Better Than Starbucks – Easiest & Best Hot Spiced Salted Caramel Apple Cider – The Perfect Cozy Autumn Drink
The Perfect Warm Drink For Cool Fall Days - Hot (Or Cold) Spiced Salted Caramel Apple Cider - Like Starbucks But Better
Fall And Apple Cider Were Made For Each Other
As the days grow shorter and the air takes on a chill, few things warm the body and soul like a hot drink. While there is always a place at the table for hot chocolate, there is still plenty of time all winter season for that perpetual favorite. There is a time, a place and a season for everything, as they say, and it simply couldn't be more true than when it comes to the season of fall and apple cider, a drink that somehow captures the flavors and nostalgia of fall in a beverage. And there are few drinks that capture that better and faster than Starbucks Hot Spiced Caramel Apple Cider.
Liquid Apple Pie In A Mug
Among the things I think of when I think of fall - after leaves - are apples, followed in quick succession by apple cider, and third - apple pie. All possess the scent and taste that instantly transports me, like a time machine, to farm stands, apple orchards, and Halloween parties of long forgotten autumns. Evoking the flavors and coziness of the season, is it any wonder that one of the quintessential favorite fall drinks of the season is apple cider? Especially freshly squeezed like you get at those farm stands. Add some caramel sauce, a dash of spices and salt for even more flavor, heat it up and you basically get liquid apple pie in a mug!
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Starbucks Hot Caramel Apple Cider: A Modern Take On A Traditional Drink
In the fast-pace of recent years, with everyone seeking convenience, the perfect hot autumn drink may well have become Starbucks Hot Caramel Apple Cider. Of course, Starbucks didn't invent the concept of caramel apple cider, but in the recent rush of modern times, they may have perfected it, or at least, the convenient, on-the-go version of it. Not to mention, unfortunately, the quaint, nostalgic idea of sipping a cup of hot spiced caramel apple cider at home by the fire-place seems to have become a forgotten tradition... Or, just maybe no one was home enough to have time to make it. So now, with the emphasis on spending more time at home, I say, let's bring it back! Even if that fire-place you sip your hot spiced caramel apple cider next to now happens to be an electric one.
Save Money & A Trip Into The Cold By Making Hot Spiced Salted Caramel Apple Cider Like Starbucks At Home
When it comes to fall and Starbucks Hot Caramel Apple Cider, it wouldn't be one without the other. At the risk of gushing over a hot beverage - when those cravings strike, they are hard to resist. But, I think we need to make this traditional fall drink at home again. After all, who wants to brave the cold and fork over the cash every time a craving hits?? I know I don't, so I simply had to recreate the recipe at home.
Not just recreate it, but make it even better - with the addition of salted caramel sauce. The salted caramel sauce adds just that extra flavor that salt famously lends to sweets and, let's just say, you won't regret it. But, no worries, if all you have lying around the house is regular old caramel sauce, or you simply don't want the added salt, regular caramel sauce will do just fine and still taste just as good.
Your house isn't ready for autumn without some nods to the season added to your surroundings. For a similar fall garland to the one pictured here, try this multi-colored maple leaf garland to grace your table-scape, mantel, doorway or banister. Looking like real-life leaves, the gorgeous colors of the garland add an autumn warmth to any room or fall gathering. It also comes in a version with berries, as well.
Starbucks Hot Spiced Caramel Apple Cider - Recreating The Unofficial Fall Drink At Home
When I lived up North, it was almost an unwritten law that I ordered Starbucks signature hot caramel apple cider during any Starbucks visit throughout the fall season. A steaming hot cup of cider was one of the best, and sometimes only, way to warm up on especially cold and biting late fall days.
With this simple recipe you can recreate the taste at home and avoid paying the steep price every time you have some cider cravings. Easy to make, it's even better than the Starbucks version, in my opinion, since you control what’s going into it and, of course, the salted caramel sauce takes it to the next level.
And the best part is you don’t ever have to leave the cozy warmth of your house...
***If you are having a Halloween party and need to serve a crowd, just multiply to make enough for your guests.
***FYI, This drink is delicious served warm on chilly fall days but, believe it or not, it also tastes amazing served chilled straight from the refrigerator... I thought so, and that was the resounding feedback I've gotten from others, so if you don't have time to heat it up, no problem, it will still taste great!
Hot (Or Cold) Spiced Salted Caramel Apple Cider Like Starbucks But Better
Ingredients Serves 3
4 cups (32 ounces) apple cider
1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) salted caramel sauce (or regular unsalted caramel sauce is fine, too, just add a pinch of salt to the saucepan)
2 cinnamon sticks (optional) or sprinkle of ground cinnamon to taste (start with 1/4 teaspoon)
6 cloves (optional)
fresh whipped cream to top it off (or your favorite store-bought version)
Instructions
Bring apple cider, salted caramel sauce and spices to a simmer in a medium to large saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the caramel sauce softens and gets incorporated into the apple cider. Continue to simmer over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes. The longer it steeps, the stronger the spice flavor will be. When the caramel sauce is heated thoroughly so it is melted into the apple cider, remove pan from heat. Strain the spices with a small strainer as you pour into cups/mugs and top with whipped cream (see recipe below). Feel free to add a drizzle of caramel sauce from the jar on top and a sprinkle of cinnamon, or garnish with a cinnamon stick if you are feeling extra fancy. Serve warm (or try it chilled) and then cozy up somewhere comfortable and enjoy!
Homemade Whipped Cream
Ingredients Serving size: Enough to top 4-5 servings of Caramel Apple Cider
1 cup chilled heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer at medium speed to beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar until it starts to firm. Add the teaspoon of vanilla extract and continue to beat just until soft peaks begin to form, so you don't overbeat. Top Caramel Apple Cider while still warm and serve. Store any remaining whipped cream in a covered container in your refrigerator.
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Anyone else a fan of Starbucks hot caramel apple cider? Have any of you tried making your own hot caramel apple cider at home? Let us know down below what your favorite drinks are for chilly fall days and nights.
