Warm, cozy, and bursting with fall flavor, this Starbucks caramel apple cider is the perfect sweet treat to sip on chilly afternoons or festive evenings!
Sweet apple juice blends with rich caramel and homemade cinnamon dolce syrup, creating a drink that tastes just like caramel-dipped apples from the county fair.
The best part? You can enjoy this fall favorite without the coffee shop price tag.
Isn’t that the dream? It is for me!
Why You’ll Love This Starbucks Caramel Apple Cider
Budget-Friendly: Making this copycat recipe at home costs a fraction of the coffee shop price. So you can enjoy a seasonal treat regularly without the premium markup.
Cozy Comfort: It’s perfect for snuggling up with a good book on chilly autumn evenings. Or for warming up cold bones after winter activities.
Rich, Decadent Taste: The blend of warm apple juice, buttery caramel, and fragrant cinnamon is irresistible. Every sip is sweet, spiced, tangy, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
- Apple Juice: Provides a sweet, crisp apple flavor. Use 100% pure apple juice for the best, most authentic taste.
- Cinnamon Dolce Syrup: I made my own for pennies, but you can totally buy Starbucks own or Torani Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup.
- Caramel Sauce: For a rich, buttery sweetness and the signature Starbucks caramel flavor.
- Whipped Cream: The must-have creamy topping for all “fancy” drinks. Use fresh whipped cream instead of canned for the best texture.
How to Make Starbucks Caramel Apple Cider
Don’t worry; you won’t need all of Starbucks’ fancy equipment to whip up this copycat caramel apple cider.
As long as you have a stove and a saucepan, you’ll be just fine.
Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
1. WARM the water, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon sticks in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly.
2. COOK until the mixture boils gently, and the sugars dissolve completely.
3. REMOVE from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and set aside to cool.
Caramel Apple Cider
4. HEAT the apple juice in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until warm.
5. STIR in the syrup and pour into a mug (or divide between two smaller cups).
6. TOP with whipped cream and drizzle with caramel sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Homemade Caramel Sauce
I almost always have a jar of this yummy caramel sauce on hand. It’s super rich and creamy, and goes great on everything from waffles to my morning coffee.
Of course, you can also grab a jar or bottle from the store to save time.
But if you’re feeling up to it, this caramel sauce recipe is a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Ready for the steps? There’s really only one!
1. COMBINE all the ingredients in a saucepan and warm over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and thick, about 10 minutes.
Like I said, it’s super easy!
Once the sauce is made, let it cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll be fine in the fridge for up to two weeks!
Tips for the Best Starbucks Caramel Apple Cider
Topped with a cloud of whipped cream and a final drizzle of caramel, this seasonal sipper is perfect for those crisp afternoons when you’re curled up with a good book or catching up with friends.
Here are a few tips to help you whip up a barista-approved drink every time:
- Stick to 100% juice. Believe it or not, Starbucks uses pure apple juice in their version. So, if you want your copycat drink to taste authentic, you’ll need pure apple juice, too. Avoid mixes, concentrates, and sugar-sweetened juices.
- Try cider. Other than pure juice, you can use apple cider for a bolder, more fall-forward taste.
- Use homemade when possible. Make your own homemade caramel sauce and freshly whipped cream for the best taste and texture.
- Taste and adjust. Customize the sweetness with more or less cinnamon dolce syrup. If you’re unsure, start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste.
- Make extra syrup. It stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 weeks, so feel free to double or triple the recipe!
- Drizzle generously. Don’t skimp on the caramel drizzle for the topping. It enhances both flavor and presentation!
- Vary at will. Try adding fresh nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom to the cinnamon dolce syrup, garnish with cinnamon sticks, or try chocolate sauce for extra indulgence. For a grown-up twist, mix in a splash of bourbon or rum.
More Cozy Cold Weather Drinks You’ll Love
Polar Express Hot Chocolate
Kahlua Hot Chocolate
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
Honey Coffee
Starbucks Caramel Apple Cider
1
servings5
minutes5
minutes359
kcalWarm, cozy, and bursting with fall flavor, this Starbucks caramel apple cider is the perfect sweet treat to sip on chilly afternoons or festive evenings!
Ingredients
- Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
1 cup water
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 whole cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Caramel Apple Cider
1 cup apple juice
2 tablespoons cinnamon dolce syrup (see above)
whipped cream
2-4 tablespoons caramel sauce
Instructions
- Make the Syrup: In a small saucepan, warm the water, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon sticks over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook until the mixture reaches a gentle boil and the sugars dissolve completely.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the syrup into a heatproof bowl or glass jar. Set aside to cool, then store in the fridge with a secure lid for up to 6 weeks.
- Make the Cider: In a small saucepan, warm the apple juice over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to simmer around the edges. Alternatively, microwave in a heatproof mug in 30-second intervals until warm to the touch.
- Stir in the syrup and pour the cider into a large mug (or divide between two smaller cups). Add a generous spoonful of whipped cream and drizzle the caramel over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy this cozy, Starbucks-inspired treat!
Notes
- Use 100% apple juice or apple cider for a more robust flavor. Avoid mixes, concentrates, and sugar-sweetened juices.
- Customize the sweetness with more or less cinnamon dolce syrup. If you’re unsure, start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste.
