Caramel Apple Cider

Last Updated on August 4, 2022 by Kathryn Donangelo

This Caramel Apple Cider makes the best Fall drink and tastes just like Starbucks Caramel Apple Cider but better because it’s homemade! Filled tons of apple spice flavor and topped with whipped cream and drizzled with caramel sauce!

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This Caramel Apple Cider is the perfect way to enjoy any Fall. I can’t think of a better way to warm up then with this delicious hot cider.

Some of my favorite treats to indulge in during the Fall is hot chocolate, Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Apple Pie, Cinnamon Rolls, and this Caramel Apple Cider! This is a copy-cat recipe of Starbucks but it’s even better and cheaper. This recipe only takes 10 minutes to make or less!

This Caramel Apple Cider recipe is simply made with apple juice combined with a quick homemade cinnamon syrup and topped with whipped cream, caramel sauce and cinnamon. It’s so incredibly easy to make during Fall season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s the perfect Fall drink recipe and it’s is so easy to make (and takes 10 minutes).
• It has a tart apple flavor combined with warm sweetened spices.
• You don’t have to go to Starbucks to get this drink since it tastes exactly like the theirs.
• It makes all cold days so much better!

This cider has been my new go-to Fall drink to make when I want something warm, delicious and filled with my favorite flavors of apples, vanilla, cinnamon and caramel.

Starbucks has always been one of my favorite places to get seasonal drinks but I love it so much more when I make it at home, plus I can save a few bucks! Some other favorite Starbucks inspired beverages and foods I’ve recreated is my Homemade Chai Tea Latte, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins and Bacon Cheddar Egg Bites.

Cinnamon Syrup

This Cinnamon Syrup makes this recipe taste exactly like Starbucks Apple Cider.

I make a large batch of it in this recipe so you can have it in your fridge all month long and use it when you want a Caramel Apple Cider! This recipe makes a little over 1 cup of the syrup so it will last a while.

Ingredients

Cinnamon Syrup

• Water
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Vanilla extract

Apple Cider

• Apple juice: use your favorite apple juice brand.
• Cinnamon syrup: made with just a few ingredients. Alternatively, you could use corn syrup but it won’t have a warm flavor to it.
• Caramel Syrup: you can use store-bought or make your own.
• Whipped cream: to garnish on top.
• Alcohol (optional)

How To Make Caramel Apple Cider

1. Combine all of the cinnamon syrup ingredients in a small or medium sauce pan at medium heat. Bring to a boil (about 5 minutes), stirring frequently. Reduce the heat and let simmer for another few minutes. The liquid will slightly thicken.
2. In a microwavable safe bowl OR medium sauce pan, combine the apple juice, cinnamon syrup and caramel sauce together. Whisk together and microwave for 3 minutes OR cook on the stove until warm.
3. Divide the apple cider into 2 medium sized mugs. Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce and garnish with ground cinnamon.

Recipe Tips

• The cinnamon syrup will last up to one month in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. You can have this hot Caramel Apple Cider all month long (the recipe yields about 1 cup of syrup)!
• This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. You only need to make one batch of the cinnamon syrup as it will make plenty.
• I make a large batch of cinnamon syrup because I love having it readily available to make several batches of cider throughout the month. You will love this!
• Make an Apple Cider Cocktail by spiking your cider with alcohol! Add 1.5 oz. of either bourbon, fireball, caramel or vanilla flavored vodka to each serving. These all make great additions!
• Garnish the cider with cinnamon sticks, apple slices, a swirl of whipped cream, caramel sauce, around cinnamon.

Make This In The Slow Cooker

This recipe can be made in the slow cooker if you are wanting to serve this at a large gathering, holiday or party. Use my serving adjuster in my recipe box to get the exact measurements of ingredients. You only need to adjust the apple cider ingredients. 

Set the crock pot on low, stir to combine and cover. Cook for 2-3 hours or until heated throughout. When ready to serve, ladle into mugs and add toppings.

Other Fall Recipes:

• Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts
• Healthy Pumpkin Oat Muffins
• Apple Cinnamon Oat Bread
• Caramel Apple Toffee Dip
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins
• Skinny Pumpkin Chai Tea
• Pumpkin Spice Granola

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Caramel Apple Cider

This Caramel Apple Cider makes the best Fall drink and tastes just like Starbucks Caramel Apple Cider but better because it's homemade! Filled tons of apple spice flavor and topped with whipped cream and drizzled with caramel sauce!

4.89 from 17 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: caramel apple cider, caramel apple cider recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 2 drinks

Author: Kathryn Donangelo

Equipment

• Small saucepan
• Mixing bowl microwavable
• Whisk

Ingredients

Cinnamon Syrup

• ▢ 1 cup water
• ▢ 1 cup brown sugar
• ▢ 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Apple Cider

• ▢ 3 cups apple juice
• ▢ 3 tablespoons cinnamon syrup
• ▢ 1 tablespoons caramel sauce
• ▢ 3 ounces alcohol such as bourbon, fireball, caramel or vanilla flavored vodka optional

Toppings

• ▢ whipped cream
• ▢ caramel sauce
• ▢ ground cinnamon

Instructions

• Combine all of the cinnamon syrup ingredients in a small or medium sauce pan. Bring to a boil (about 5 minutes), stirring frequently. Reduce the heat and let simmer for another few minutes. The liquid will slightly thicken.
• In a microwavable safe bowl OR medium sauce pan, combine the apple juice, cinnamon syrup and caramel sauce together. Whisk together and microwave for 3 minutes OR cook on the stove until warm. *add alcohol if you want to spike your cider!
• Divide the apple cider into 2 medium sized mugs. Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce and garnish with ground cinnamon.

Find Kathryn's Kitchen Blog on Instagram!Mention @Kathryns.Kitchen.Blog or tag #kathrynskitchen!

This recipe was originally published on Oct. 4, 2020. It was republished on Aug. 4, 2022, to include additional information.