Easy Caramel Apple Shots: Your Go-To Fall Cocktail Recipe
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like indulging in the warm, inviting flavors of autumn. Our Caramel Apple Shots are the quintessential fall drink, blending the rich sweetness of caramel with the tart freshness of apple. This delightful shot recipe is incredibly easy to make, calling for just a few simple ingredients: luscious caramel vodka, refreshing apple cider, a tangy sour apple mixer, and a decadent caramel sauce for that signature rim. Get ready to elevate your fall gatherings, from cozy bonfires to lively Halloween parties, with these crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed shots!
Much like our beloved pumpkin jello shots, these vibrant apple shots are brimming with seasonal cheer. They’re not only bursting with classic fall tastes but are also remarkably straightforward to prepare, making them an absolute hit at any occasion. If you’re looking to expand your dessert-inspired cocktail repertoire, you might also enjoy giving our indulgent caramel apple jello shot recipe or the fun and fruity pineapple upside down jello shots a try.
And for those who appreciate a classic vodka shot with a zesty twist, don’t miss out on these easy lemon drop shots. But first, let’s dive into making these irresistible caramel apple delights!
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Shot Recipe
There are countless reasons why these caramel apple shots are a must-make this autumn season:
- Perfect Fall Flavors: The combination of sweet caramel and crisp apple is iconic for autumn, making these shots taste like a liquid candied apple.
- Effortlessly Easy: With only a few ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice mixologists can whip up a batch in minutes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These shots are always a hit at parties, thanks to their delicious taste and festive appearance. They’re perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any fall celebration.
- Quick Preparation: You can have a batch ready to serve in less than 5 minutes, ideal for last-minute entertaining.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the sweetness or tartness to your preference, and get creative with garnishes.
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Shots
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to crafting these delightful shots. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you will need:
- Caramel Vodka. This is the star of the show, providing the base spirit infused with that irresistible caramel flavor. Brands like Smirnoff Kissed Caramel are excellent choices, offering a smooth and sweet profile. Other popular options include Pinnacle Caramel Apple or even homemade caramel-infused vodka for a truly unique touch.
- Apple Cider. Opt for a good quality apple cider that is rich in flavor. Musselman’s is a great brand, but feel free to use your favorite local or store-bought variety. Fresh, unfiltered apple cider will offer the best and most authentic apple taste, enhancing the overall fall experience of the shot.
- Sour Apple Mixer. This ingredient is key for introducing that vibrant green hue and a delightful tart apple kick, balancing the sweetness of the caramel. Popular options include DeKuyper Sour Apple Pucker or similar sour apple liqueurs/mixers. You can check prices for sour apple mixers on Amazon to find one that suits your taste.
- Caramel Sauce. A good caramel sauce is essential for rimming the shot glasses and adding an extra layer of sweetness. While homemade caramel sauce offers unparalleled richness, if you’re short on time, a high-quality store-bought option works perfectly. We particularly love Smucker’s Caramel Sundae Syrup’s pourable bottle for its convenience and excellent flavor.
- Apple Slice. An optional but highly recommended garnish, a thin apple slice adds a fresh, crisp element and a beautiful visual appeal to your shots. Consider using a Granny Smith apple for a pop of green or a Honeycrisp for extra sweetness.
- 2-ounce Shot Glasses. The vessel for your creation! We used tall shot glasses like these, which not only look elegant but also provide enough space for the caramel rim and garnish. Any standard 2-ounce shot glass will work.
Equipment You’ll Need
Beyond the ingredients, having the right tools on hand will make the preparation process even smoother:
- Small Plates or Shallow Bowls: For dipping the shot glass rims in caramel.
- Measuring Jiggers or Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
- Cocktail Shaker (Optional): Useful if you’re making a batch for a crowd.
- Cutting Board and Paring Knife: For preparing apple garnishes.
How to Make a Caramel Apple Shot: Step-by-Step Guide
Crafting these delicious caramel apple shots is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:
- Prepare the Rim: Start by pouring a small amount of caramel sauce onto a shallow plate or bowl. Take your 2-ounce shot glass, invert it, and dip the rim into the caramel, rotating gently to ensure an even, thick coating. For that desirable drip effect, apply a generous amount of caramel, allowing it to slowly run down the sides once the glass is upright.
- Chill Your Ingredients (if not already): For the best tasting shot, ensure all your liquid ingredients – the caramel vodka, apple cider, and sour apple mixer – are thoroughly chilled. This will result in a crisp, refreshing shot that enhances the flavors.
