This hot caramel apple cider tastes just like the one from Starbucks, only better made at home with real apple cider, cozy cinnamon, and gooey caramel in every sip.

Three glass mugs of caramel apple cider with whipped cream and cinnamon, surrounded by fresh apples and cinnamon sticks.

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Hot Caramel Apple Cider Recipe

This caramel apple cider is everything I love about fall; it’s warm, cozy, and full of real apple flavor. It’s similar to my crockpot apple cider but with a sweet caramel twist. Starbucks calls it caramel apple spice, but I think this homemade version is even better!

It has all the same flavors as a caramel apple or my apple cider caramels, just in a sippable, soul-warming drink. Perfect for chilly fall afternoons, holiday gatherings, or anytime you need a quick taste of fall in a mug.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Cozy and comforting. Just like homemade hot chocolate or crockpot wassail, this warm drink is perfect for chilly days and festive nights.
  • Quick and easy. Made with just a handful of ingredients and ready in about 10 minutes on the stovetop.

Ingredient Notes

Overhead view of apple cider in a glass measuring cup surrounded by apples, cinnamon sticks, and caramel sauce.

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

Hand pouring thick caramel sauce into a saucepan of warm apple cider with apples in the background.
  1. 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.
  2. Serve. Once the mixture has cooled down a bit, stir in the caramel sauce. Then pour into glasses and add toppings of choice.

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 easy caramel sauce recipe on top for a Starbucks coffee shop look!
Glass mug of caramel apple cider topped with whipped cream, cinnamon sugar rim, caramel drizzle, and a cinnamon stick for garnish.

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

Three glass mugs of caramel apple cider with whipped cream and cinnamon, surrounded by fresh apples and cinnamon sticks.

Caramel Apple Cider

5 from 9 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2
This hot caramel apple cider tastes just like the one from Starbucks, only better made at home with real apple cider, cozy cinnamon, and gooey caramel in every sip.
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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

Storage: This apple cider can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge up to 5 days or frozen up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 152kcal, Carbohydrates: 38g, Protein: 0.5g, Fat: 0.3g, Saturated Fat: 0.1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Sodium: 78mg, Potassium: 253mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 34g, Vitamin A: 21IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 31mg, Iron: 0.3mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Recipe FAQs

What is Starbucks caramel apple cider?

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.

Can I make this caramel apple cider recipe in a crockpot?

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.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

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.

How to store leftover caramel cider?

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.