Happy Friday, folks! I am so sorry I’ve been absent the past couple of weeks, sometimes life just blurs right by Friday (after Friday, after Friday). Anyway, I’m back and since we just had our first cold front of the season, I’m in full swing with a festive Fall inspired cocktail this week.

Nothing says Fall Festival to me quite like apples do! I’ve always loved them and growing up in Florida, it was the only one of my cherished fruits that didn’t grow locally. I mean I love everything about apples. As a kid, I loved to bob for them at our little church festivals and I would eat an entire apple pie if allowed. My favorite apple treat was a luscious, caramel coated apple from the county fair. Well, I’m all grown up now, but the desire that candy coated goodness still remains.

I wanted to put a twist on the ever popular (but somewhat girly) Appletini that would make me want to order one (without embarrassment) at the bar. This one took some time to figure out the ratios so that it wasn’t too boozey or sugary, but once I shook it up, poured it out and handed to over Tina and received a big smile and nod of approval, I knew it was right on the money.

Fall’s here (only through the weekend for us in Florida); pull out your boots and scarves and cocktail shakers and treat yourself with this tasty little sipper.

CHEERS!

The Hubs

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Caramel Appletini

Ingredients:

For the Caramelized Simple Syrup
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 cup boiling water

For the Caramel Appletini
2 oz apple vodka
1 1/2 oz fresh apple cider
1 oz caramelized simple syrup
1 oz lemon juice
caramel topping for garnish

Directions:

Caramelized simple syrup
Pour sugar into a sauce pan over medium heat. Stir sugar to keep from scorching until sugar has completely melted. Slowly pour in boiling water (be careful and avoid steam) and continue to stir until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Pour simple syrup into an air tight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 8 weeks.

For the Caramel Appletini
Take a chilled martini glass and swirl / drizzle the inside of the glass with caramel sauce and set aside. Combine remaining ingredients in an ice filled cocktail shaker and shake vigorously (10 – 15 seconds). Slowly pour cocktail into caramel garnished glass and enjoy.