Elevate Caramel Apple Cocktails Into Fall Classics With One Fizzy Addition

The ginger is harmonious with the sweet caramel and apple flavors but is still fresh enough to prevent the taste from skewing into candle-like territory. The fizzy, slightly spicy soda adds that signature fall warmth whether it's the main mixer in a cocktail — like in a caramel apple Moscow mule, for example — or just adding a splash of flavor. A caramel apple white wine sangria would be a great way to put this ginger ale pro-tip to use. Just combine apple cider, ginger ale, caramel vodka, and your favorite white wine. Garnish with fresh apple and orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and a caramel drizzle for a tasty fall drink that also makes a great centerpiece at your next seasonal gathering.

The dos and don'ts of crafting caramel apple cocktails with ginger ale

When adding it to caramel apple cocktails, ginger ale is overall quite forgiving with just a few exceptions. First, if your cocktail recipe calls for the ingredients to be shaken, be sure to add the ginger ale after the fact so the carbonation stays intact. Second, whiskey and vodka are going to be your best bet over rum, tequila, or other liquors. Whiskey pairs well with apple and has natural caramel notes, and vodka is a blank canvas for all kinds of different flavors.

The ultimate "do" when adding ginger ale to caramel apple cocktails, though, is making sure you use a quality ginger ale. There's lots of options, but we tasted and ranked 13 different ginger ales and selected Vernors brand as the top choice. Whatever your go-to caramel apple cocktail is, a splash (or more) of ginger ale might be the thing it's been missing all along. And, listen, a cinnamon sugar rim never hurt anybody, either. If you're looking for a good recipe to start with, TikTok user @xo.nesha4 shared this simple caramel apple cocktail that uses apple vodka, caramel sauce, apple juice, and ginger ale to create the perfect fall sip.