Thanksgiving Vanilla Bean Caramel Apple Cider Sparkling Cocktail

• Produce

  • 1/2 cup Apple

• Condiments

  • 1/2 tsp Lemon juice

• Baking & Spices

  • 1 batch Apple cider caramel
  • 1/4 tsp Cinnamon
  • 3/4 cup Maple sugar
  • 1 Vanilla bean

• Drinks

  • 2 cups Apple cider

• Frozen

  • 1/3 cup Ice

• Beer, Wine & Liquor

  • 2 oz Vodka, gluten-free

• Liquids

  • 1/2 cup Water

• Other

  • ½ cup champagne or prosseco, chilled

Found on paleomg.com

Ingredients

• ½ cup water
• ½ cup maple sugar
• 1 vanilla bean
• 2 cups apple cider (be sure to check the label that its only apples and spices)
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 ounces gluten free vodka (potato or grape such as Ciroc)
• ⅓ cup ice
• ½ cup champagne or prosseco, chilled
• batch of apple cider caramel (optional)
• ¼ cup maple sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup diced apple, for skewers

Directions

• *If you are going to make the caramel for this recipe, do this now then set aside. But know that it is great without it!
• First, make the simple syrup. Place water and maple sugar in a saucepan then cut the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with the back of a knife. Place the seeds and the vanilla bean in the simple syrup, whisk together then let cook on low for about 5 minutes until maple sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool.
• Dip the rim of each martini glass into caramel then into maple sugar mixed with cinnamon until rims are completely covered.
• Place apple cider, lemon juice, vodka, ice and ¼ cup of simple syrup (or more if you prefer sweeter) in a shaker bottle and shake to combine. Then add in champagne and stir with a spoon to keep from bubbling over.
• Strain mixture (to keep ice out) directly into sugar rimmed martini glasses.
• Garnish with maple sugar coated diced apple skewers on top!
• Store simple syrup in an airtight jar or container for drinks in the future. Or your coffee!