Last Updated on November 18, 2020 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!
PIN Caramel Apple Cider to try later!
Fall is the time to indulge in your favorite foods and beverages, just like this Caramel Apple Cider! This is a copy-cat recipe of Starbucks but it’s even better and cheaper. This recipe only takes ten minutes to make or less!
This recipe is simply apple juice combined with a quick homemade cinnamon syrup and topped with whipped cream, caramel sauce and cinnamon. It’s so incredibly simple and easy to make during Fall season.
This 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 TO MAKE CARAMEL APPLE CIDER
Cinnamon Syrup
- Water
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Vanilla extract
Apple Cider
- Apple juice
- Cinnamon syrup
- Caramel Saue
- Whipped cream
- Alcohol (optional)
HOW TO MAKE CARAMEL APPLE CIDER
- 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.
- Divide the apple cider into 2 medium sized mugs. Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of carame sauce and garnish with ground cinnamon.
TIPS TO MAKE THE BEST CARAMEL APPLE CIDER
- The cinnamon syrup will last up to one month in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. You can have this 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!
- Spike 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!
MAKE THIS IN A CROCK POT
This recipe can be made in the crockpot 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.
*Also add alcohol if you are wanting to spike your cider!
LOOKING FOR OTHER FALL RECIPES? TRY THESE!
- 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
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Microwavable bowl OR medium saucepan
- Whisk
Ingredients
Cinnamon Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Apple Cider
- 3 cups apple juice
- 3 Tbsp. cinnamon syrup
- 1 Tbsp. caramel sauce
- 3 oz. 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.

Such a yummy drink! The Carmel sauce on top why such a delicious addition
Thank you so much! The caramel totally makes this drink 🙂
I love this recipe. The cinnamon syrup has become a staple in our refrigerator!
It’s incredibly easy to make too! So glad you love it, Angela!
Perfect! I never thought of an apple cider twist, will try this one! thank you 🙂
I hope you enjoy it, thank you!
Apple cider is my favorite fall drink, and you totally just sent it over the top with caramel! I can’t wait to try this recipe!
Thanks so much Jessica! Enjoy!
Such a warm and inviting cup after a chilly day outdoors. I love the cinnamon syrup. That’s brilliant!
Thanks Christian! So glad you love it!
Wow this is the perfect fall drink. Pefect for the holiday table. Great for the weekend brunch menu too.
Yes so perfect for it all!! I agree 🙂
The look of this drink is just mesmerizing! it looks soo vibrant and delicious. This would be perfect to make on a cold chilly day on a holiday. I need to try this out, thank you for sharing this recipe!
Thank you, I hope you love this recipe!
Now this is a Fall treat! I don’t think I could go back to drinking cider without caramel syrup and Fireball.
🙂 Thank you Sharon!
What a delicious drink, if this doesn’t put you in the mood for Autumn, I don’t know what will!
YES! It’s the perfect drink for Fall!
Just makes me want one so bad and then the couch, a blanket and a good movie! Yum!
Such a perfect beverage for all the colder days ahead of us! I love how it makes you warm from the inside, and the aroma of the spices must be just incredible!
My family can never get of caramel in the fall! I love the addition of bourbon. So tasty!
Apple cider is my favorite drink this season. I definitely need to try with caramel. It looks so delicious!
This apple cider really I want to try it out this autumn, all things are my favourite in this warm and delicious beverage!
Such a delicious drink perfect for Fall. Looks really amazing. I wish a have a cup right now. 🙂 I just saved the recipe and will make it over the weekend. Can’t wait.