This spiced Hot Caramel Apple Cider tastes like fall in a mug! Made with a cinnamon-infused caramel simple syrup and homemade salted caramel topping, it’s even better than Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice!
When I need a mug of comfort on a chilly day, nothing hits the spot like hot apple cider.
This cinnamon-spiced caramel apple cider is inspired by Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice. But I think it’s even better than the original.
My version is made with homemade cinnamon-infused caramel simple syrup, topped with delicious whipped cream and a homemade salted caramel topping. Divine! (You can also use Brown Sugar Simple Syrup in this recipe.)
A mug of this cider is a dessert by itself, but it’s also good served with Apple Butter Wontons, Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars or a slice of old-fashioned Applesauce Pie or Applesauce Cake.
Love this recipe? Be sure to try these other delicious Apple Cider Drinks. So many great options to serve for the fall, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Don’t let the homemade elements in the spiced cider send you to the drive-thru instead. The caramel simple syrup and the caramel topping are quick and easy to make. And you’ll have plenty of leftovers that you can use to make more hot apple cider.
You can scroll to the end of this post for the full recipe and ingredient list. But you may want to keep reading for more tips on how to make Starbucks hot apple cider at home.
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Spiced Cinnamon Caramel Hot Apple Cider Ingredients
- Apple Cider – Since we’ll be adding flavor with the simple syrup and the caramel topping, I try to use plain apple cider in this recipe, not spiced.
- Cinnamon Caramel Simple Syrup – You could buy a bottle of Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce syrup, but my homemade version is even better.
- Whipped cream – You can use canned whipped topping for this hot apple cider drink. But for an extra indulgent beverage, I recommend making your own whipped cream with a mixer or a whipped cream dispenser.
- Salted caramel topping – I like to make my own, but you can use store-bought caramel syrup or caramel ice cream topping.
- Cinnamon sugar or crushed hard candies – Use crushed Werther’s Original caramel candies or cinnamon sugar as a garnish for the drink.
How to Make Caramel Apple Spice at Home
Add apple cider to a saucepan and steam over medium-low heat. Do not boil.
Next, add prepared Cinnamon Caramel Simple Syrup to the steamed apple cider, stirring to combine.
Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream.
As I mentioned, I like to make homemade whipped cream using a whipped cream dispenser. It’s one of my favorite kitchen gadgets.
To use one, just pour in a cup of whipping cream into the dispenser. Mix in a tablespoon (or more) of powdered sugar, insert a nitrous oxide charger into the whipper, shake, pull the trigger and dispense. The whipped cream will keep in the fridge for about a week.
To finish making the cinnamon caramel apple cider drink, drizzle salted caramel topping over the whipped cream. Garnish with cinnamon sugar or crushed candies.
This recipe makes two 8-ounce warm apple ciders, but it can easily to adjusted to make more servings.
Variations
- Make spiked apple cider by adding bourbon or another liquor to your mug.
- To make a large batch of beverages, use a slow cooker to heat the apple cider. Heat over low for 3 or 4 hours, then keep warm until ready to serve.
More Hot Beverages
If you enjoyed this Hot Cinnamon Spice Caramel Apple Cider, try these other cozy, warm beverages
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Hot Cinnamon Spice Caramel Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider
- 2 Tablespoons Cinnamon Spice Caramel Simple Syrup
- Whipped cream
- Salted Caramel Topping
- Cinnamon sugar or crushed caramel hard candies
Instructions
- Add apple cider to a saucepan and steam over medium-low heat. Do not boil.
- Add Cinnamon Caramel Simple Syrup to the steamed apple cider, stirring to combine.
- Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream. Drizzle with salted caramel topping and garnish with cinnamon sugar or crushed candies.
Karen Howard
This Apple Cider sounds wonderful. It’s like Dessert in a Cup ! This would go well with a grilled Cheese Sandwich & Onion Soup or Corn Chowder w/Ham.I’m Definitely going to make it !😀
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life
OH this sounds fabulous. I need a good holiday drink and this would be perfect. Hugs, Marty
Atta Girl Amy
This is one of my go-to drinks at Starbucks, so I’m so glad I finally cracked the recipe and can make it at home whenever I want — and for a whole lot less.
Marty Walden
Yum! Warms me up just looking at your pictures!
Betsy
How fun! Thanks for the chance! Love your blog!