Caramel Apple Cider recipe made with apple juice, cinnamon, cloves & nutmeg! Spiced Apple Cider topped with fresh cream and a drizzle of caramel for a hot & delicious Fall treat!
This spiced caramel apple cider tastes incredible! But what makes it even better is knowing how simple and easy it is to turn a bottle of apple juice into a warm apple cider that smells and feels like a cold fall night.
Spiced Caramel Apple Cider
I have always been a tried and true hot chocolate fan, but when my mother in law introduced me to this recipe, my opinions on apple cider went out the window. It tastes so great but I think that the whipped cream and caramel drizzled over the top may just be the most important ingredients to include in this recipe.
What’s the Difference Between Apple Juice and Apple Cider?
The only difference is the filtration process. I think they taste virtually the same. After you add all the spices too, any taste differences are gone, so I just go with whichever one is cheaper!
Why Does the Amount of Cinnamon Sticks Vary So Much In This Recipe?
The strength of the flavor of the cinnamon sticks depends on how old they are. The older they get, the less flavorful, so if you’ve had them sitting on the shelf for a while, more is needed. Start with just having 2, and then taste test to see if more are needed.
Spiced Caramel Apple Cider Ingredients
How much Time do you want to spend?
Long Method (Just under 2 hours total time, 25 minutes active time)
-2 quarts apple juice or apple cider
-2-4 large cinnamon sticks
-1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
-12-15 whole cloves {start with 12, then add more as you like it}
-juice of 1 medium sized orange, plus the peel
Short Method (25 minutes active time)
-2 quarts apple juice or apple cider
-3 tsp ground cinnamon
-1 tsp ground cloves
-1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
-juice of 1 medium sized orange, plus the peel
How to Make Spiced Caramel Apple Cider
Adding Whipped Cream & Caramel to Apple Cider
Spiced Caramel Apple Cider
Ingredients
Long Cook Method Ingredients (Simmers for 1.5 Hours)
- 2 qts apple juice or apple cider
- 2-4 large cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg fresh is incredible!
- 12-15 whole cloves
- juice of 1 medium orange (plus the peel)
15 Minute Method Ingredients (Done in 25 minutes)
- 2 qts apple juice or apple cider
- 3 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- juice of 1 medium sized orange, plus the peel
Toppings
- 4 oz Whipped Cream
- 8 TBSP Caramel Sauce
Instructions
- For both methods, pour the apple juice in a medium sized stock pot on high heat. Add ingredients, depending on the long or short method. Let the orange peel float for about 5 minutes while bringing the mixture to a boil.
SHORTER COOK METHOD (25 minutes active time)
- Once you bring the mixture to a boil, give it a good whisk.* Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Top with cream & caramel and serve.
LONGER COOK METHOD (Just under 2 hours total time, 25 minutes active time)
- Bring the spiced cider to a boil, then simmer on the stove for about an hour to 1.5 hours. to give the chance for the cloves and cinnamon to release their flavor. Taste it periodically and make adjustments.
- Give the cider a good stir before filling up the mugs. Then once you have it served up you'll add whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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How Long is Apple Cider Good For?
After you whip up a batch, keep the rest stored in a covered pitcher in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to drink it warm, simply fill a glass and heat it in the microwave until it’s the temperature you prefer. Or drink it cold- it’s great that way too!
Does Caramel Apple Cider Have Caffeine?
No, this warm beverage drink does not contain any caffeine as-is. Perfect for handing a warm mug over to the kids at night to help settle them down rather than get them bouncing off the walls before bed!
Other Apple Recipes You’re Going to Love!
- Dutch Apple Bread
- Caramel Apple Bread
- Apple Cinnamon Crumb Bars
- Snickerdoodle Apple Cobbler
- Snickerdoodle Apple Pie Cookie Cups
- Apple Cider Syrup
- Chocolate Caramel Apples
- Caramel Apple Nachos
- Apple Spice Cake
- Cinnamon Caramel Apple Dip
- Apple Crisp with Oatmeal
- Apple Pumpkin Bread
- Snickers Apple Salad
- Cinnamon Apple Snack Cake
- Simple Crockpot Applesauce
Caramel Apple Cider recipe made with apple juice, cinnamon, cloves & nutmeg! Spiced Apple Cider topped with fresh cream and a drizzle of caramel for a hot & delicious Fall treat!
Mary Ann says
YUM! Trying this this week with the cooler temps!
Frieda Loves Bread says
I've always wondered what the difference was between cider and juice. Thank you for clearing that up for me! Love your recipe and your blog!
Gina Baker says
SOunds temptingly delicious. While I do have a sweet tooth period and this is likely better than any other apple cider I have tasted… I might just have to go for hot chocolate still. 🙂
Living the Scream says
YUM! I love putting whipped cream and caramel on apple cider, your right they are vital!!
Jessica Williams- UDD, Butter with a Side of Bread says
Gina- you have to try it! C'mon….<br /><br />Frieda- thank you! <br /><br />Living the Scream- HI! {waves} glad you could stop by!
Erin says
This reminds me a little of Starbucks caramel apple cider. So good! Yours actually looks and sounds better than theirs though. 🙂
Sarah Bulmer says
Maybe it's just because I live in New England, but it's pretty much sacrilegious to say that apple juice and cider taste virtually the same and have very little difference. Anything processed, filtered, and pasteurized is going to lose something and with apple juice it loses a lot.
Pam Fields says
Pinned and am making on our next chilly night! 🙂
Liz Fourez says
Yum! Pinning and trying it this week!<br /><br />Love Always,<br />Liz
The CSI Girl says
I would love if you shared this on the CSI Project this week. The challenge is fall food and this is perfect. You can come by everyday for a new tutorial/recipe and then on Wednesday night you can link up. You just might win the challenge and there is a giveaway.<br />www.thecsiproject.com<br />Hope to see you there!!!<br />
Melissa says
Its low cal right? LOL looks wonderful<br />
Amanda @ Old House to New Home says
I am including this in a Fall Recipe round up at my blog Old House to New Home! Thanks for sharing such great recipes!
Riani says
looks delicious.. very nicely presented..