Looking for a cocktail that captures the essence of fall in a glass? The Crown Royal Caramel Apple is just what you need. Combining the smooth, rich taste of Crown Royal’s salted caramel whiskey with crisp apple flavors, this cocktail is sweet, warming, and undeniably autumnal. It’s an ideal drink for cozy nights by the fire, Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or anytime you want to bring a taste of fall to your glass.
This cocktail is easy to make, with just a few ingredients, yet packs an impressive flavor punch. Whether you’re an experienced mixologist or a casual home bartender, this recipe is straightforward and sure to impress. Let’s get started on crafting the perfect Crown Royal Caramel Apple cocktail.
Ingredients
To make this delicious fall-inspired drink, gather these ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Crown Royal Salted Caramel Whiskey – This whiskey is the star ingredient, providing a rich caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with apple.
- 4 oz Apple Cider – Fresh, high-quality apple cider brings in the autumn flavors with a sweet and slightly tart taste.
- 1 oz Ginger Ale or Club Soda – Adds a touch of fizz to balance the sweetness and keep the drink light and refreshing.
- Ice cubes – To keep the drink cold without diluting the flavor too much.
- Optional garnish: Apple slices, caramel drizzle, or a cinnamon stick – These add visual appeal and an extra touch of autumn flavor.
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare Your Glass
Choose a lowball or rocks glass for serving this cocktail. Add a few ice cubes to chill the glass.
Step 2: Add the Whiskey and Apple Cider
Pour the Crown Royal Salted Caramel Whiskey over the ice, followed by the apple cider. Stir gently to blend the flavors together.
Step 3: Add a Splash of Fizz
Top off the drink with ginger ale or club soda. This adds a touch of effervescence, balancing the richness of the caramel and the sweetness of the apple cider.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
For an extra autumnal touch, garnish with a slice of fresh apple or a cinnamon stick. You can even drizzle a bit of caramel around the rim of the glass for added flair and sweetness.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Your Crown Royal Caramel Apple cocktail is ready to be savored. Sip slowly and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors.
Variations
While the classic Crown Royal Caramel Apple is perfect as is, here are a few variations to try:
- Spiced Caramel Apple
- Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the drink to bring out the warm, spicy notes of fall. You could also use a cinnamon stick as a stirrer to infuse a hint of spice with every sip.
- Caramel Apple Martini
- For a more elegant presentation, try making a martini version. Shake the whiskey and apple cider with ice, strain into a martini glass, and top with a small splash of ginger ale. Garnish with a thin apple slice on the rim.
- Hot Caramel Apple Toddy
- Perfect for cold evenings, heat up the apple cider before combining it with the whiskey in a mug. Skip the ginger ale and add a cinnamon stick for a warming twist.
- Maple Caramel Apple
- Add a teaspoon of maple syrup to the drink for an extra layer of sweetness and a true taste of fall.
- Apple Cranberry Caramel
- Substitute half the apple cider with cranberry juice for a holiday-inspired variation with a tangy twist.
Cooking Notes
- Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality apple cider for the best flavor. If you don’t have Crown Royal Salted Caramel, you can use regular Crown Royal and add a touch of caramel syrup.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of apple cider or opt for club soda instead of ginger ale.
- Choosing Your Glassware: A lowball glass works well for a cozy, fall presentation, but you can also serve it in a martini glass or even a Mason jar for a rustic look.
Serving Suggestions
This Crown Royal Caramel Apple cocktail pairs well with fall and holiday gatherings. Here are a few ways to elevate your serving presentation:
- With Dessert: Serve alongside classic fall desserts like apple pie, caramel brownies, or pecan tarts.
- Holiday Party Drink: Prepare a pitcher by scaling up the ingredients to serve a crowd. Add apple slices and cinnamon sticks for extra flavor and a festive touch.
- Outdoor Fall Gathering: Serve in insulated mugs or thermos glasses for a warm version on chilly evenings.
