This all-natural copycat of a Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice Cider tastes like warm apple pie topped with vanilla ice cream...in a mug!
Oh my word, y'all. Move over hot chocolate...I have a new favorite warm drink for chilly days! This Caramel Apple Cider is, simply put, amazing.
In fact, I can't really think of a better description than what I wrote in the flowery line at the top of this post. It tastes just like warm, spiced apple pie topped with rich, creamy vanilla ice cream...except in beverage form!
If you've ever had a Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice, you're already familiar with the phenomenon that is apple cider on steroids. Because as delicious as a plain and simple warm apple cider is on a blustery day, sometimes it can't really compete with luscious, decadent hot chocolate. But this drink...this drink will give regular ol' hot cocoa a run for its money!
Ingredients
Like the Starbucks drink that it mimics, this apple "cider" begins with a base of apple juice, although you can certainly use actual cider if you happen to have some on hand.
It's flavored with my quick and easy Homemade Cinnamon Syrup (which calls for ground cinnamon as opposed to cinnamon sticks, since most people already stock the former in their spice cabinets).
Then it's topped with light, fresh whipped cream and drizzled with a gooey caramel sauce.
I use my 5-Minute, 5-Ingredient Homemade Caramel Sauce because it's, well, ready in five minutes...not to mention the fact that it's eat-with-a-spoon divine. If you decide to make your own caramel sauce as well, just do so a bit ahead of time so that it can cool and thicken a bit and doesn't melt your whipped cream on contact!
Set Up an "Apple Cider Bar"!
And you know what else? This recipe can easily be multiplied in order to whip up a whole big batch of apple cider!
Serve it out of a slow cooker at your next fall gathering, Halloween shin-dig, or holiday party as part of an "apple cider bar," complete with a bowl of whipped cream for dolloping and a jar of caramel syrup for drizzling.
That way your guests can dress up their drinks to their liking!
That's it...Caramel Apple Cider that's beyond simple and scrumptious! So bring on fall, y'all...I know exactly how I'm going to stay warm and cozy this year. 😉
More Cozy Drinks
- All-Natural & Homemade Vanilla Coffee Creamer
- Crockpot Hot Chocolate ~ 4 Flavors!
- Warm Pumpkin Spice Drink
Caramel Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 12 ounces apple juice, or apple cider
- 1 tablespoon Homemade Cinnamon Syrup
- Fresh whipped cream, see Tips below
- 1 tablespoon caramel sauce
Instructions
- Bring apple juice to a low simmer in a small pot set over medium heat (or warm it in the microwave). Transfer to a large mug and stir in 1 tablespoon Homemade Cinnamon Syrup (or more, to taste). Top with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream and drizzle with 1 tablespoon Homemade Caramel Sauce. Serve warm.
- To make a large batch of apple cider in the crock pot, multiply this single recipe by your number of desired servings, keeping in mind the maximum capacity of your slow cooker. Pour the apple juice in the slow cooker and flavor it with the cinnamon syrup. Set out a chilled bowl of whipped cream, a jar of caramel sauce, and a bunch of mugs for people to dress up their drinks.
Jamie | anderson + grant
This sounds so delicious. I want one right now!!! I'm including this in a collection of Halloween ideas on my blog tomorrow. Thanks so much for sharing this with us at Your Turn to Shine!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Thanks so much, Jamie! I appreciate including me in your round-up and stopping by to let me know. Hope you have a great Halloween! 🙂
Ginnie
Mmm ... this sounds simply amazing! So perfect for fall:)
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Thanks so much, Ginnie...it's stolen the spot as much favorite fall drink. 🙂 Hope you enjoy it as well if you have a chance to try it!
Courtney at A Life From Scratch
Oh wow, that looks decadent! Yum yum! Thanks for sharing this on the Project Parade. I'd love to share some recipes with you on my blog if you get the chance. Have a lovely day!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Thanks so much, Courtney...hopping over for a visit now. 🙂 Hope you have a great week!
Valerie
I am addicted to Starbucks Caramel Apple Cider. Now I can just make it at home, which is even better!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
I couldn't agree more, Valerie...even better, but perhaps a tad bit dangerous? 😉 All I know is that I've been drinking more Caramel Apple Cider than I should lately, but it's just so darn good. Hope you enjoy it, too! 🙂
Kendra @ www.joyinourhome.com
Looks amazing! Mmm!!! I hate spending so much on a Starbucks drink... so glad to find your copycat version! Pinning! Would love to invite you to link up with us on Thursdays please! Hope your week's been great!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Thanks so much, Kendra...I agree that it feels pretty good to replicate a yummy Starbucks treat at home for a fraction of the price! 😉 I appreciate the pin and the invite to your party...I just hopped over and linked up. Hope you have a great week!
Melanie @ Carmel Moments
Looks fabulous! I'd love to try it soon. I think we'd all be fighting over it. 🙂
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Ha, Melanie...make a bunch! It's definitely worth fighting over. 😉 Thanks for stopping by...happy Tuesday!
Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking
This looks better than Starbucks!!! Love that crazy easy caramel recipe! Pinned!~
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Thanks, Lindsey, and I really appreciate the pin! I totally agree on the caramel sauce...it's changed my life. 😉 This is just one more excellent use for it!
Lindsay Eidahl
Looks yummy! Thank you for sharing on Show Me Saturday
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Thanks so much, Lindsay, and I appreciate you hosting and hopping over to say 'hi.' Hope your week is going well! 🙂
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later!
This looks like something I definitely need to make! Holy delicious!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Thank you, Amber! I'm not sure I'll ever be able to drink regular apple cider again after this dessert version. 🙂 I appreciate you stopping by and hope your week is off to a great start!
Kim
Backstory, I am a Dutch girl that lived as an Au Pair in the Starbucks Capitol, Seattle, for a year.
I fell in love with the Caramel Apple Cider and couldn't find it at Starbucks here. I spend a day making caramel sauce and cinnamon syrup to make this and it was TOTALLY WORTH IT. Thank you so much!
Ginger
I'm not much of a coffee person, so if I go to Starbucks, this is what I'd get. But now I don't have too! Love this recipe!
If you're interested in linking up, we are hosting Show Me Saturday and would love to help you spread the word. Hoping you have an awesome weekend!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
I hope you get to try this soon, Ginger! And thanks for the invite to your link party...I just hopped over. 🙂 Hope your week is off to a wonderful start!