the chopped apples to the pitcher and stir gently to submerge the fruit.
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 hours, to allow flavors to meld.
Just before serving, add the sparkling water or dry white wine and stir once more.
Taste and adjust sweetness or strength if needed. Serve in large wine glasses or mason jars, garnished with an apple slice or cinnamon stick.

Notes

For best results, warm the caramel sauce slightly before adding to ensure it emulsifies properly. The drink tastes better after chilling overnight. Apples will soften if left in the pitcher for more than 4 hours; add them just before serving for best texture. For a non-alcoholic version, replace the spirit with extra apple cider and add vanilla extract.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Beverages
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6 oz (180 ml)
Calories: 180
Sugar: 18
Sodium: 5
Fat: 1
Carbohydrates: 22
Fiber: 1

Keywords: fall cocktail, apple cider sangria, caramel apple drink, bourbon cocktail, gluten-free drink, vegan cocktail, autumn recipes, party drinks