There’s something so comforting about a warm caramel apple drink on a chilly fall day. My version of the Starbucks caramel apple spice is cozy and nostalgic, but made better thanks to the salted caramel whipped cream on top. The salty-sweet topping melts into the spiced apple base and makes it taste like a perfect apple pie a la mode.
This drink is also caffeine-free, so you can enjoy it any time of day — morning, afternoon, or even as a bedtime treat. It’s the perfect way to make plain apple cider feel fancy without much effort.
So, here’s how to make a delicious caramel apple spice at home!
What is a Caramel Apple Spice?
A caramel apple spice is a fancy, creamy version of apple cider. Kind of like a cream soda but with apple cider! It’s made from apple juice or cider, cinnamon dolce syrup, and topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle or ground cinnamon.
Basically, it tastes like liquid apple pie, and the whipped cream mimics vanilla ice cream! There’s no way that this drink doesn’t taste good (unless you hate apple pie). Because it’s dessert-like, it makes sense why it lives on the Starbucks menu year-round.
It’s the perfect fall beverage for a party that has kids or people sensitive to caffeine, plus it looks on-theme.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It looks amazing! Just think of butter beer, with the golden drink and creamy whipped topping and all the sweet deliciousness!
- The nostalgia. I always love apple treats during the fall, and since it’s the season for apples, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season.
- It tastes like apple pie. Who doesn’t love a crisp apple beverage with a little creaminess to round out the tart apple? Yum!
- Super easy to make. No espresso machine, no excessive whipping, or brewing required! You can make all the ingredients by hand or get them from the store.
Caramel Apple Spice Recipe: Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup apple cider or juice
- ½ tbsp cinnamon dolce syrup
- 1 cup ice
- 1-2 tsp salted caramel sauce
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp milk
- A dash of ground cinnamon
- 1 slice of apple for garnish
How to Make Salted Caramel
If you’ve never made salted caramel before, it’s one of the easiest sauces to make and so worth it. You only need sugar, butter, cream, and salt. You start by melting sugar in a pot until it turns a deep amber color. Then, you whisk in the butter, followed by the cream (it’ll bubble up like crazy; that’s the fun part!). Finally, add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and bring out that deep caramel flavor. Follow my salted caramel recipe here.
You can make it ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just reheat it slightly before using so it’s pourable again. If you already have caramel sauce on hand, just stir in a little flaky sea salt for a shortcut!
Apple Cider vs. Apple Juice
Aren’t apple cider and apple juice the same? While they look similar, the flavor and texture are different.
Apple cider is typically unfiltered, which means it still contains apple pulp and natural solids. It’s cloudier, thicker, and has a deeper, tart apple flavor.
Apple juice, on the other hand, is filtered and pasteurized, giving it a lighter, clearer look and sweeter taste.
If you want to boost the flavor of apple juice to mimic cider, add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a splash of lemon juice.
How to Make Caramel Apple Spice
- Make or buy salted caramel.
- Make or buy cinnamon dolce syrup. As a substitute, you can use brown sugar and ground cinnamon!
- Add salted caramel, heavy cream, and milk to a cup, then, using a whisk or handheld frother, whip the cream until all the caramel is incorporated and the cream is soft and fluffy. You want to stop before it becomes actual whipped cream, so it’s still pourable.
- Add ice, apple cider or juice, cinnamon syrup, and ground cinnamon to a separate glass. Then, top with your caramel cream and garnish with more caramel or cinnamon.
- Mix and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Caramel Apple Spice
Want your homemade caramel apple spice to taste even better than Starbucks? Here’s how to make sure every cup turns out rich, cozy, and perfectly spiced.
- Use high-quality apple cider.
- Fresh, unfiltered apple cider has a deeper apple flavor than juice and really makes this drink shine. If you can get local cider from a farmer’s market, even better!
- Don’t skip the salted caramel.
- The balance of sweet and salty makes the drink more complex and prevents it from tasting overly sugary. Store-bought caramel works fine, but homemade is just a different level!
- Make the caramel cream fluffy, not stiff.
- Whip your cream just until soft peaks form. It should be thick enough to sit on top but still soft enough to mix into the drink.
- Make it a party drink.
- Keep a pot of hot cider on the stove or cold cider in ice and let everyone top their mugs with caramel cream, extra drizzle, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. It’s a perfect non-caffeinated option for everyone!
Substitutions and Variations
Make it dairy-free:
Swap heavy cream for coconut cream or your favorite non-dairy whipping cream. Oat milk creamer also whips beautifully! Definitely use a creamer alternative with a little more fat so it still adds creaminess.
Add black tea:
Want a caffeinated twist? Steep a strong black tea (like English breakfast or chai) and pour it into your cider. The tea complements the apple, and it’s kind of like a twist on an Arnold Palmer.
Use spiced caramel or maple syrup:
Replace the caramel with maple syrup or a spiced caramel sauce. It makes it taste more spicy and like fall!
Make it boozy:
For adult gatherings, add a splash of bourbon, spiced rum, or caramel vodka. The caramel blends seamlessly with the apple and spice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this drink caffeinated?
Nope! This drink is completely caffeine-free, perfect for consumption at any time of the day!
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Just swap out the whipped cream and caramel sauce for dairy-free versions. Coconut whipped cream or oat-based whipped cream tastes amazing with the apple-caramel combo.
What’s the best apple cider to use?
Go for a natural or unfiltered apple cider if you can find one. It has a deeper, more “homemade” flavor that really brings out the fall vibes. If you only have apple juice, that works too.
Easy Fall Caramel Apple Spice
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider or juice
- ½ tbsp cinnamon dolce syrup
- 1 cup ice
- 1-2 tsp salted caramel sauce
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp milk
- A dash ground cinnamon
- 1 slice apple for garnish
Instructions
- Make or buy salted caramel.
- Make or buy cinnamon dolce syrup. As a substitute, you can use brown sugar and ground cinnamon!
- Add salted caramel, heavy cream, and milk to a cup, then, using a whisk or handheld frother, whip the cream until all the caramel is incorporated and the cream is soft and fluffy. You want to stop before it becomes actual whipped cream, so it’s still pourable.
- Add ice, apple cider or juice, cinnamon syrup, and ground cinnamon to a separate glass. Then, top with your caramel cream and garnish with more caramel or cinnamon.
- Mix and enjoy!
Other Cozy Fall Drinks You’ll Love
Fall is my favorite season, and this caramel apple spice is just the tip of the iceberg for fall-inspired drinks. Here are a few other fall drinks that’ll give you the same cozy feeling:
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