Cozy Caramel Apple Cider
A warm and comforting autumn drink combining fresh apple cider with silky caramel and cozy spices, perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (950 ml) fresh, unfiltered apple cider
- ½ cup (120 ml) smooth caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon (2 grams) ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon (0.5 grams) ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Optional garnishes: whipped cream, thinly sliced apple rings, cinnamon sticks, sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Pour 4 cups (950 ml) of apple cider into a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes until hot but not boiling, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves. Whisk lightly to distribute spices evenly.
- Reduce heat to low. Slowly whisk in ½ cup caramel sauce gradually while stirring to melt smoothly into the cider.
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Stir well to balance flavors.
- Let the cider simmer on low for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling.
- Pre-rinse mugs with hot water to keep the drink warm longer, if desired.
- Pour warm caramel apple cider into mugs and top with whipped cream, cinnamon stick, or apple slices. Sprinkle sea salt flakes on whipped cream for a salted caramel twist if desired.
Notes
Warm the cider slowly to avoid caramel seizing or spices becoming bitter. Whisk caramel in gradually to prevent clumping. Adjust sweetness and consistency by adding hot water or more cider if needed. Keep warm in a slow cooker for gatherings. Avoid microwaving repeatedly to preserve texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 150180
- Sugar: 2530
- Fat: 24
- Carbohydrates: 3540
- Protein: 0.5
Keywords: caramel apple cider, autumn drink, cozy drink, caramel cider, fall beverage, warm cider, homemade apple cider, caramel sauce drink