Sparkling Caramel Apple Mimosas: The Ultimate Fall & Holiday Brunch Cocktail Recipe
As the leaves begin to change and a crisp breeze fills the air, there’s nothing quite like the comforting flavors of fall. And what better way to celebrate the season than with a delightful, bubbly cocktail? These Caramel Apple Mimosas are an absolute sensation, perfectly capturing the essence of autumn in every sip. We’ve had the pleasure of serving them at numerous gatherings, from intimate Friendsgiving get-togethers to festive Thanksgiving brunches, and they are consistently met with rave reviews and eager smiles.
Imagine the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon mingling with the rich sweetness of caramel and the crisp tartness of fresh apple cider, all elevated by the celebratory fizz of chilled champagne. This isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience designed to make your fall holidays truly sparkle. With just a handful of readily available ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up these stunning and utterly delicious drinks that are sure to impress your guests and become a cherished part of your seasonal traditions. Get ready to elevate your autumn entertaining with this irresistible mimosa recipe!
Why These Caramel Apple Mimosas Are Your Go-To Fall Drink
There’s an undeniable magic about fall that draws us towards cozy comforts and rich, inviting flavors. As autumn leaves paint the landscape and the air turns crisp, our palates instinctively crave ingredients like apples, pumpkins, and warm spices. This Caramel Apple Mimosa recipe perfectly taps into that seasonal desire, offering a sophisticated yet wonderfully approachable cocktail that embodies everything we love about fall.
What makes this recipe truly stand out is its impeccable balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the caramel apple dip and a hint of caramel syrup is beautifully complemented by the subtle spice of cinnamon and the crisp, refreshing tang of apple cider. When combined with the light, effervescent kick of chilled champagne, you get a drink that is both indulgent and invigorating. It’s not overly sweet, allowing the distinct notes of each component to shine through, creating a harmonious blend that delights the senses.
Beyond its incredible taste, this mimosa is also incredibly versatile and perfectly suited for a variety of fall occasions. Whether you’re hosting a festive Thanksgiving brunch, a casual Friendsgiving dinner, a pre-pumpkin patch gathering, or simply enjoying a relaxing weekend morning, these mimosas add a touch of elegance and celebration without any fuss. They are effortlessly beautiful, especially with the eye-catching caramel and cinnamon-sugar rim, making them a stunning centerpiece for any drink station. Plus, their simplicity ensures you spend less time bartending and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones. It’s a foolproof recipe designed for maximum enjoyment and minimum stress.
Related Recipe: For an extra touch of homemade goodness, consider making your own Caramel Sauce to use for the rim or as an additional drizzle!
Essential Ingredients for Your Caramel Apple Mimosas
Crafting the perfect Caramel Apple Mimosa starts with selecting quality ingredients. While the recipe calls for simple components, paying a little attention to your choices can elevate your cocktail from good to absolutely unforgettable.
- Brown Sugar & Ground Cinnamon: This duo forms the basis of our irresistible spiced rim. Dark brown sugar will lend a deeper, more molasses-like flavor, while light brown sugar offers a milder sweetness. Freshly ground cinnamon will always deliver a more vibrant aroma and taste than pre-ground, but either will work beautifully.
- Caramel Apple Dip: This sticky, sweet base is crucial for getting that festive rim to stick. You can find excellent ready-made caramel apple dips in most grocery stores, especially during the fall season. For an extra touch, you could even try a homemade caramel sauce, though store-bought works wonderfully for convenience.
- California Champagne (or other sparkling wine), chilled: The bubbly heart of any mimosa! While the recipe suggests California Champagne, any dry or semi-dry sparkling wine will be fantastic. Options include Prosecco (often fruitier and slightly sweeter), Cava (a Spanish sparkling wine, usually drier), or even a Crémant from France. The key is to ensure it’s well-chilled to maintain maximum fizz and refreshment.
- Apple Cider, chilled and shaken: Opt for a good quality, unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor. The cloudiness indicates it contains more of the apple’s natural flavor and pulp. Shaking it before pouring ensures any settled apple solids are re-incorporated, giving your mimosa a consistent taste and appearance.
- Caramel Beverage Syrup: This syrup adds a concentrated burst of caramel flavor to each drink. Remember, a little goes a long way, as it’s quite sweet. Adjust to your personal preference, but start with just a dash.
- Thinly Sliced Apples for Garnish: A beautiful and edible garnish! Crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work exceptionally well. They provide a lovely textural contrast and a fresh apple aroma.
Crafting Your Caramel Apple Mimosas: A Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to guide you through making this recipe. For a quick reference or to print, you can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions at the bottom of the page.
