Apple Pie Spice Sparkler
If you’re looking for a new take on an old favorite, try a bright, refreshing Apple Pie Sparkler. This sweet drink evokes the image of cozy autumn nights, since it’s built on a base of roasted apples and lush autumn flavors, like vanilla and maple syrup. We used Fuji apples since they are the sweetest kind available, and blended it a bit of Apple Pie Spiced simple syrup and mellow cream soda. And don’t be scared off by the idea of simple syrup; it’s just a 1:1 mixture of water and sugar, and as much of a flavoring as you like, heated long enough to let the sugar melt. You can make as much or as little as you like, and you can even make it in the microwave. It should keep in the refrigerator in a closed container for about a month.
If you’re a fan of tart flavors, choose Granny Smith apples and mix it with a kicky fruit soda—and there are plenty of delicious apple sodas now available. You could even give it an adult twist, and spike your sparkler with a shot of vodka, bourbon, brandy, or apple brandy, or you could try this with sparkling wine instead of soda. We stayed away from cider because its flavor is so strong we didn’t want it to overwhelm the roasted apples.
3 Fuji apples, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons Apple Pie Spice plus more to garnish
Water, to taste
2 bottles cream soda
Whipped cream to garnish
For Apple Pie Spice Simple Syrup
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup Demerara Sugar
1 Tablespoon Apple Pie Spice
1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Put apples, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and Apple Pie Spice in a large bowl. Mix until apples are fully coated, then spread them out on the baking sheet.
3. Roast apples for about 20 minutes, or until they are completely soft. Carefully pull apples off the parchment paper; since they’ve been baked without oil the apple slices are a little sticky to the paper, but they will release.
4. While apples cool, make simple syrup. Put water and Demerara Sugar into a small saucepan or microwaveable bowl. Heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring as needed, until sugar is fully melted into the water. Remove from heat and stir in the desired amount of Apple Pie Spice blend. Set aside to cool.
4. When apples are cool, put them in a blender and pour in just enough water to help them turn into a smooth puree. Add water in small increments until you get the right texture, which is uniformly silky and not chunky.
5. Put 2 Tablespoons apple puree in a 16 ounce glass, along with 1-2 teaspoons of simple syrup, depending on taste. Mix. Fill the glasses about half way with ice, pour in cream soda, and stir again. Add more ice and top with more cream soda. Finish with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of Apple Pie Spice.
