Caramel Apple Butterscotch Cocktail

Let me take a second to say—thank you for joining me for this one. If you’re anything like me, fall cocktails are more than just drinks… they’re moments. This Caramel Apple Butterscotch Cocktail is one of those drinks that tastes like wrapping up in your coziest sweater next to a fire. It’s rich, spiced, and just the right amount of indulgent.

Whether you’re hosting a Friendsgiving, enjoying a chilly weekend, or just love caramel apple everything (same!), this cocktail will become a seasonal favorite at first sip.

What Is a Caramel Apple Butterscotch Cocktail?

This cocktail is a decadent mix of vodka, butterscotch schnapps, apple cider, and caramel syrup, shaken over ice and served with a caramel-rimmed glass and cozy autumn garnishes. It’s the adult version of a caramel apple, with smooth butterscotch undertones and crisp apple sweetness.

Why You’ll Love It

• Tastes like fall in a glass – warm, sweet, and comforting
• Velvety and rich from the caramel and butterscotch
• Easy to shake up in minutes
• Perfect for holiday parties or seasonal sipping
• Beautiful presentation with apple slices and cinnamon stick garnish

this RECIPE

What It Tastes Like

Sweet and smooth, this drink hits you with buttery caramel notes, a pop of apple freshness, and a warm finish from the butterscotch schnapps. It’s sweet without being cloying, and the apple cider keeps things crisp and bright. If fall had a signature cocktail, this would be it.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz butterscotch schnapps
• 3 oz apple cider (cold or spiced cider, depending on your vibe)
• 1 oz caramel syrup
• Ice cubes

Optional Garnishes:

• Caramel sauce (for rim)
• Thinly sliced apple (for fan garnish)
• Cinnamon stick

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger or measuring tools
• Strainer
• Rocks glass or coupe glass
• Small plate (for caramel rim)
• Knife (for apple slices)

Instructions

1. Prep Your Glass (Optional)

• Drizzle caramel sauce onto a small plate.
• Dip the rim of your glass into the sauce to coat.
• Set aside to let it set for a moment.

2. Shake the Cocktail

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz butterscotch schnapps
• 3 oz apple cider
• 1 oz caramel syrup

Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well chilled.

3. Strain & Serve

• Fill your prepared glass with fresh ice.
• Strain the cocktail over the ice.

4. Garnish

• Add a thin apple fan by layering 2–3 slices on the rim.
• Drop in a cinnamon stick for aroma and a festive finish.

Notes

• Use high-quality apple cider for the best flavor. Unfiltered cider is ideal.
• Adjust caramel syrup to your sweetness preference—start with less and taste.
• Want extra fall vibes? Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the shaker.

Details

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Shake Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 6 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail
Category: Cocktails / Fall Drinks
Method: Shaken
Cuisine: American Seasonal
Diet: Vegetarian
Keywords: caramel apple cocktail, fall cocktail, apple cider drink, butterscotch cocktail

Nutrition (Per Drink – Approximate)

Serving Size: 1 glass
Calories: 250
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 25mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Alcohol Content: ~2.5 oz per serving

Helpful Tips

• Chill your glass before serving for extra frosty vibes.
• Make it warm: Skip the shake and serve the drink warm in a mug—perfect by the fire.
• Add a tiny pinch of sea salt to the caramel rim for a salted caramel twist.

Conservation and Storage

• Pre-batch friendly: Mix vodka, schnapps, cider, and caramel syrup in a sealed jar and refrigerate. Shake with ice just before serving.
• Storage time: Store pre-mixed (without ice) for up to 2 days in the fridge.

Substitutions and Variations

• Make it creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or half & half for a caramel apple pie effect.
• Spice it up: Add a dash of cinnamon schnapps or allspice dram.
• No butterscotch schnapps? Try vanilla liqueur or omit and increase caramel syrup.
• Mocktail version: Use non-alcoholic caramel syrup, cider, and butterscotch-flavored soda or extract.

Storage Instructions

• Keep pre-mixed cocktail base refrigerated for up to 48 hours.
• Add ice and garnishes only when serving to maintain texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I serve this warm?
Yes! Gently heat the cider with caramel syrup and stir in the vodka and schnapps just before serving. Garnish as usual.

Q: Can I use caramel vodka?
Absolutely—it’s a delicious twist. Just reduce the caramel syrup slightly so it’s not overly sweet.

Q: Can I make this in a large batch?
Yes! Multiply ingredients by 4 or more, mix in a pitcher, and shake individual servings with ice.

Conclusion

This Caramel Apple Butterscotch Cocktail is everything you love about fall—warm, sweet, nostalgic, and just a little indulgent. Whether you’re toasting at a fall dinner party or just enjoying a crisp night in, this cozy cocktail is like an autumn hug in a glass.

💬 If you make it, leave a review and share your pics on Pinterest or Instagram! I’d love to see your caramel apple creations. Cheers to fall sips and warm memories!

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