-
Prepare Your Spiced Sugar Rim: In a small, shallow bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir them together thoroughly until they are well integrated. This mixture will create a beautifully fragrant and flavorful rim for your mimosa glasses. Set this bowl aside, ready for dipping.
-
Apply the Caramel Dip: In a separate small, shallow bowl (one that’s wide enough for your champagne flutes), spread a layer of caramel apple dip. Ensure it’s evenly distributed across the bottom. Carefully take each of your 8 champagne glasses and gently dip the rim into the caramel apple dip. Twist the glass slightly to ensure an even coating of caramel around the entire circumference. The caramel acts as a delicious adhesive for the spiced sugar.
-
Add the Spiced Sugar Rim: Immediately after dipping in caramel, gently dip the caramel-coated rim of each glass into the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Again, rotate the glass carefully to ensure the spiced sugar adheres well to the caramel. You’ll be left with a beautiful, edible rim that adds both flavor and visual appeal to your mimosas.
-
Pour the Champagne: With your beautifully rimmed glasses ready, it’s time for the bubbly! Carefully pour the chilled champagne into each glass until they are about halfway full. Pouring slowly helps to preserve the effervescence. Remember, the colder your champagne, the longer it will retain its wonderful fizz.
-
Add Apple Cider: Gently top off each glass with the chilled apple cider. Pour until the liquid reaches about ¼ inch from the top of the glass. This ratio ensures a perfect balance of apple flavor and champagne sparkle. Remember to shake your apple cider beforehand, as natural apple solids can settle at the bottom.
-
Finish with Caramel Syrup: For that extra layer of caramel richness, add just a dash of caramel beverage syrup to each glass. Remember, this syrup is quite potent, so a small amount is usually perfect to enhance the flavor without making the drink overly sweet. You can adjust this to taste if you prefer a sweeter cocktail.
-
Garnish and Serve: Complete your beautiful mimosas by garnishing each with a thin slice of fresh apple. You can place the slice directly into the drink or carefully notch it onto the rim of the glass. For an extra festive touch, consider adding a small cinnamon stick or a star anise pod. Serve these delightful drinks promptly to enjoy them at their best, while they’re still sparkling and cold.
Expert Tips for Your Best Caramel Apple Mimosa
While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few expert tips can ensure your Caramel Apple Mimosas are absolutely perfect every time:
- Keep Everything Chilled: The key to a good mimosa is keeping your ingredients, especially the champagne and apple cider, as cold as possible. This helps maintain the bubbly effervescence and ensures a refreshing drink.
- Prepare Rims Ahead: You can prepare the caramel and spiced sugar rims up to an hour in advance. Just keep the glasses in the refrigerator to prevent the caramel from getting too soft or sticky.
- Prevent Apple Browning: To keep your apple garnishes looking fresh, slice them just before serving or soak them briefly in a bowl of water with a tablespoon of lemon juice or a pinch of honey. Pat them dry before using.
- Gentle Pouring: When adding champagne, tilt the glass slightly and pour slowly down the side. This technique helps preserve the carbonation, giving you a longer-lasting fizz.
- Adjust Sweetness: The caramel beverage syrup is potent. Start with a dash, taste, and add more if you prefer a sweeter drink. You can also vary the sweetness of your apple cider (e.g., choose a sweeter cider if your champagne is very dry).
- Serving for a Crowd: If you’re hosting a larger gathering, arrange all your rimmed glasses on a large tray. This makes it easy to pour the drinks assembly-line style and then transport them all at once.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: For a delightful mocktail, simply replace the champagne with sparkling apple cider or a good quality sparkling grape juice. The caramel and apple flavors will still shine through!
Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Apple Mimosas
While you can certainly combine the apple cider and champagne in a pitcher, it’s generally best to do this right before serving to maintain the champagne’s fizz. To prepare in advance, mix only the apple cider. Then, when ready to serve, fill individual glasses halfway with champagne, top with the pre-mixed cider, and finally add a dash of caramel beverage syrup to each glass. This method ensures maximum freshness and sparkle for every serving.
Yes, unfortunately, any sparkling wine will slowly lose its effervescence once the bottle is opened and mixed. This process is accelerated when combined with other liquids and left to sit. To combat this, it is crucial to keep your champagne (or sparkling wine) and apple cider well-chilled until the very last moment. If you’re serving a pitcher, prepare the non-carbonated components ahead of time, but only combine the champagne and apple cider just before your guests arrive or when you’re ready to pour the first round.
To ensure your apple garnishes stay beautifully crisp and vibrant, slice them ahead of time and immediately place them in a bowl of cold water mixed with a small amount of lemon juice (about 1 tablespoon per cup of water). You can also use a splash of honey in water as an alternative. The acidity or sugar prevents oxidation. Drain and pat them dry just before garnishing your mimosas.