- Combine the Liquids: Carefully fill your caramel-rimmed shot glass. First, pour in the caramel vodka, followed by the apple cider, and finally the sour apple mixer. The exact order isn’t critical for flavor, but it can create an appealing layered look if poured slowly.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish off your shot with a fresh apple slice. You can cut a small wedge or a thin half-moon slice to rest on the rim of the glass. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
Expert Recipe Tips for Perfect Caramel Apple Shots
Achieve perfection with these helpful tips and tricks for your caramel apple shots:
- Keep it Chilled: The single most important tip for any shot is to serve it cold. Make sure your caramel vodka, apple cider, and sour apple mixer are well-chilled before mixing. This ensures a crisp, refreshing taste experience.
- Mastering the Caramel Drip: To get that Instagram-worthy caramel drip down the sides of the shot glass, apply a thick coat of caramel sauce to the rim. Once you turn the shot glass right-side up, gravity will do its work, creating beautiful, flowing streaks. You can also slightly warm the caramel sauce for a few seconds in the microwave to make it more pliable for dripping.
- Enhance the Green Hue: If you want your shots to have a more pronounced green color, a single drop of green food coloring can be added to the mixture. Stir gently to incorporate it evenly without affecting the flavor.
- Batching for a Crowd: Hosting a party? Don’t spend all night mixing individual shots! Prepare a large batch in a cocktail shaker or pitcher using the following ratio: 2 parts caramel vodka, 1 part apple cider, and 1 part sour apple mixer. Mix well with ice, then strain into prepared shot glasses just before serving.
- Creative Garnishes: Beyond the apple slice, consider other festive garnishes. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on the rim (instead of or in addition to caramel), a tiny piece of star anise, or even a mini caramel square on a toothpick can add extra flair.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: For a kid-friendly or alcohol-free option, simply omit the caramel vodka and replace it with more apple cider or a caramel-flavored syrup (like Torani Caramel Syrup) mixed with apple juice.
- Storage: While best served fresh, if you have leftover unmixed ingredients, store them separately in the refrigerator. Pre-mixed shots can be stored in the fridge for a few hours, but note that the apple slice might brown, and the caramel rim might become less firm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider? Yes, you can. Apple juice will result in a sweeter, less tart shot. Apple cider, especially unfiltered, tends to have a richer, more complex apple flavor that complements the caramel and sour apple mixer beautifully.
- What if I don’t have sour apple mixer? You can try a splash of fresh lemon or lime juice to add some tartness, or a tiny amount of green food coloring with a little extra apple cider to replicate the color and some of the apple flavor. However, the sour apple mixer really brings that signature tartness.
- Can I make these shots ahead of time? You can prep the caramel-rimmed glasses a little in advance and keep them in the fridge. For the liquid mixture, it’s best to mix them right before serving to maintain optimal chill and flavor. If batching for a crowd, keep the mixed liquid chilled and pour into glasses just before guests arrive.
- What kind of caramel sauce is best? A thicker, pourable caramel sauce works best for rimming as it creates a more substantial drip. Ice cream sundae caramel syrups are often perfect for this. Avoid very thin caramel sauces that won’t cling to the glass.
- How strong are these shots? The strength will depend on the proof of your caramel vodka and the exact ratios used. Generally, these are considered moderately strong shots, so enjoy them responsibly!
More Delicious Apple Cider Cocktails to Make This Fall
If you’re loving the apple cider vibe, explore these other fantastic fall cocktails:
- Apple Cider Margaritas: A festive fall twist on a classic.
- Boozy Caramel Apple Cider: A warm and comforting drink for chilly evenings.
- Apple Cider Mimosas: Perfect for fall brunches and celebrations.
- Apple Cider Sangria: A beautiful pitcher drink for gatherings.
Caramel Apple Shots
Author: Jaclyn
2 minutes
2 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 ounce caramel vodka chilled, for optimal taste
- ½ ounce apple cider chilled, for a crisp apple flavor
- ½ ounce sour apple mixer chilled, for tartness and color
- caramel sauce for rimming the shot glasses
- apple slice for a fresh and festive garnish
Instructions
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Prepare the Glasses: Dip the rims of your chosen shot glasses into the caramel sauce. Rotate the glass to get a thick, even coating. For a beautiful drip effect, ensure a generous layer of caramel.
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Mix the Shot: Into your prepared shot glass, carefully pour 1 ounce of chilled caramel vodka, followed by ½ ounce of chilled apple cider, and then ½ ounce of chilled sour apple mixer.
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish each shot with a fresh apple slice on the rim. Serve immediately to enjoy the refreshing chill and delicious flavors.
Notes
For a more vibrant green color, add a single drop of green food coloring to the shot mixture and stir gently before serving.
Making shots for a crowd? Mix up the shots in a cocktail shaker in the following ratio: 2 parts caramel vodka, 1 part apple cider, 1 part sour apple mixer. Pour over ice and shake, then strain into prepared shot glasses.
Nutrition
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We hope you enjoy these incredibly tasty and easy-to-make Caramel Apple Shots this fall. They’re sure to bring a festive spirit to any occasion and delight your guests with their perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors. Cheers to a delicious autumn!