It's officially the first day of Fall!!!
And even though Southern California has yet to get the memo (why is it so HOT?) - we're still breaking out the warm apple cider. In honor of the new season, Crystal (my classmate/baking soulmate) and I threw together an incredible Fall meal - Stuffed Acorn Squash, Whoopie Pumpkin Pies (hehe, she's also a food-naming genius,) and of course, these outrageous Adult Caramel Apple Cider drinks.
All in all, I'd say it was a pretty A+ Fall menu. (Hey, Food Network - hire us?!)
All in all, I'd say it was a pretty A+ Fall menu. (Hey, Food Network - hire us?!)
So about this Adult Caramel Apple Cider...
Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not a fan of alcoholic drinks...but this cider is a different story. It's like a hug in a mason jar. Warm and cinnamon-y with just a slight kick. Crystal knew that the key to making this drink incredibly smooth would be to use a great quality vodka.
And I knew that the key to making it a drink I'd actually enjoy would be topping it with pumpkin pie whipped cream and lots and lots of homemade caramel sauce.
We make a great team, don't we?!
Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not a fan of alcoholic drinks...but this cider is a different story. It's like a hug in a mason jar. Warm and cinnamon-y with just a slight kick. Crystal knew that the key to making this drink incredibly smooth would be to use a great quality vodka.
And I knew that the key to making it a drink I'd actually enjoy would be topping it with pumpkin pie whipped cream and lots and lots of homemade caramel sauce.
We make a great team, don't we?!
Another reason why this drink is great is that it's SO simple to make. Just throw some apple cider and some vodka into a crockpot and let it heat up - it makes a ton of servings, so it's perfect for a holiday party.
Line a table with toppings and allow your guests to decorate to their heart's content.
Adult Caramel Apple Cider
Serves 12.
INGREDIENTS
For the cider...
1 jug (89 FL OZ) of good quality apple cider
2 cups of Stoli Salted Karamel Vodka (or more, depending on taste)
For the homemade caramel drizzle...
2 tbsp. butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/8 cup warm milk or cream
A splash of vanilla (optional)
For the toppings...
Pumpkin pie whipped cream
Cinnamon, for topping drinks
Pumpkin biscotti (Trader Joe's)
DIRECTIONS
1. Pour the apple cider and vodka into a crockpot on high heat. Adjust the amount of vodka based on personal preference. Allow the drink to become hot, and then turn the crockpot to low.
2. While the cider heats, make the caramel drizzle. Melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan on medium heat.
3. Once the mixture looks bubbly (about 3 minutes), whisk in the warm milk until the sauce becomes cohesive and smooth (add more or less milk depending on how thick/thin you'd like your caramel to be.) Add a splash of vanilla for flavor and pour into a serving dish.
4. When ready to serve the drinks, pour the hot adult caramel apple cider into mason jars. Top the cider with whipped cream, cinnamon, and caramel. Pair with a pumpkin biscotti for ultimate yumminess!
5. ENJOY, and Happy Fall!!
{Thanks to Crystal for her never-ending list of incredible ideas! Oh, and if you're into ridiculously delicious savory dishes - don't miss her Pinterest.}
enjoy*