Warm Cinnamon Caramel Apple Cider

In need of a “pick me up” but already hit your caffeine max? This drink tastes like apple pie, is made with apple juice, cinnamon syrup, and caramel and will be sure to warm you up.

During my sophomore year in college I was going to Starbucks every single morning and sometimes I would need something warm to get me through to a night class so I would back later in the day and order their “caramel apple spice” drink. Since going twice a day got a little out of control I started making my version of their drink in my dorm room. It tasted just as good and was much easier on my budget.

Warm Cinnamon Caramel Apple Cider

Key Ingredients in This Recipe

• Apple juice – Apple juice is sometimes used interchangeably with apple cider though juice is typically filtered which makes it clearer. Sugar is also frequently added to apple juice. Cider refers to the fresh pressed juice with no additives. While apple juice is used in this recipe you can substitute apple cider.
• Simple syrup – Simple syrup is made by boiling equal parts sugar and water to form a sweet sticky syrup. In this recipe I use dark brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a sweeter alternative.
• Cinnamon stick – Rather than using ground cinnamon the simple syrup is made with cinnamon sticks. This flavors the syrup with deep cinnamon flavor without adding a gritty texture.

How to Make this Caramel Apple Drink

For the cinnamon syrup:

1. Add sugar and cinnamon to a pan. Add the the brown sugar, cinnamon and 1 cup to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Make the simple syrup. Bring the mixture a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Continue to boil until a syrup forms, about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool. Discard the cinnamon sticks.
3. Use or store. The syrup can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to a month.

For assembly:

1. Heat apple juice. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring the apple juice to a simmer then remove from heat.
2. Assemble and serve. Add 3 tablespoons of the cinnamon syrup and stir to combine. Divide the mixture into mugs and top with whipped cream and caramel syrup.

Other Recipes to Try

If you enjoy this cinnamon caramel apple cider recipe, I recommend checking out some of these:

• Apple Sangria
• Winter Red Sangria
• Frozen Hot Chocolate

Warm Cinnamon Caramel Apple Cider

Print Pin

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Serves 2 (8-ounce) drinks

US Customary – Metric

Ingredients:

For the cinnamon syrup:

• 1 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
• 2 sticks cinnamon

For assembly:

• 2 cups apple juice
• Whipped cream, as needed, for topping
• 3 tablespoons caramel syrup

Instructions:

For the cinnamon syrup:

• Add the the sugar, cinnamon sticks and 1 cup water to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
• Bring the mixture a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Continue to boil until a syrup forms, about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool. Discard the cinnamon sticks.
• The syrup can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to a month.

For assembly:

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring the apple juice to a simmer then remove from heat.
• Add 3 tablespoons of the cinnamon syrup and stir to combine. Divide the mixture into mugs and top with whipped cream and caramel syrup.

DID YOU MAKE THIS?

TAG ME ON INSTAGRAM TO BE FEATURED ON MY STORIES! @cookingwithcocktailrings