This hot caramel apple cider is an easy fall drink made with real apple cider, cinnamon and caramel sauce. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a cozy Starbucks copycat you can make at home.
It has all the same flavors as a caramel apple or my apple cider caramels, just in a warm, sippable fall drink.
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Key Takeaways: Caramel Apple Cider
- Just 3 ingredients: The base recipe is incredibly simple, with toppings like whipped cream and extra caramel completely optional.
- Rich caramel flavor: Stirring the caramel into the warm cider gives every sip that sweet caramel apple taste, rather than just adding it as a drizzle on top.
- Easy to scale: Make a couple of mugs on the stovetop or prepare a larger batch in the crockpot for fall parties and holiday gatherings.
Why I Love This Recipe
This caramel apple cider is one of my favorite drinks to make when the weather cools down. It’s similar to my crockpot apple cider, but the caramel gives it a sweeter, richer twist.
It’s also such an easy drink to make for chilly afternoons or holiday gatherings. Just like homemade hot chocolate or crockpot wassail, it’s warm, cozy and always feels a little special.
Ingredient Notes
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Apple cider: Homemade or store bought apple cider. I prefer Sprouts or Trader Joe’s brands but any brand is delicious and will have the flavor needed. Just don’t use apple juice!
- 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.
Fall entertaining tip: Add a pot of warm caramel apple cider to a caramel apple bar with sliced apples, caramel, chocolate, nuts and other toppings. It makes an easy drink-and-dessert station for fall parties, Halloween or Thanksgiving gatherings.
Serving 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 caramel sauce from caramels on top for a Starbucks coffee shop look!
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. Just use caramel sauce instead of syrup for the best thick texture.
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.
Summarize and Save This Recipe Content On:
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
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.
Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Jessica
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.
Toni
Such a perfect treat for fall! Thank you so much for the recipe!
Matt
This caramel apple cider is so delicious and super easy to make. The perfect fall or winter drink to serve.
Jenn
So totally luxe and easy too! Cannot wait to try this recipe!