For mimosas, a dry or semi-dry sparkling wine is often preferred to balance the sweetness of the fruit juice. Brut Champagne or a dry Prosecco (like Prosecco Brut) are excellent choices. Cava, a Spanish sparkling wine, is another great and often more affordable option. While the recipe suggests California Champagne, feel free to choose based on your preference and budget.
Absolutely! To create a delicious non-alcoholic Caramel Apple Mimosa, simply substitute the champagne with sparkling apple cider or sparkling white grape juice. All other ingredients and steps, including the festive caramel and cinnamon-sugar rim, remain the same, ensuring a delightful drink for all ages and preferences.
There’s something truly special about the combination of crisp apple cider and decadent caramel, especially when paired with the joyful fizz of a mimosa. These Caramel Apple Mimosas are not just a drink; they’re an invitation to savor the season, whether you’re starting a fall morning adventure to the pumpkin patch or toasting with loved ones during Thanksgiving brunch. They’re effortlessly elegant, bursting with iconic fall flavors, and simple to prepare, making them an ideal choice for any autumn celebration.
Bring the warmth and cheer of fall into your home with these delicious and easy-to-make mimosas. They’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and add a touch of golden sparkle to your cherished holiday moments. Cheers to fall!
More Sparkling Champagne & Prosecco Drink Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy the delightful bubbles of a good mimosa or prosecco cocktail, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes perfect for any celebration:
- Classic Mimosas: The timeless brunch favorite.
- Cranberry Mimosa: A festive and tart twist, perfect for winter holidays.
- Peach Bellini: A taste of Italy with sweet peach puree and prosecco.
- French 75: A sophisticated gin and champagne cocktail.
- Pineapple Prosecco Punch: A tropical and refreshing crowd-pleaser.
- Cranberry Prosecco Punch: Another excellent option for holiday gatherings.
- Cranberry Holiday Punch: A vibrant and delicious non-alcoholic or alcoholic option.
I genuinely adore creating and sharing my kitchen experiences with all of you! To make sure you never miss a new recipe, I offer a convenient newsletter delivered right to your inbox every time a fresh post goes live. Simply subscribe here and start receiving your free daily recipes to inspire your culinary adventures!
Caramel Apple Mimosas
IMPORTANT – Don’t forget to scroll up and read the Frequently Asked Questions and Pro Tips within the blog post for helpful advice!
Print It
Pin It
Rate It
Save ItSaved!
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons caramel apple dip
- 750 ml bottle California Champagne, chilled
- 3 cups apple cider chilled and shaken up
- dash Caramel beverage syrup
- Thinly sliced apples for garnish
Things You’ll Need
-
Champagne flutes
Before You Begin (Pro Tips for Success)
- Prevent Apple Browning: Slice your apples ahead of time and place them in water with a little bit of lemon juice or honey to prevent browning. Pat dry before use.
- Sweetness Adjustment: The caramel beverage syrup is very sweet; start with only a dash for a subtle flavor enhancement. You can always add more to taste.
- Effortless Serving: For easy serving at parties, arrange all your champagne glasses on a large tray. Prepare the drinks directly on the tray, making transportation and distribution a breeze!
- Maintain the Fizz: Always keep your champagne or sparkling wine well-chilled. Colder liquids retain their bubbles longer, ensuring your mimosas stay wonderfully effervescent.
- Shake Your Cider: Apple cider can naturally separate, with some solids settling at the bottom. Be sure to stir or shake your apple cider thoroughly before adding it to your glasses for consistent flavor and appearance.
Instructions
-
In a small, shallow bowl, stir brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined. Set this spiced sugar mixture aside.
-
In a separate shallow bowl, spread caramel apple dip evenly across the bottom. Dip the rim of each of 8 champagne glasses into the caramel apple dip, twisting gently to coat.
-
Next, immediately dip the caramel-coated rim of each glass into the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture, rotating to ensure an even, festive rim.
-
Carefully pour chilled champagne into each prepared glass until they are approximately half full.
-
Top off each glass with chilled and shaken apple cider, filling until about ¼ inch from the top.
-
Add just a dash of caramel beverage syrup to each glass for an extra layer of caramel flavor. Adjust to taste.
-
Garnish each mimosa with a thinly sliced apple wedge and serve promptly to enjoy at its sparkling best.
Nutrition Information
|
Calories: 112cal
|
Carbohydrates: 18g
|
Protein: 1g
|
Fat: 1g
|
Saturated Fat: 1g
|
Sodium: 13mg
|
Potassium: 180mg
|
Fiber: 1g
|
Sugar: 15g
|
Vitamin C: 1mg
|
Calcium: 26mg
|
Iron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Follow on Pinterest @AmandasCookin or tag #AmandasCookin!
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.