Sparkling Caramel Apple Punch (Spiked Option!)
Published Oct 02, 2023
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A delicious, festive, and seasonal Caramel Apple Drink that can be served spiked (or not!) and is the perfect beverage for cozy, crisp, and fun-filled days. A delightful beverage for this holiday season!
Table of Contents
What Makes This Recipe Great
When the leaves change and sweater weather is here, there’s just something in the air that makes me want to eat and drink all of the fun Fall flavors all of the time! I just love this time of year so much.
I know everyone raves about Starbucks’ Caramel Apple Spice drink, so I wanted to make a similar version but iced, sparkling, and with an option to spike or not! My version of this Caramel Apple Drink turned out sweet, spiced, and absolutely delicious. It’s the perfect punch for any gathering, but make sure you have a crowd because this recipe makes a LOT! The caramel apple flavors really shine, and the presentation is so beautiful!
And if you’re interested in the spiked version, this makes such a yummy Caramel Apple Cocktail! All you need is some additional liquor and a plate of cinnamon sugar to rim your glass.
Ingredient Notes
- apple cider: You’ll need a gallon. Choose your favorite brand, but make sure you grab apple cider and not just apple juice.
- caramel syrup: You can find this pretty easily in the coffee aisle at most grocery stores. I used Torani.
- ginger ale: I used one 2 liter of Canada Dry. Any brand will work.
- pumpkin spice
- apples: Red and green apples, cored and sliced.
- cinnamon sticks
- whole cranberries
- liquor (optional): You can use whiskey, vodka, or bourbon for this recipe. See my tips below for suggestions and recommendations.
- cinnamon sugar: Optional for the rim.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large punch bowl, add the ginger ale, apple cider, caramel sauce, liquor (if using), and pumpkin pie spice.
- Combine all the ingredients by whisking together until combined. Add in cinnamon sticks, diced apples, and cranberries.
- To rim your glass, prepare two small plates, one with caramel drizzle and one with a mixture of cinnamon and coarse sugar. Dip your empty glass in the caramel and then in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Fill your glass with ice and the caramel apple drink. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slices.
Mac’s Pro Tips
Expert Tips
- Liquor: I recommend using Absolut plain or caramel vodka, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, or Jack Daniel’s Whiskey. If you have a favorite, feel free to try it, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below.
- Sweetness: Adjust the additional caramel to taste. If you like it less sweet, use less caramel.
- Servings: If you want to make a smaller batch, divide all ingredients in half and use a large pitcher instead of a punch bowl to serve.
- Individual Cocktails: If you want to make a non-alcoholic batch of the punch and then make single drinks, simply add the punch, 1.5 oz of liquor, and ice to a cocktail shaker, mix gently, and strain over a glass for a caramel apple martini or serve over ice for a cocktail!
Serving Tips
- Serve your caramel apple drink in your favorite glasses with ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick, cranberries, and additional apple slices if desired.
- If you’re serving this as a Fall cocktail, garnish your glasses with a caramel and cinnamon sugar rim.
Storage Tips
- This caramel apple drink is best enjoyed immediately as the sparkling ginger ale won’t save well.
Sip More Flavors of Fall
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Sparkling Caramel Apple Punch (Spiked Option!)
Ingredients
- 1 gallon apple cider 128 ounces
- 1 cup caramel syrup
- 2 liters ginger ale
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice
- 2-3 green and red apples thinly cubed
- cinnamon sticks
- Cranberries optional
Cocktail option
- 20 oz Vodka, Whiskey, or Bourbon add more or less to taste
Instructions
- In a large punch bowl, add the ginger ale, apple cider, caramel sauce, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Combine all the ingredients by whisking together until combined. Add in cinnamon sticks, diced apples, and cranberries.
- Serve immediately over a glass of ice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Notes
Expert Tips
- Liquor: I recommend using Absolut plain or caramel vodka, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, or Jack Daniel’s Whiskey. If you have a favorite, feel free to try it, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below.
- Sweetness: Adjust the additional caramel to taste. If you like it less sweet, use less caramel.
- Servings: If you want to make a smaller batch, divide all ingredients in half and use a large pitcher instead of a punch bowl to serve.
- Individual Cocktails: If you want to make a non-alcoholic batch of the punch and then make single drinks, simply add the punch, 1.5 oz of liquor, and ice to a cocktail shaker, mix gently, and strain over a glass for a caramel apple martini or serve over ice for a cocktail!
Serving Tips
- Serve your caramel apple drink in your favorite glasses with ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick, cranberries, and additional apple slices if desired.
- If you’re serving this as a Fall cocktail, garnish your glasses with a caramel and cinnamon sugar rim.
Storage Tips
- This caramel apple drink is best enjoyed immediately as the sparkling ginger ale won’t save well.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
