Take your fall brunch cocktails to #brunchgoals with these caramel apple cider mimosas! This apple cider mimosa recipe is easy to make, and great to serve to weekend guests. Want to offer a zero-proof drink too? Modifications included so you can easily offer both options!
Want to make a day extra special? Plan brunch. I don’t know what it is about the leisurely late-morning meal, but it’s an instant way to elevate a day. Maybe it’s because there’s something for everyone, or maybe it’s the fabulous cocktails… both? Today though, let’s talk cocktails. Specifically, MIMOSAS! Well, sort of. There’s no orange juice in this mimosa recipe, but we have apple cider! Apples also grow on trees. And after one sip of these caramel apple cider mimosas, I don’t think you’ll care what they’re called – they’ll make every brunch menu through Thanksgiving!
How do I make an apple cider mimosa?
If you’ve never made a mimosa before, it’s easy. Part of the reason mimosas, bellinis, and similar sparkling wine cocktails are so popular is that they’re so simple! No fancy mixology tools required, and even the measurements don’t have to be exact. Want to make just a few cocktails? Mix right in the glasses. Hanging with friends and don’t want to keep making drinks while you chat? Mix a pitcher to place on the table. Simple.
To make a mimosa, you combine your preferred ratio of juice and sparkling wine. Most people prefer a slightly less-sweet 2-to-1 ratio of juice to sparkling wine. At restaurants that offer “bottomless brunch” deals, it’s probably closer to 1:1. At the two to one ratio, you’ll get between 6-8 cocktails per bottle of sparkling wine.
Caramel apple cider mimosa ingredients
This caramel apple cider mimosa cocktail has 3 ingredients – caramel vodka, apple cider, and sparkling wine.
The caramel vodka is optional – you can add a drizzle of caramel inside each glass instead. But the vodka provides just the right amount of caramel flavor evenly through the cocktail without a ton of added sweetness. As far as flavored vodkas go, it’s pretty versatile since it goes well in something like hot chocolate, or my super-popular apple pie moonshine cocktail. Additionally, it provides a little extra kick to this champagne cocktail, making it versatile enough to serve at happy hour, as well as brunch.
The second ingredient is fresh apple cider. Apple cider has a more concentrated flavor than apple juice, and is usually found in the refrigerated juices section of the grocery store produce section, seasonally.
If you’re lucky enough to live near an orchard that offers apple picking, you can probably purchase some of their homemade apple cider. Since it’s fresher, the flavor is definitely best from the orchard! At least it feels that way, but my opinion is probably influenced a bit by the whole apple-picking experience. It’s one of our favorite fall activities when we live in an area where it’s available!
The last ingredient is, sparkling wine. I’d recommend a dryer sparkling wine, like a brut, so you don’t add too much sweetness to the drink. The apple cider already makes it pretty sweet. A not-too-sweet prosecco works nicely too. You might notice that’s what I’m pouring in the video.
You don’t have to use a pricey bottle of sparkling wine! In fact, I’d recommend you don’t. Just like when you make mixed drinks, the best liquors for mixing are mid-range. You want something that is still of decent quality, but not top-shelf. Your higher-end bubbly is best enjoyed on its own. If you’re going by price range, the $8-15 range is about right depending on where you purchase.
Can I make these non-alcoholic?
Yes, with 2 modifications. I do like to have a “zero proof” option available when we mix drinks for kids, designated drivers, and anyone who just doesn’t feel like a stronger beverage! So if you like to do the same, there are two easy swaps you need to make.
First of all, omit the caramel vodka. If you’d like to add a tiny splash of caramel coffee syrup, you can, but it’s not necessary. We don’t typically have coffee syrup at home, so if I make these nonalcoholic caramel apple cider mimosas, I just drizzle a little caramel inside the glass when I’m adding the cinnamon sugar rim. It adds that little bit of caramel flavor, and makes the drink look pretty!
Second, swap the sparkling wine or prosecco for a non-alcoholic sparkling cider! There are so many flavor options available now! For this recipe, I’d recommend sticking to classic apple sparkling cider.
So making a non-alcoholic version of this drink would go like this. Drizzle caramel inside the glass, fill about 1/3 of the way to 1/2 with apple cider, top off with non-alcoholic sparkling cider, enjoy! If you’re going to celebrate with fancy fizzy drinks, let’s celebrate with everyone. 😉
I hope you (responsibly) enjoy this recipe, darlings! Cheers!!!
Caramel Apple Cider Mimosas
Take your fall brunch cocktails to #brunchgoals with these caramel apple cider mimosas! This apple cider mimosa recipe is easy to make, and great to serve to weekend guests.
Ingredients
Cocktail Recipe:
- 1/2 ounce caramel vodka (1 tablespoon)
- 1 part apple cider
- 2 parts sparkling wine or prosecco
Garnish:
- caramel sauce
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Stir together the coarse sugar and cinnamon for the glass rim in a small bowl.
- Dip the edge of the champagne flute in caramel, then roll in the cinnamon sugar.
- Pour the caramel vodka into the glass.
- Add the cold apple cider.
- Top off with chilled sparkling wine or prosecco.
- Serve immediately!
- If mixing a pitcher, use 1/4 cup caramel vodka, 1 1/2 to 2 cups of apple cider, and 1 750 mL bottle of sparkling wine.
Notes
- For a zero-proof cocktail (aka, a mocktail) make the following substitutions: Omit the caramel vodka and add a drizzle of caramel in the glass. Swap the sparkling wine for a non-alcoholic sparkling cider. A classic apple flavor works best.
- You can feel free to adjust the ratio of sparkling wine to cider to suit your preferences. For a sweeter cocktail, use a 1:1 ratio of cider to sparkling wine. For a less sweet cocktail, use the 1:2 ratio of cider to sparkling wine.
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