Description

This festive Thanksgiving cocktail combines the warm flavors of apple cider and vanilla with a touch of sparkle from champagne or prosecco. A homemade vanilla bean simple syrup adds depth, and an optional apple cider caramel rim with maple sugar and cinnamon makes it extra special.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup:

1/2 cup water
1/2 cup maple sugar (see notes)
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped

For the Cocktail (per serving):

2 cups apple cider (see notes)
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
2 ounces (1/4 cup) gluten-free vodka (potato or grape-based, such as Ciroc)
1/3 cup ice cubes
1/2 cup chilled champagne or prosecco

For the Garnishes (Optional):

Apple cider caramel (see notes for recipe link – you would insert your own internal link here)
1/4 cup maple sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup diced apple, for skewers (see notes)

Instructions

Make the Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup:

Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the water and maple sugar.
Add Vanilla: Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with the back of a knife. Add both the seeds and the pod to the saucepan.
Simmer: Whisk the mixture together. Bring to a simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the maple sugar is completely dissolved (about 5 minutes).
Cool: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool completely. Remove the vanilla bean pod before storing or using.

2. Prepare Garnishes (Optional):

Caramel Rim: If using, prepare the apple cider caramel according to the recipe (linked in the original post – you would insert your own internal link here). Let it cool slightly.
Cinnamon Sugar: In a small, shallow dish, combine the 1/4 cup maple sugar and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir well to combine.
Rim Glasses: Dip the rim of each martini glass (or other cocktail glass) into the slightly cooled caramel, then dip it into the cinnamon-maple sugar mixture, coating the rim evenly.
Apple Skewers: Dice apple. Prepare skewers

3. Make the Cocktail (Per Serving):

Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the apple cider, lemon juice, vodka, ice cubes, and 1/4 cup of the cooled vanilla bean simple syrup. Adjust the amount of simple syrup to your preference; add more for a sweeter cocktail.
Shake: Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, or until well-chilled.
Add Champagne:** Carefully add the chilled champagne or prosecco to the shaker. Do not shake vigorously after adding the champagne. Gently stir with a spoon to combine, being careful not to over-stir and cause the champagne to lose its bubbles.
Strain: Strain the cocktail into the prepared, sugared-rimmed martini glass (or other cocktail glass), leaving the ice behind.

4. Garnish and Serve:

Garnish with the apple skewers. Serve immediately.

Notes

Maple Sugar: Maple sugar adds a unique maple flavor to the simple syrup and the rim. If you can’t find maple sugar, you can substitute granulated sugar, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Vanilla Bean: Using a whole vanilla bean infuses the simple syrup with a rich vanilla flavor. You can substitute 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, but the flavor will be less intense.
Apple Cider: Use a good-quality apple cider, preferably one that is only apples and spices. Avoid ciders with added sugar or artificial flavors.
Vodka: Use a gluten-free vodka, such as potato or grape-based vodka (like Ciroc), if needed.
Champagne/Prosecco: Use a dry (brut) or extra-dry champagne or prosecco.
Apple Cider Caramel: The apple cider caramel rim is optional but adds a delicious and festive touch. The original recipe provides a link to a separate recipe, which you would replace with an internal link to your own caramel recipe.
Apple Skewers: For the apple skewers, use a firm apple variety that won’t brown quickly, such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. Toss the diced apple with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
Simple Syrup Storage: Leftover vanilla bean simple syrup can be stored in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It’s delicious in cocktails, coffee, or tea.
Serving Suggestion: Enjoy!