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You are here: Home / A to Z Recipe Index / Better than Starbucks Homemade Caramel Apple Cider Recipe

Better than Starbucks Homemade Caramel Apple Cider Recipe

By -Tam | Food Apparel 33 Comments

To warm you up on a cold day, try this “Better than Starbucks” Caramel Apple Cider Recipe. Using 100% pure pressed apple juice is key for achieving the tastiest results! This recipe is great for holiday parties, both for children and adults alike. It always gets rave reviews! Also tastes great without the caramel.

Warm up with this "Better than Starbucks" Caramel Apple Cider!

Make Your Own Hot Spiced Apple Cider Instead of Buying Apple Cider Mix Packets

Growing up, hot apple cider was one of my favorite wintertime treats.  So naturally I played around with my own homemade recipes and now only use the pre-packaged powder when I am in a bind. Yes, the stuff in the little envelopes, however, convenient it may seem, does not even hold a candle to real apple cider.

You can make apple cider totally from scratch – like even starting with apples if you are totally hard core like that! I mean, there are about a million versions on the internet that involve cooking apples, mashing them, filtering the juice through cheesecloth…… or you can do it more traditionally and buy a juice press and go that route (without the heat). Those sound just peachy, well, I mean, apple-y! (Sorry, couldn’t resist.) For this recipe, I prefer to buy cider at the store because, well, it’s about a million times easier and it will ensure a great flavor (flavor can vary based on the variety of apples used, and most ciders have a particular variety or blend that they use).

Warm up with this "Better than Starbucks" Caramel Apple Cider!

A must for this recipe is using 100% fresh pressed apple juice or apple cider. Simply Apple Juice is a great option that is usually available all year and found in most grocery stores. You’ll notice it is more cloudy in appearance than the varieties of apple juice or the juice you make from concentrate. That’s because their juice is not sweetened, does not have additives, not watered down, and has minimal filtration.

And in my local grocery stores (and even at a few little corner fruit stands) I can also find regional brands of juice or cider in the Fall/Winter. Even without adding the spices, warm up a cup of this cider, and you will feel nice and cozy.

If you are in doubt as to what to buy, here are two tips: 1) look for opaque/cloudy instead of clear, 2) look at the ingredient list. The simpler, the better.

What is the Difference Between Apple Juice and Apple Cider?

Here’s the deal: there is no real legal standard to what is called apple cider. So, it can be confusing. But like I said, above, as long as you are using 100% pure pressed apple with no additives and minimal filtration, you are gonna get the best flavor for your hot drink.

Depending on your source, you will see that many note the difference is in the processing and filtration. Apple juice goes through a pasteurization process where it is heated (to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit) to kill off what could be harmful bacteria and removes all solids through filtration that gives it a clear appearance. A lot of varieties also have additives including sugars, water, and absorbic acid. All of this is done to extend shelf life and gives the ability to store it without refrigeration. (However, as I mentioned, Simply Apple Juice brand is labeled as juice, but it does not have additives or preservatives, and has a cloudier appearance and you always find it in the refrigerated section.)

Cider is made by squeezing juice out of apple mash through a fruit press (involving cloth and wooden racks). It may be pasteurized or unpasteurized (click here for one take on this). It is usually not filtered (or minimally) so still contains pulp and sediment. It is much more susceptible to dangerous bacteria, so it should be refrigerated ASAP (especially if unpasteurized). Some sources also note that cider traditionally also goes through a fermentation process from the natural yeasts found in apples (3-4 days for a non-alcoholic mild cider with a slight zip called “sweet cider” or longer for a “hard cider”- aka, alcoholic. Click here for more info). Just remember, by heating it up to 160, that will kill the bacteria and you can do that with juice that you make yourself or buy from fruit stands. And get this – the ever popular Martinelli’s Apple “Cider” is admittedly not cider at all, but simply carbonated apple juice. But hey, who’s really being that picky?!? Obviously not the FDA. 🙂

Warm up with this "Better than Starbucks" Caramel Apple Cider!

Copycat Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice

Okay, now on to this recipe. You know, I was going to give this post a “Copycat” label to compare to the Starbucks Caramel Apple “Spice”. But the problem is……THIS IS WAY BETTER THAN THE STARBUCKS CARAMEL APPLE CIDER! (Just FYI – now I won’t speak for everywhere, but at least when I’ve seen workers prepare this cider at a Starbucks near me, the “fresh pressed apple juice” was none other than Treetop Apple Juice concentrate- take that for what it’s worth after reviewing the convo above about my passion for 100% fresh pressed.) Anyway, I had to make sure to differentiate this.

