This sweet cream caramel apple cider is the perfect treat to cozy up with this fall! It’s super easy to make with only 3 ingredients in just 10 minutes.
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 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 drink form. It’s the perfect beverage to warm you up on a chilly fall or winter day!
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. I think I may even like this version more than the classic!
3 Simple 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
I love how easy it is to make! Mix the ingredients together on the stove. It only takes about 10 minutes from start to finish! Then pour into glasses and add your favorite toppings. It is perfect for a chilly fall night with the family or to serve when entertaining a crowd!
- 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 Tips
Now for the fun part, serving the beverage! You can make it as fancy or not as fancy as you would like. Below are a few ideas to consider when serving!
- 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 extra caramel sauce on top for a Starbucks 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.
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.
Storing Caramel Apple Cider
Place the homemade caramel apple cider in a jar or pitcher to save until it is warmed up again. This will stay 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 fall combination is caramel and apples! If you are a lover of all things caramel and apple try this caramel apple monkey bread or caramel apple pie bars for more sweet desserts this fall!
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
- In a small pot, stir apple cider and cinnamon over medium heat. Once it has come to a light boil, remove from heat and let cool a few minutes.
- Once slightly cooled, stir in 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!
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes 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!