Discover the magic of autumn in a glass with the Caramel Apple Bourbon Cocktail. It’s a delightful fusion of seasonal aromas and flavors, made for memorable moments under the autumn sky.
Just looking at that picture gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling. I adore bourbon whiskey. I also adore caramel apples. This is basically a match made in heaven.
Also, did I mention that it’s really easy? While this recipe is extremely straightforward to make, it does require a bit of forethought to accommodate the preparation time.
Table of Contents
Reasons to Love This Caramel Apple Cocktail
- Its warm and cozy notes make it ideal for gatherings that guests will definitely love.
- The balance of sweet caramel and a tangy slice of apple with bourbon’s depth is exquisite.
- It’s a creative twist on traditional bourbon cocktails.
Recipe Ingredients
- Dried Apple Rings: Chewy and sweet, they infuse the drink with a deep, concentrated apple flavor.
- Bourbon Whiskey: Provides a rich, smooth, and slightly smoky flavor.
- Cinnamon Sticks: Add a warm, spicy note.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Caramel Apple Bourbon Cocktail
Step #1: Pack the apple rings and cinnamon sticks into a 24-ounce canning jar. Fill the jar with bourbon, securely attach the lid and rim, give the jar a good shake, and allow the mixture to infuse for three days.
Step #2: Meanwhile, prepare the caramel syrup by placing one cup of granulated white sugar in the 1.5-quart saucepan and set it over medium heat. After about 8 to 10 minutes, the sugar will begin to melt. Use a spatula to scrape up the melted sugar and allow the non-melted sugar to touch the bottom of the saucepan. The sugar will form large clumps and then slowly melt. Boil the mixture, stirring constantly, until it turns a deep amber color.
Step #3: Place oven mitts on both hands and slowly pour one cup of room-temperature water into the caramel mixture. Whisk over low heat until the caramel has melted into the liquid and no clumps remain. Allow the mixture to cool and transfer it to an airtight jar for storage.
Step #4: Strain the apples and cinnamon sticks out of the bourbon. Divide the infused bourbon into two 8.5-ounce hermetic glass flasks. Depending on your sweetness preference, add between two and four tablespoons of caramel syrup to each flask.
Step #5: Serve the caramel apple bourbon at room temperature for sipping, or chilled in shot glasses. Garnish with sliced Granny Smith apples.
Expert Tips
- Aromatic Boost: Gently bruise the cinnamon sticks before adding them to the bourbon. This releases their essential oils more effectively, enriching the infusion with a stronger, more aromatic cinnamon flavor.
- Control the Caramelization: Keep a close eye on the sugar as it caramelizes to avoid burning. Sugar can quickly go from caramelized to burnt, which would impart a bitter flavor to your syrup. Aim for a rich golden amber color—not too light and not too dark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce as a substitute for homemade caramel syrup in the Caramel Apple Bourbon cocktail. However, keep in mind that the flavor and sweetness may vary.
For the Caramel Apple Bourbon cocktail, it’s best to use a bourbon that you enjoy drinking on its own. A mid-range bourbon, known for its smoothness and balanced flavor, typically works well.
Storage Info
Store the Cinnamon Apple Infused bourbon in an airtight container or flask, ideally in a cool, dark place. It will stay good for up to 6 months, preserving its flavor profile. Keep the caramel syrup in a sealed jar in the fridge; it can last for 2-3 weeks.
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Caramel Apple Bourbon Cocktail Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 cups dried apple rings
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 cups bourbon whiskey
- 1 cup white sugar
- Sliced granny smith apples for garnish
Instructions
- Pack the apple rings and cinnamon sticks into a 24-ounce canning jar. Fill the jar with bourbon, securely attach the lid and rim, give the jar a good shake, and allow the mixture to infuse for three days.
- Meanwhile, prepare the caramel syrup by placing one cup of granulated white sugar in the 1.5-quart saucepan from your KitchenAid® Stainless Steel 10-Piece Set and setting it over medium heat. After about 8 to 10 minutes, the sugar will begin to melt. Use a spatula to scrape up the melted sugar and allow the unmelted sugar to touch the bottom of the saucepan. The sugar will form large clumps and then slowly melt. Boil the mixture, stirring constantly, until it turns a deep amber color.
- Place oven mitts on both hands and slowly pour one cup of room-temperature water into the caramel mixture. Whisk over low heat until the caramel has melted into the liquid and no clumps remain. Allow the mixture to cool and transfer it to an airtight jar for storage.
- Strain the apples and cinnamon sticks out of the bourbon. Divide the infused bourbon into two 8.5-ounce hermetic glass flasks. Depending on your sweetness preference, add between two and four tablespoons of caramel syrup to each flask.
- Serve the caramel apple bourbon at room temperature for sipping, or chilled in shot glasses. Garnish with sliced Granny Smith apples.
NOTES
Nutrition
Enjoy Responsibly. This post and recipe are intended for those of legal drinking age.
I loved how the apple and caramel blended with bourbon to taste seasonal without feeling syrupy.
Bourbon Apple Bread Pudding 😉
I could see using the apples in my german apple pankakes!