Warm up with this "Better than Starbucks" Caramel Apple Cider!

If you really want to make this shine, try using my favorite homemade caramel sauce. It really doesn’t get better than this.

Warm up with this "Better than Starbucks" Caramel Apple Cider!

Warm up with this "Better than Starbucks" Caramel Apple Cider!
5 from 1 vote
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Better than Starbucks Caramel Apple Cider

Course Drink
Cuisine Classic
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Author Tammy Blankenship

Ingredients

  • 4 to 6 cups 100% pure pressed apple juice or cider
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 6 cloves whole
  • 6 allspice berries
  • whipped cream optional
  • caramel sauce to drizzle on top optional

Instructions

  1. Put apple juice, caramel sauce and spices in a medium pan and simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Let steep for longer if desired.

  2. Pour into cups/mugs and top with whipped cream and then caramel sauce if you’re feeling fancy.

Recipe Notes

Make sure to use 100% pure pressed juice or cider (such as Simply Apple). This will produce the best flavor.

If you want to make this in a crock pot, feel free to do so. It will usually take 1-2 hours to warm.

Don't have whole spices? You can use ground cinnamon, cloves, and allspice as well. Start with no more than 1/4 teaspoon of each, and go from there until it's flavored to your liking.

If you want to keep this really simple, you can bypass the caramel completely. In fact, if you want to literally just warm up the juice/cider without any spices, it still tastes fabulous.

Check the comments! Kid version with whipped cream, adult version with a splash of some maple whiskey.

 

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-Tam | Food Apparel

I'm Tammy and I love to be in the kitchen! I'm married and have three little tagalongs who love to help out with the food prep. My secret foodie dream is to open a bakery. Want to know more about me? Go here for a little Q&A.

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Filed Under: A to Z Recipe Index, Christmas, Drinks, Fall Favs, Fall-Winter, Holidays, New Year's, Seasons, Thanksgiving, Winter Warm-Up Tagged With: apple, caramel, cider, drink, quick 'n easy style, starbucks

« The Best Caramel Sauce Recipe
Soft Caramels Recipe »

Comments

  1. Simi Jois says

    October 5, 2014 at 6:37 pm

    I have have have to try this, better than SB ! Wow

    Reply
    • Food Apparel says

      October 8, 2014 at 5:14 pm

      Yes Simi! I really can’t get enough of this stuff.

      Reply
  2. Erin @ Strawberry Mommycakes says

    October 13, 2014 at 7:46 am

    This is my husband’s favorite drink at Starbucks! So excited to make this for him!!!

    Reply
    • Food Apparel says

      October 14, 2014 at 2:48 pm

      Oh yay! I hope he loves it!

      Reply
  3. Culinary Flavors says

    October 13, 2014 at 9:14 am

    I will definitely be doing this! Sounds delicious! Thanks again for coming and linking up at The Weekend Social. All posts get pinned in our pinterest board! Please be sure to come back next week starting Thursdays at 9PM EST on culinaryflavors.gr ! I hope to see you there!

    Reply
    • Food Apparel says

      October 14, 2014 at 2:49 pm

      Yes, I hope it turns out great! Thanks for visiting.

      Reply
  4. byDawnNicole says

    October 13, 2014 at 11:10 am

    Simply apple is the best! This looks SO good! Pinned to share (and try asap!) 🙂

    Reply
    • Food Apparel says

      October 14, 2014 at 2:50 pm

      Yeah, I’m kinda addicted to the stuff. Thanks for pinning!

      Reply
      • Brandie says

        March 9, 2017 at 7:50 pm

        Articles like these put the consumer in the driver seat-very imotatrnp.

        Reply
  5. Tiffany says

    October 13, 2014 at 11:40 am

    I bet this is so yummy and makes your house smell amazing while it’s being prepared! Pinned! 🙂

    Reply
    • Food Apparel says

      October 14, 2014 at 2:50 pm

      It really does smell awesome. Love all those Fall spices. Thanks for pinning!

      Reply
  6. The Food Hunter says

    October 13, 2014 at 1:39 pm

    I could go for a steaming mug right now

    Reply
    • Food Apparel says

      October 14, 2014 at 2:51 pm

      Oh yeah. The weather here is just screaming for me to make this basically every day right now. Just a little “crisp” outside, we’ll say. Thanks for coming by!

