Caramel Poison Apple Cocktail with Empress Gin

Introduce a touch of magic to your Halloween gathering with the enchanting Empress Caramel Poison Apple Cocktail. This cocktail blends Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, pomegranate juice, apple cider, caramel syrup, and edible gold glitter to create a memorable sip that's perfect for Halloween parties and autumn celebrations. Serve with dry ice for a bewitching effect! Ready in 5 minutes, this cocktail is a seasonal showstopper.

Whether you're hosting a swanky Halloween bash or looking for a signature autumn drink, this cocktail is sure to impress. It boasts a naturally vibrant color with complex flavors and a touch of whimsy that sets it apart from other cocktails.

If you're looking for more spooky seasonal cocktails, try our vampire's kiss cocktail, this love potion drink, this witches brew cocktail, or this Halloween punch with dry ice!

For more gin-based drinks perfect for fall, try our blood orange and gin cocktail, this pomegranate and gin cocktail, or this mulled gin recipe!

❤️Why We Love This Recipe

• Unique flavor profile. The Empress 1908 Indigo Gin provides a complex botanical foundation, perfectly complemented by the sweet and tart notes of apple, pomegranate, and lemon juice, followed by sweet caramel syrup!
• Stunning cocktail perfect for Halloween and special occasions. The natural indigo hue of the gin, combined with the rich red of pomegranate juice, edible gold glitter, and the optional dry ice effect, makes for a truly magical presentation. Its name and theme make it an ideal choice for Halloween parties, autumn celebrations, or any mystical-themed event!
• Easy to prepare with simple ingredients. Despite its sophisticated taste and appearance, this cocktail is straightforward to mix, even for beginner bartenders. It's ready in 5 minutes or less, made with ingredients found at the grocery store!

🍎Ingredients

Here are the ingredients we used for this recipe. You can find more information for substitutions below.

• Empress 1908 Indigo Gin. This dry, botanical gin tastes great, plus, it has a lovely all natural indigo color that comes from butterfly pea flowers (just like this butterfly pea lemonade!)
• Pomegrate juice. Make sure it's unsweetened!
• Apple cider. Something from the refrigerated section of the grocery store or a cider mill is going to taste best for this!
• Caramel syrup. Like the stuff you use to make a latte. This will give you an intense, caramel flavor and sweetness, without impacting the color of the drink!
• Lemon juice. Freshly squeezed.
• Edible gold glitter. Optional, but totally whimsical, and highly recommended! We also use it in this apple cider bourbon cocktail to make the drink extra stunning and perfect for Halloween.

Visit the recipe card for the full quantities and nutritional information.

✨Substitutions & Variations

Here are a few suggestions on additional flavors to try, or simple variations to this recipe.

• Swap the spirit. Empress is the star of the show here, but this drink would also taste great with vodka, rum, or whiskey!
• No caramel syrup. Try infusing your liquor with caramel-like our friend Sarah did in this caramel apple mimosa recipe! You could also add caramel to the shaker (we've tried this) it's pretty tasty and will make the drink sort of creamy, but it dilutes the color, so we don't recommend it! Love a creamy gin drink? Try our creamy blended cherry limeade with gin!
• Swap the pomegranate juice. Try cranberry juice for a similar tart flavor profile.
• Spiced. Add a dash of cinnamon or apple pie spice to the shaker for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Fizzy. Top off the cocktail with a splash of hard apple cider, prosecco, club soda, or ginger beer for some bubbles.
• Mocktail. Omit the gin, and replace it with a non-alcoholic version, or add more apple cider!

This recipe hasn't been tested with any other substitutions or variations, so we can't guarantee any results. If you make a change, let us know how it goes in the comments below!

🔪Prep Work

• If using, prepare a caramel-rimmed glass by dipping the rim in caramel sauce. Try our salted caramel sauce recipe!
• Chill your cocktail glasses in the freezer or fill them with ice while you prepare the drink.
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice.
• Measure out all remaining ingredients.

Add apple cider and caramel syrup, (Image 1) followed by lemon juice (Image 2) to a cocktail shaker.

Add pomegranate juice (Image 3) and Empress 1908 Indigo gin to the shaker. (Image 4)

Sprinkle in an optional dusting of edible gold glitter. (Image 5)

Add ice to the shaker and shake to chill, then strain into a glass. (Image 6)

Add a small bit of dry ice to the cocktail (while wearing heavy-duty gloves or using tongs) and let it evaporate completely before drinking it. Do not ingest dry ice. Enjoy!

✨Top Tips

• Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially fresh lemon juice.
• Chill your glassware for an extra-cold serve. This drink isn't served with ice, so a cold glass will keep the drink colder for longer.
• If using a caramel rim, make sure to chill that in the freezer. This helps it stay in place, and prevents it from dripping down the sides of the glass!
• Use fresh ice. Ice that has been sitting in the back of the freezer for a while will begin to absorb scents from around it, so it's best to
• Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity as needed before serving. If making this drink for the first time, make sure it suits your preferences!
• For a stunning presentation, try using a clear glass to showcase the beautiful color and the glitter in the cocktail.
• Handle dry ice with EXTREME care! See the full list of tips below!

❄️Dry Ice Safety

Exercise extreme caution when handling dry ice! While it creates a stunning effect in cocktails and is safe for drink presentation (when NOT consumed), proper handling is absolutely crucial. Follow these guidelines for safe use:

• Never handle dry ice with bare hands. Always use insulated gloves or tongs to avoid severe frostbite.
• For cocktails, use only small pieces. Wait for complete evaporation before drinking. NEVER consume dry ice directly, it can be fatal.
• Store dry ice in a well-ventilated area. Use a container with a loose-fitting lid to allow gas escape.
• Avoid enclosed spaces for storage. Keep dry ice in larger, open areas to prevent dangerous CO2 buildup.
• Never store in household freezers or refrigerators. The extreme cold can damage appliances.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets at all times.
• Protect surfaces from direct contact. Use the original packaging or an insulating layer when placing dry ice on any surface to prevent damage.
• Allow for safe disposal. Let dry ice sublimate completely in a well-ventilated area. Never dispose of in sinks, toilets, or trash receptacles.
• When transporting, ensure proper ventilation in your vehicle. Never transport dry ice in the passenger compartment.
• If using for fog effects, ensure adequate room ventilation to prevent oxygen displacement.

Remember, while dry ice can create magical effects in your cocktails, safety should always be your top priority. When used responsibly, it can add a thrilling element to your drink presentation without compromising anyone's well-being!