Caramel Apple Cider Mimosas: The Perfect Sparkling Fall Cocktail for Brunch
Author: Jason Griffith
There are drinks, and then there are experience drinks. This Caramel Apple Cider Mimosa is firmly in the second category. It’s more than just a cocktail; it’s a glass full of autumn nostalgia. Imagine the crisp, sweet tang of good apple cider, the rich, buttery indulgence of caramel, and the celebratory fizz of sparkling wine—all in one perfectly balanced sip.
Whether you’re hosting a fall brunch, planning your Thanksgiving menu, or just looking for a simple, cozy cocktail to enjoy by the fire, this recipe is your answer. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires only a few ingredients, and the simple act of creating that gorgeous, sugared caramel rim makes it feel instantly special.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’ll be honest: I love a classic mimosa, but sometimes, a holiday or season calls for something a little more exciting. This recipe takes the beloved brunch staple and dresses it up in its autumn best.
What makes this my go-to fall cocktail?
- It’s Fast: We’re talking under 5 minutes from craving to first sip. You can whip up a batch as your guests arrive without missing a beat.
- The Caramel Rim is a Game-Changer: Seriously, that simple mix of gooey caramel and crunchy brown sugar is the element that elevates this from a casual drink to a centerpiece cocktail. It adds a delicious texture and an extra layer of sweetness that perfectly complements the tart cider.
- It’s Versatile: As you’ll see in the tips below, this can easily be made into a sparkling non-alcoholic mocktail for all ages, or it can be a showstopper at your next holiday gathering.
Ingredients
This recipe is simple and makes three delicious servings. You can easily scale it up for a crowd!
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
| Cold Apple Cider | 1 cup | Freshly pressed apple cider is best, but a high-quality filtered cider works well, too. |
| Cold Champagne or Prosecco | 1/2 bottle | Chilled is key! Prosecco or a dry Cava tends to pair well with the apple flavor. |
| Caramel Sauce | 3 tbsp | Use your favorite store-bought sauce or a homemade one. |
| Brown Sugar | 2 tbsp | For the rim. You can substitute cinnamon sugar for a more spiced rim. |
| Apple Slices | For garnish | Thinly sliced for floating, or cut into small wedges to perch on the rim. |
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Swaps and Notes
- The Sparkling Wine: You don’t have to use expensive Champagne. A crisp, dry Prosecco or a lighter, sweeter Moscato d’Asti (if you like a sweeter drink) are excellent choices.
- The Rim: If you don’t have brown sugar, mix granulated sugar with a pinch of cinnamon. Or, skip the sugar and use just the caramel for a sleek, sweet rim.
- The Cider: For a slightly more spiced flavor, look for a spiced apple cider.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Easily swap the champagne/Prosecco for sparkling apple cider, ginger ale, or club sodafor a sophisticated mocktail.
Instructions: The Ultimate Caramel Apple Mimosa
Follow these simple steps for a picture-perfect, delicious mimosa every time.
Step 1: Prep the Caramel Rim
- Spread the 2 tablespoons of brown sugar in a shallow dish.
- Pour a small amount of caramel sauce onto a separate, shallow plate.
- Take your champagne flute or coupe glass, turn it upside down, and gently dip the rim into the caramel sauce. You only need a thin, even layer.
- Immediately dip the caramel-coated rim into the brown sugar, rotating gently to coat evenly. Set the glasses aside.
Step 2: Build the Drink
- Pour the chilled apple cider halfway into each of the prepared glasses (about 1/3 cup per glass).
- Slowly top each glass with the cold champagne or prosecco. Pouring slowly will help preserve the carbonation.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
- Take a small teaspoon of the remaining caramel sauce and gently drizzle it down the inside of the glass. This creates beautiful, sweet streaks that look incredible.
- Garnish with a thin slice of fresh apple on the rim, or drop a few small apple pieces directly into the drink.
- Serve immediately while the fizz is at its peak!
Tips for Success
- Keep it Ice Cold: The secret to a perfect mimosa is using extra-cold ingredients. Keep your apple cider and sparkling wine in the fridge until the very last moment. The colder the liquids, the better and longer the fizz will last.
- Pour Slowly and at an Angle: When adding the sparkling wine, tilt your glass slightly and pour slowly down the side. This technique helps to minimize the foam and maximize the bubbles.
- Batch It for a Crowd (Sort Of): While you shouldn’t mix the whole batch hours ahead (you’ll lose the bubbles!), you can have a large pitcher of chilled apple cider ready to go. Set up your rimmed glasses, keep the cider and Prosecco nearby, and let guests mix their own, or mix them right before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This caramel apple cocktail is versatile. It’s light and sparkling enough for brunch, but the rich caramel notes make it decadent enough for dessert.
Brunch Pairings
Serve these mimosas alongside a big, fluffy breakfast bake or even a quick sweet treat like These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins Are My Favorite Fall Treat to Bake on Repeat. The apple and spice flavors complement each other perfectly.
Dessert Pairings
The creamy, caramel notes in this mimosa make it a fantastic accompaniment to fall desserts. Try it with Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Are My Favorite Fall Treat in Bite-Sized Form or This Pumpkin Delight Dessert Is My Favorite No-Bake Fall Treat.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
(Estimates based on standard ingredients and a typical dry Prosecco. Does not include the rim garnish.)
| Per Serving (1/3 cup cider, 1/6 bottle prosecco) | |
| Calories | ≈150 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Total Carbs | 18g |
| Sugar | 16g |
| Alcohol | ≈9g |
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Storage and Leftover Tips
If you have leftover apple cider, simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The champagne/Prosecco must be consumed immediately, as it will lose its carbonation quickly once opened. If you have leftover sparkling wine, use a specialty stopper (like a champagne sealer) to keep the bubbles for a day or two.
Do not pre-mix the drink and store it. The carbonation will be completely gone, leaving you with a flat, sweet cider drink.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed this seasonal, sparkling cocktail, you might love these other chefmaniac favorites:
- For another fun, fruity drink: This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days
- For a colorful party punch: This Rainbow Sangria Is My Favorite Colorful Drink for Any Celebration
- For a sweet fall dessert: This Pumpkin Delight Dessert Is My Favorite No-Bake Fall Treat
Final Thoughts
The Caramel Apple Cider Mimosa is proof that simple changes can create magnificent results. It captures the essence of a beautiful autumn day in a glass and is truly one of the most delightful ways to toast the season. Give it a try at your next gathering—I guarantee your friends will be asking for the recipe.
Did you try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the rim? Let me know in the comments how your perfect fall mimosa turned out!
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