Caramel Apple Mimosas are the ultimate fall brunch cocktail — sweet, sparkling, and irresistibly cozy from the very first sip. This festive drink transforms the nostalgic flavor of caramel-dipped apples into a bubbly, elegant mimosa that feels like autumn in a glass. Each sip delivers the crisp tang of apple cider, the buttery richness of caramel vodka, and the effervescence of chilled champagne. It’s the kind of drink that instantly brightens a brunch table, whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving morning, hosting a fall bridal shower, or simply enjoying a lazy Sunday wrapped in a blanket.
What makes these Caramel Apple Mimosas so special is how effortlessly they combine seasonal warmth and sophistication. They’re quick to prepare, visually stunning, and taste like a dessert and a cocktail rolled into one. The caramel-sugar rim sparkles under soft lighting, while the fizz of champagne adds a festive finish that makes every toast feel magical. Serve them with apple cinnamon pastries, pancakes, or a classic cheese board — this drink pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory dishes.
When it comes to autumn entertaining, few cocktails deliver this much comfort, sparkle, and visual appeal in so little time. With their golden hue and cozy aroma, Caramel Apple Mimosas are not just a drink — they’re the season’s sweetest celebration in a glass.
🍎 Ingredients for Caramel Apple Mimosas
- 4 oz apple cider (chilled)
- 2 oz caramel vodka (or regular vodka with caramel syrup)
- 4 oz chilled champagne or sparkling wine
- 1 tbsp caramel sauce (for rim)
- 1 tbsp cinnamon sugar (for rim)
- Apple slices & cinnamon sticks for garnish
💡 Pro Tip: Choose crisp apple cider — not apple juice — for richer, more authentic fall flavor. If you want a lighter drink, use prosecco instead of champagne.
🥂 How to Make Caramel Apple Mimosas
Step 1 – Prepare the Glasses
- Dip the rim of each glass in caramel sauce.
- Then coat with cinnamon sugar for a festive, flavorful touch.
Step 2 – Build the Mimosa - Pour caramel vodka and apple cider into the prepared glasses.
- Top slowly with champagne to preserve the fizz.
- Garnish with apple slices or a cinnamon stick.
🍸 Variations of the Caramel Apple Mimosas
- Salted Caramel Mimosa: Use salted caramel vodka and rim glasses with sea salt and caramel.
- Cran-Apple Mimosa: Add 1 oz cranberry juice for a tangy, ruby-red version.
- Caramel Apple Punch: Multiply the recipe and serve in a pitcher or punch bowl for parties.
- Spiced Apple Mimosa: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg directly into the drink.
- Mocktail Version: Skip the alcohol and use sparkling apple cider for a family-friendly drink.
🍏 Cooking Notes
Use freshly chilled ingredients — the colder, the better. Apple cider and champagne should be kept in the fridge until just before serving. For a more decadent presentation, drizzle caramel sauce inside the glass before pouring the drink. If you prefer stronger caramel flavor, swirl in an extra teaspoon of caramel syrup. Always pour champagne last to keep bubbles intact.
🧡 Serving Suggestions
The Caramel Apple Mimosa is perfect for autumn brunches, fall weddings, and holiday parties. Serve in champagne flutes or coupe glasses for an elegant presentation. For rustic gatherings, mason jars with cinnamon-sugar rims add a cozy farmhouse vibe. It pairs beautifully with pancakes, apple tarts, or savory brunch dishes like quiche. For Thanksgiving, serve it as a welcome drink — its golden sparkle sets a festive tone before the meal even begins.
🎉 Party Serving Ideas
- Mimosa Bar Setup: Offer a variety of juices (apple, pear, cranberry) with flavored vodkas for guests to customize.
- Caramel Drizzle Station: Set out caramel sauce, cinnamon sticks, and whipped cream for creative garnishes.
- Themed Glassware: Serve in etched glasses or gold-rimmed flutes for fall elegance.
- Apple Garnish Bar: Slice red, green, and honeycrisp apples for guests to choose their favorite.
- Pumpkin Spice Pairing: Offer pumpkin muffins or cinnamon rolls alongside the mimosas.
🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Make Ahead: Mix apple cider and caramel vodka in a pitcher up to 24 hours ahead. Keep chilled. Add champagne only when ready to serve.
Storage: Mimosas are best enjoyed fresh; leftover champagne loses carbonation quickly.
Serving Tip: Chill glasses in advance — a frosty glass enhances the experience and keeps the drink cool longer.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using warm ingredients: Always chill cider, vodka, and champagne.
- Pouring champagne too fast: It can overflow or lose its fizz.
- Skipping the rim garnish: The caramel-sugar rim adds crucial flavor and texture.
- Using apple juice instead of cider: Juice is too sweet and lacks depth.
- Overfilling the glass: Leave space for bubbles and garnishes.
💡 Tips for Success
Choose a dry champagne to balance the sweetness of caramel. If you prefer a richer taste, warm the caramel slightly before dipping rims. For a picture-perfect look, slice apples thinly and float them on top. Always add champagne last for the most satisfying sparkle. Hosting a crowd? Batch the cider and vodka in a pitcher, then pour into glasses and top with bubbles individually. Sprinkle a little cinnamon over the foam for a cozy touch.
⏰ Prep Time
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 5 minutes |
| Assembly | 2 minutes |
| Total Time | ~7 minutes |
🥄 Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Alcohol | ~10% ABV |
| Fat | 0 g |
❓ FAQs
Can I make this alcohol-free? Yes! Use sparkling apple cider instead of champagne and skip the vodka.
What’s the best apple cider to use? Unfiltered, cold-pressed cider gives the richest flavor.
Can I use prosecco instead of champagne? Absolutely — prosecco adds a slightly sweeter touch.
Can I make a large batch? Yes! Combine cider and vodka in a pitcher and top glasses with champagne when serving.
Can I make it ahead of time? Only mix cider and vodka ahead; add champagne right before serving to keep it bubbly.
🍂 More Fall Drinks & Ideas
🔗 Related Articles
- Best Mimosa Recipes – Liquor.com
- Apple Cider Cocktail Ideas – The Spruce Eats
- Caramel Vodka Drinks – Delish
- Holiday Brunch Cocktails – Food Network
🍎 Conclusion
The Caramel Apple Mimosa captures everything we love about fall — cozy comfort, sparkling joy, and a little hint of indulgence. It’s the kind of drink that makes brunches brighter and celebrations sweeter. The combination of crisp apple cider, buttery caramel, and effervescent champagne delivers a flavor that’s both elegant and nostalgic. It’s quick to make, easy to scale for crowds, and undeniably beautiful in every setting. Whether served on a crisp autumn morning or at a Thanksgiving gathering, this cocktail delivers all the sparkle and sweetness of the season in a single glass. So grab your flutes, swirl up some caramel magic, and toast to fall’s most enchanting sip — the Caramel Apple Mimosa. 🍂🥂