      Reply
  7. alisonswonderlandrecipes says

    October 13, 2014 at 7:12 pm

    Looks delicious!

    Reply
    • Food Apparel says

      October 14, 2014 at 2:51 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  8. capturing joy with kristen duke says

    October 13, 2014 at 9:49 pm

    This sounds amazing! Just pinned!

    Reply
    • Food Apparel says

      October 14, 2014 at 2:52 pm

      It’s seriously the best and sooooo easy. Thanks for pinning!

      Reply
  9. Carrie Owens says

    October 13, 2014 at 10:14 pm

    this looks so good! I love cider!!

    Reply
    • Food Apparel says

      October 14, 2014 at 2:52 pm

      Yeah, we always look forward to this time of year for this drink. Thanks for the visit!

      Reply
  10. Brielle says

    October 14, 2014 at 10:10 am

    Mmm, you use the best apple juice. Love Simply Apple! We buy it all the time. Yum!

    Reply
    • Food Apparel says

      October 14, 2014 at 2:53 pm

      Yes, Simple Apple is what makes this soooooo good! Well, and caramel….and whipped cream…. you know. Thanks for the visit!

      Reply
  11. Betsy @ Desserts Required says

    October 14, 2014 at 8:45 pm

    I LOVE this and know that my entire family will be thrilled to come home to a hot mug of apple cider…with whipped cream…and caramel!!

    Reply
    • Food Apparel says

      October 15, 2014 at 2:05 am

      Yes, yes….and yes!

      Reply
  12. Missy says

    October 24, 2016 at 5:20 pm

    I make this every fall and it is AMAZING! I put all the ingredients in my crock pot on high for about an hour. Everyone loves it! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Food Apparel says

      November 14, 2016 at 1:01 am

      So glad you like it Missy!

      Reply
  13. erin josefchak says

    December 22, 2017 at 11:22 am

    I’ve made these numerous times last year and I’m making it again numerous times this year! So easy and delicious! I make mine in the slowcooker though – it takes about 2-3 hours to get hot. The kids get theirs with whipped cream and the adults get a shot of Sortilege (maple whiskey from Canada) in theirs! lol very festive!

    Reply
    • Food Apparel says

      December 26, 2017 at 11:08 pm

      Yum Erin! Yes it’s the best. Everyone always loves it, right?! 😉 I’ve done this in a slow cooker as well. I guess I need to make that modification in the notes! And I like your adult modification as well! 😀

      Reply
  14. Adele says

    October 3, 2024 at 3:55 pm

    Delish ❤️. Just what I was looking for. Making it fall through winter. Thank you .

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting says:
    October 17, 2014 at 3:38 pm

    […] further ado……GO AND MAKE THESE! And accompany them with a nice warm cup of this Caramel Apple Cider. And cozy up to someone you love, and they will love you even more. Go Fall! You […]

    Reply
  2. Homemade Almond Roca Recipe + Blendtec Giveaway says:
    November 3, 2014 at 2:34 pm

    […] Caramels, Peppermint Marshmallows, or a nice batch of Orange Pecan Biscotti to dip into some “Better than Starbucks” Caramel Apple Cider. Can you tell we have a lot of candy recipes? Yeah. I don’t know what that says about us, but […]

    Reply
  3. Liquid Lit: Summer Reading Edition - Spokane County Library District says:
    June 10, 2015 at 7:01 am

    […] needs something comforting. With its warming, classic flavors, full of spice and sweetness, a Hot Caramel Apple Cider is just what I crave when I read The Neverending Story.  When those occasional, stormy summer […]

    Reply
  4. 4 Fall Drink Recipes to Spice Up the Season - Grotto Network says:
    October 16, 2023 at 2:36 pm

    […] And a successful road trip always includes a treat, which means your roadside companion could be Food Apparel’s Caramel Apple Spice. A robust drink, warm, sweet, and tangy, this caramel apple cider can be kept […]

    Reply
  5. September Festivities 2024: A Guide to Fun September Holidays - SuperMom Shuffle says:
    August 31, 2024 at 4:44 am

    […] mulled cider. Starbucks spiced apple cider is AMAZING and tastes like Fall in a cup. Here’s a copycat recipe for the Starbucks Caramel Apple Cider. It’s just so […]

    Reply

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