This caramel apple cider is better than Starbucks with all the best fall flavors of hot apple cider, cinnamon and caramel in one glass!
Cozy beverages are the best way to warm up on a chilly fall day! Whether it’s homemade hot chocolate or crockpot wassail served with a side of toffee apple dip!
Table of Contents
Hot Caramel Apple Cider
This caramel apple cider is everything you love about fall…warm, full of spices, and has fresh apple flavor. It tastes similar to my crockpot apple cider but with a caramel twist. Starbucks calls it caramel apple spice and I may like it more than the classic!
This apple cider and caramel drink is high on my list of favorite apple desserts. It has all the same flavors as a traditional caramel apple or my apple cider caramels but in a beverage. It’s the perfect beverage to warm you up on a chilly fall or winter day!
Caramel Apple Cider Recipe Ingredients
The base of the recipe starts with the 3 simple ingredients below. You can add on extra toppings before serving, but it also tastes delicious as-is!
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Apple cider: Homemade or premade apple cider. I do prefer Sprouts or Trader Joe’s brands but any brand is delicious and will have the flavor needed. This is similar to apple juice with an extra boost of seasonings and rich flavor in the cider.
- Caramel sauce: This salted caramel sauce is my favorite! It is creamy, melts perfectly, and is loaded with flavor.
- Cinnamon: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for more fall flavor spices to boost this caramel apple cider. Pumpkin pie spice also tastes delicious in this fall drink!
How to Make Caramel Apple Cider
- Simmer. Mix together the apple cider and cinnamon in a small pot. Bring to a light boil, then remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
- Serve. Once the mixture has cooled down a bit, stir in the caramel sauce. Then pour into glasses and add toppings of choice.
Serving and Storing Tips
- Glasses. Serve it in a clear glass mug so your guests can see the beautiful, rich color.
- Rim flavor. Line the rim with cinnamon sugar for an extra festive flare. Spoon or ladle the caramel apple cider into a glass to carefully make sure the rim does not lose the sugar mixture.
- Cinnamon. Add a cinnamon stick to each mug or add a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.
- Whipped cream. Who doesn’t like whipped cream?! Top with homemade whipped cream or store-bought for an additional fun topping everyone loves!
- Caramel. Drizzle some of my easy caramel sauce recipe on top for a Starbucks coffee shop look!
- Store: Place homemade caramel apple cider in a jar or pitcher and store in the refrigerator for seven days. When ready to reheat, place on the stovetop, crock pot, or microwave in small portions until heated through.
The best combination for fall is caramel and apples! Also try, this caramel apple monkey bread or caramel apple pie bars!
More Holiday Drinks to Try
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Caramel Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider (I prefer Sprouts or Trader Joe’s)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 Tablespoons caramel sauce
Toppings: Whipped cream and Caramel sauce
Instructions
- Warm up cider. In a small pot, stir 2 cups apple cider and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon over medium heat. Once it has come to a light boil, remove from heat and let cool a few minutes.
- Add caramel and serve. Once slightly cooled, stir in 2 Tablespoons caramel sauce. Ladle into glasses and top with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Recipe FAQs
Starbucks doesn’t have actual apple cider on its menu, but you can order a similar drink from its secret menu. The Starbucks caramel apple spice is made with steamed apple juice, cinnamon syrup, caramel drizzle, and whipped cream.
Sure. Stir together the ingredients in a crockpot and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours., or until heated through.
Absolutely! Feel free to use the same amount of your favorite caramel sauce.
Yes and no. They both have the same great taste, however, the texture and uses. Caramel sauce is thicker and richer than caramel syrup. The sauce is mainly used for drizzling and dipping. Caramel syrup is more versatile and can be added to drinks, baked goods, and desserts. It is also a thinner liquid that is great for stirring into a warm drink.
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
Oh my goodness!! This caramel apple cider was a hit tonight! I’m going to make it again for any fall parties that we attend.
Such a perfect treat for fall! Thank you so much for the recipe!
This caramel apple cider is so delicious and super easy to make. The perfect fall or winter drink to serve.
So totally luxe and easy too! Cannot wait to try this recipe!