Cider and Caramel Cocktail

 

Inside this sugar rimmed cocktail glass are two simple ingredients - 3 parts of my favorite local cider and 1 part caramel vodka. The glass was swiped with the apple slice then turned upside down in regular old granulated sugar.

Here are some of the best ways to use this very easy cocktail and make it your own:

Switch up the rim:

• Turn glass upside down and dip in caramel
• After running an apple slice across the rim, dip in salt
• Dip in caramel then salt
• Play with apple types for garnish
• Combine sugar with cinnamon and/or a sprinkle of nutmeg 

Expand the recipe for a crowd:

Remember, whenever a recipe is written in "parts," it means a part can equal whatever unit of measurement you need. So, this cocktail can be scaled up by cups to 3 cups cider to 1 cup caramel vodka. Combine in a large pitcher with ice and perhaps add slices of apples to the mix.

Bring the ingredients along:

This cocktail pairs beautifully with pumpkin carving, apple or pumpkin picking, Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, autumn birthdays, any outdoor gathering from September - November, and whenever you want to enjoy the flavors of fall.

Alcohol options:

Switch out the caramel vodka to your favorite bourbon or whiskey.

Hot, Warm, or Iced:

Experiment with the cocktail's best serving temperature as you alternate alcohols.

On the table with:

Since this drink is inherently sweet with the tang of apple, try serving with pork dishes, grilled or smoked meats and poultry, or roasted vegetarian dishes. Could be wonderful with a simmering pot of butternut squash soup. Or with a traditional apple cider donut (warm of course with a scoop of vanilla ice cream).

Cheers to being Fed Well!