Ahh, halloween. It makes sense why this was my favorite holiday growing up; the candy, costumes, candy, decorations, more candy. I love it all. Hence why I’ve had my decorations, crafts and ridiculously long list of festive foods planned (and some made..) since the beginning of September (well thanks to Pinterest, more like waaay before then). So I’m actually surprised that this is my first super festive blog post. I did do the pumpkin granola, but that’s not exactly something I would want to serve at a party or get together, and for me, getting together is what the holidays are all about. Which brings me to this cocktail.
Personally, I’m not a huge fan of those liquors that are super specific, like cookie dough or glazed donut (yes, those exist). I’d rather use a really good quality liquor and add the flavors myself. That way those large bottles aren’t sitting on your shelf or bar cart taking up space. Although I have recently become slightly obsessed with the idea of black vodka. I’m so intrigued by it – especially since I haven’t been able to find it anywhere. The more I can’t find something the more I obsess over it. Like black taper candles. I’ve. looked. EVERYWHERE. I know I can order them off of Amazon but I’m also a bargain hunter when it comes to decorations. I’m already living on a super tight budget, and holiday decorations aren’t technically “necessities” you know…
But anyway, this cocktail doesn’t actually have caramel or caramel flavored vodka in it. It’s made with a brown sugar simple syrup – and the rimmed glass is something you absolutely cannot skip. It makes it so delicious. You also might be asking yourself, caramel apple cocktails on a monday night? Well, tonight is a special night for me at least. (oh and I guess it’s Columbus day even though I had class..) My boyfriend was visiting this weekend, but he’s leaving tomorrow while I am at school.
On this night, we try and spend as much time together as possible rather than me slaving away in the kitchen all night. We usually eat a ton of junk food – like popcorn and m&m’s, tortizzas or pizzatillas (one of our favorite lazy day snacks where we use classico pasta sauce and mozzarella cheese on tortillas and make bootleg pizzas – ergo, the pizzatilla) some type of dip maybe etc. etc.
- 2 shots of good quality vodka
- 2 shots of apple cider
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of brown sugar (plus more for the rim)
- 1 tablespoon water
- tiny splash of vanilla
- about a tablespoon frozen cubed apples
- Make a simple syrup by combining the brown sugar and water and microwave together in a small glass for about 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle some brown sugar on a small plate. Dip your finger in the simple syrup and run it along the top of the rim, and then dip and twist the rim in the sugar until it's completely covered.
- With a cube or two of ice, mix all of the ingredients together until cold. Remove the ice, pour into the glass and enjoy!
I had this the other day and boy was it a panty dropper! Highly recommend it if your into seasonal cocktails!