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Best Easy Spiked Apple Cider Mimosa Bar for Fall

spiked apple cider mimosa bar - featured image

A cozy and customizable spiked apple cider mimosa bar that comes together in under 15 minutes, perfect for fall gatherings. Guests can build their own drinks with apple cider, prosecco, a warm spice syrup, and festive garnishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (960 ml) apple cider, chilled
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) Prosecco or sparkling wine, chilled
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) caramel vodka or bourbon (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
  • 2 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 2 whole star anise pods
  • 45 whole cloves
  • 68 whole cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
  • 12 apples, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith)
  • 46 fresh rosemary sprigs
  • 46 whole star anise pods (for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) caramel sauce (for rimming)
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for rimming)
  • Pinch of cinnamon (for rimming, optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the spice syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup packed brown sugar and 1/4 cup water. Add 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 star anise pods, and 4-5 whole cloves. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain out the spices and set the syrup aside to cool.
  2. Prep the garnish bar: Thinly slice 1-2 apples and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning. Arrange cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, and rosemary sprigs in small bowls. For rimmed glasses, pour caramel sauce onto a small plate and mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon on another plate.
  3. Set up the drinks station: Pour chilled apple cider into a pitcher or carafe. Place the bottle of prosecco next to it (keep cold in a wine cooler or bowl of ice). If using, set out caramel vodka or bourbon in a small bottle or decanter. Put the spice syrup in a small pitcher or jar.
  4. Rim the glasses (optional): Dip the rim of each glass into the caramel sauce, then into the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Let dry for a minute.
  5. Create a ‘build your own’ guide: Place a small sign with suggested combinations. Recommended: Fill glass 1/3 full with apple cider, add 1 tablespoon spice syrup, add 1 ounce caramel vodka or bourbon (if using), then top with prosecco. Stir gently with a cinnamon stick. Garnish with an apple slice and rosemary sprig.
  6. Let guests customize their drinks and enjoy.

Notes

Chill all ingredients thoroughly. Use a dry prosecco to balance sweetness. The spice syrup can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute sparkling apple cider or dry ginger ale for prosecco.

Nutrition

Keywords: spiked apple cider mimosa, fall mimosa bar, apple cider mimosa, brunch cocktail, fall drink, easy mimosa bar