Caramel Apple Tequila

Caramel Apple Tequila

This Caramel Apple Tequila is our cozy take on an apple tequila cocktail, built on nothing more than SWOL Añejo and apple juice with a caramel finish. The aged tequila brings oak and vanilla, crisp apple juice keeps it refreshing, and a swirl of caramel plus a pinch of salt turns it into a salted-caramel-apple sipper. It shakes up over ice in a rocks glass in about two minutes. Below you get the exact ratio, a salted caramel rim, garnish ideas, and a batch version for a crowd.

INGREDIENTS
  • 2 oz SWOL Añejo Tequila (the hero: aged oak and caramel notes make it taste like it belongs)
  • 2 oz apple juice (fresh-pressed gives the cleanest, crispest flavor)
  • 0.5 oz caramel syrup (pourable syrup blends better than thick caramel sauce)
  • Pinch of sea salt (optional, to turn it into salted caramel apple)
  • Fresh ice, plus an apple slice and cinnamon stick to garnish
HOW TO PREPARE
  1. Add SWOL Añejo, apple juice, caramel syrup, and the pinch of salt to a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake for about 12 seconds until chilled.
  3. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass.
  4. Express the oils from an apple peel over the glass, then garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.
Style of Glass to use
  • Rocks Glass
Garnishes
  • Cinnamon Stick

Tequila and apple juice ratio

The house pour is a balanced 1 to 1, two ounces of añejo to two ounces of apple juice, which keeps the tequila present without letting the juice take over. For a lighter, more sessionable drink, go 2 oz tequila to 3 oz juice. For a spirit-forward sip, drop the juice to 1.5 oz. The caramel adds sweetness, so taste before adding more.

Salted caramel rim

For a salted caramel rim, drizzle caramel syrup on a small plate, dip the outer edge of the glass, then roll it in a mix of coarse sugar and a little flaky sea salt. It makes every sip read as salted caramel apple and looks the part for fall gatherings.

Best apple juice and caramel

Fresh-pressed or cloudy apple juice tastes brighter and less sugary than clear-from-concentrate. For caramel, a pourable caramel syrup mixes evenly, while thick ice-cream caramel needs stirring to dissolve. If you like the caramel-apple contrast sharper, keep the pinch of salt; skip it for a sweeter, more dessert-like drink.

Batch and mocktail versions

To batch for a party, combine tequila, apple juice, and caramel in a pitcher at eight times the recipe, stir with a cup of water for dilution, and serve over ice with salted rims. For a mocktail, skip the tequila and use apple juice, caramel, salt, and a splash of soda, or steep a black-tea base for a little backbone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does tequila and apple juice taste like?

Crisp and cozy; the aged tequila adds oak and caramel that complement the apple.

What tequila is best with apple juice?

An añejo like SWOL, whose caramel and vanilla notes match the flavor.

Is this a margarita?

No, there is no lime or citrus; it is an apple-and-caramel tequila cocktail served on the rocks.

Can I use caramel sauce instead of syrup?

Yes, but warm or stir it so it dissolves fully.

What apple juice should I use?

Fresh-pressed or cloudy juice for the cleanest flavor.

Is it served up or on the rocks?

On the rocks in a rocks glass.

How do I make it less sweet?

Cut the caramel to a quarter ounce and keep the pinch of salt.

Caramel Apple Tequila TIPS

Balance Sweet & Salt

Add a pinch of sea salt to the shake to enhance the caramel’s richness and balance the sweetness, making the flavors pop. For a fresh aroma, express the oils of an apple peel over the glass before garnishing with the slice. Bonus: use fresh-pressed apple juice for the brightest, most natural flavor.

MADE WITH

SWOL Anejo Tequila Limited Release (750Ml)

750 ML

$89.99

$109.99

Sale

SWOL Anejo Tequila Limited Release is an extremely limited edition; a special release of just 10,000 bottles. Each hand-numbered bottle has a peel-off iron patch which is designed by Los Angeles-based artist Rise Work.

Combining ancient and modern techniques and a deep love and passion for Authentic Tequila, SWOL Tequila comes from Mexico. When two friends journeyed to Mexico...

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