Tips
- For a Sweeter Sip: Drizzle caramel syrup inside the glass before adding the drink, creating a fun, sweet swirl with each sip.
- Pre-chill the Ingredients: For an extra refreshing drink, chill the whiskey and apple cider ahead of time so the drink stays cold longer without needing as much ice.
- Experiment with Garnishes: Try using dehydrated apple slices or even a sprinkle of coarse sea salt on the rim for a touch of salty-sweet flavor.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 180 (based on the non-carbonated version)
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 10mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I use regular Crown Royal if I don’t have the salted caramel flavor?
A1: Yes! Regular Crown Royal works just as well. To achieve the caramel flavor, add a teaspoon of caramel syrup or a caramel-flavored liqueur.
Q2: Can I make this as a large batch for parties?
A2: Absolutely. Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings needed, mix in a pitcher, and add ginger ale or soda just before serving.
Q3: Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this drink?
A3: For a mocktail, use caramel syrup or caramel extract and mix with apple cider and ginger ale. You can even add a splash of vanilla extract for added warmth.
Q4: What other alcohols pair well with this drink?
A4: Whiskey is ideal for this recipe, but you could try dark rum or bourbon for a different depth of flavor.
Q5: How do I keep the drink cold without watering it down?
A5: Use large ice cubes or whiskey stones to keep your cocktail cool while maintaining the full flavor.
Conclusion
The Crown Royal Caramel Apple is a cozy, sweet, and delightfully refreshing drink that perfectly captures the essence of fall. With the warm caramel undertones of the Crown Royal whiskey and the crisp, fresh flavor of apple cider, this cocktail is a must-have for fall and winter celebrations. Whether you’re sipping it by a fire, serving it at a party, or enjoying it with friends, the Crown Royal Caramel Apple is sure to bring warmth, comfort, and a touch of sweetness to any gathering.
Embrace the spirit of the season with this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing cocktail that’s as comforting as a crisp autumn day. Enjoy, and cheers to the flavors of fall!
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Crown Royal Caramel Apple
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients
To make this delicious fall-inspired drink, gather these ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Crown Royal Salted Caramel Whiskey – This whiskey is the star ingredient, providing a rich caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with apple.
- 4 oz Apple Cider – Fresh, high-quality apple cider brings in the autumn flavors with a sweet and slightly tart taste.
- 1 oz Ginger Ale or Club Soda – Adds a touch of fizz to balance the sweetness and keep the drink light and refreshing.
- Ice cubes – To keep the drink cold without diluting the flavor too much.
- Optional garnish: Apple slices, caramel drizzle, or a cinnamon stick – These add visual appeal and an extra touch of autumn flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare Your Glass
Choose a lowball or rocks glass for serving this cocktail. Add a few ice cubes to chill the glass.
Step 2: Add the Whiskey and Apple Cider
Pour the Crown Royal Salted Caramel Whiskey over the ice, followed by the apple cider. Stir gently to blend the flavors together.
Step 3: Add a Splash of Fizz
Top off the drink with ginger ale or club soda. This adds a touch of effervescence, balancing the richness of the caramel and the sweetness of the apple cider.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
For an extra autumnal touch, garnish with a slice of fresh apple or a cinnamon stick. You can even drizzle a bit of caramel around the rim of the glass for added flair and sweetness.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Your Crown Royal Caramel Apple cocktail is ready to be savored. Sip slowly and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors.
Notes
- Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality apple cider for the best flavor. If you don’t have Crown Royal Salted Caramel, you can use regular Crown Royal and add a touch of caramel syrup.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of apple cider or opt for club soda instead of ginger ale.
- Choosing Your Glassware: A lowball glass works well for a cozy, fall presentation, but you can also serve it in a martini glass or even a Mason jar for a rustic look.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 180 (based on the non-carbonated version)
- Sodium: 10mg
- Protein: 0g