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All the best fall flavors come together in this hot Caramel Apple Cider. It tastes just like Starbuck’s Caramel Apple Spice!

There’s no better way to warm up on a cool fall day than a warm drink like Halloween Hot Cocoa or this caramel apple cider!! It would go great with a bowl of Homemade Caramel Apple Dip and a side of Candy Corn Rice Krispies Treats.

Caramel Apple Spice drink topped wtih whipped cream


calling all Caramel Apple lovers!

My favorite season is FALL!! I love all the typical things like fall colors, leaves, and sweater weather, but I also love the drinks like hot chocolate and apple cider. Today we’re kicking things up a notch by making Caramel Apple Cider.

Some people call this drink Caramel Apple Spice, because it tastes a lot like the one from Starbucks. We used regular apple cider and added caramel syrup (the kind you mix with drinks), lemon juice, and pumpkin spice, then topped it with whipped cream and caramel syrup topping (the thicker kind you put on ice cream).

I loved the caramel part the best, and I think you’ll love it too. It’s really easy to make and is perfect for fall events—like Halloween!! If you love warm, delicious drinks you’ll love this one too.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cider

For how yummy this recipe is, it only takes a few ingredients!

COMBINE. Take regular apple juice or apple cider and add caramel, pumpkin spice, and lemons juice in a large pot on the stove.

HEAT. Cook on medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring a lot.

GARNISH + SERVE. Once it’s nice and hot, pour into cups (we were able to make about 6, but it depends on how big or small your cups are) and top with whipped cream. Drizzle with caramel topping (the thicker kind of syrup) and sprinkle with more pumpkin spice or cinnamon if you like! This makes it look really pretty. And voila! Caramel Apple Cider (AKA Caramel Apple Spice)!

Caramel Syrup

Tips + Storing Info

Keep Warm: Make this and keep it warm in the crockpot for as long as you need. It can sit on the “keep warm” setting during any sort of party or event. 

Why lemon juice? Lemon juice provides some tang and cuts through the sweetness of the drink. It gives a great contrast and a deeper flavor.

Caramel: You can use the store bought caramel sauce, or if you have a great homemade caramel sauce recipe it would be awesome in this drink.

STORE any leftover cider in a closed container in the fridge for about a week. FREEZE leftovers for up to a year if you freeze it with about 2 inches of headspace left in the airtight container. This will allow for the apple cider to expand naturally. 

Caramel Apple Cider topped with whipped ream and caramel

For more yummy fall drinks, check out:

5 from 17 votes

Caramel Apple Cider Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna
All the best fall flavors come together in this hot Caramel Apple Cider. It tastes just like Starbuck's Caramel Apple Spice!
Servings: 6
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 8 c apple juice or apple cider
  • 1/2 c caramel syrup
  • 3 TB lemon juice
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon
  • whipped cream
  • caramel syrup topping

Instructions 

  • Combine apple juice/cider, caramel syrup, lemon juice and pumpkin spice in a large pot.
  • Cook on medium heat for 20 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Pour into cups and top with whipped cream and ice cream caramel syrup.

Nutrition

Serving: 6g, Calories: 224kcal, Carbohydrates: 53g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 4mg, Sodium: 91mg, Potassium: 370mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 32g, Vitamin A: 59IU, Vitamin C: 6mg, Calcium: 46mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
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About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

So Easy & So Yummy

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Recipe Rating




12 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Sweet and delicious, just the way I like it! One of my favorites! Delicious! Love how easy it is to recreate this iconic drink! So good! <3

  2. Hello. Looks amazing.
    Can you add rum or Something different to make it an adult beverage ? If so what and how much per serving ? Thanks

  3. 5 stars
    It looks so good! Luckily having a box of apple juice right now, I’m gonna try it. Thank you for sharing the recipe!