When people think of Starbucks seasonal drinks, it’s usually coffee drinks like the classic PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte). But not our family! Last year, Emily introduced me to this Caramel Apple Spice Starbucks drink and it instantly became my fall favorite. I went to Starbucks more times a week than I should admit to get their hot apple cider. Of all the apple cider recipes out there, this one is by far the most flavorful, and it’s really easy to make it at home. Perfect for cold days! Whip up a batch of this hot apple cider for your friends and family, and save loads of money from getting a single serving at the coffee shop.
Ingredients in Our Copycat Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice Recipe
This delicious Starbucks Caramel Apple Cider comes together with just FOUR ingredients! And believe me, it’s the exact recipe that you get from the popular coffee shop (more on that below). Here’s all you need:
Apple juice – any brand will work. Just use your favorite.Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Syrup – you can also use Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup from Torani.Whipped cream – a dollop of Cool Whip, a can of spray whip, or homemade whipped cream, your choice.Caramel topping – Finish off with a drizzle of caramel sauce or your favorite caramel syrup. We like to get the caramel in the squeeze bottle so it is easier to drizzle.
How I Got the Starbucks Copycat Recipe for Caramel Apple Spice
The downside of my love for Caramel Apple Spice was it was burning a hole in my pocket – Starbucks is expensive! Finally I decided to ask the girl at Starbucks how they make it. She said she couldn’t tell me but I could watch her. So she did it all right in front of me. When I asked her how much syrup is in one pump she said “it is supposed to be ¼ oz. but it can vary slightly.” That was all I needed to know. So then I did some math. 1oz. = 2 Tbsp. so we can figure that .25oz = ½ Tbsp. The Starbucks people put 3 pumps of syrup in a 12oz cup, making it 1 ½ Tbsp per 12oz of apple juice. To simplify it further… 2/3 of 12oz. is 8oz (or 1 cup) and 2/3 of 1 ½ Tbsp is 1 Tbsp. So, for each cup of cider you simply add 1 Tbsp. of syrup. Easy enough right? See, MOM, I didn’t waste ALL of my time goofing off in school 😉
Recipe Tips from our Readers
One of our readers commented and let us know that before Starbucks used the Cinnamon Dolce flavored syrup, they actually just used cinnamon syrup. You can find Torani or DaVinci cinnamon syrup for a fraction of the price of the Starbucks brand (just use the same amounts as mentioned in the recipe).Another reader mentioned making your OWN syrup (to save even MORE $$) by combining ½ cup water, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and simmering in a small pot over medium heat for 5 minutes until it reduces.A lot of our readers also like making their own whipped cream. You can do this by using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat 2 cups of heavy cream with a few tablespoons of white sugar.
5-Star Comments about Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice
“I recently tried this delicious drink at Starbucks and loved it. Had it over the holidays almost every day, thanks to gift cards I received for Starbucks. Thanks for sharing the recipe, as I too find their prices too expensive to endulge in beyond the holidays. Happy New Year!”Deb
Frequently Asked Questions about this Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice drink
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More Drinks to Warm You Up
If you love this Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice Cider and want even more variety, you have got to try our Pumpkin Steamers recipe (it tastes like fall in a mug). If you want to spice things up, try our Mayan Hot Chocolate (smooth chocolate with a little spicy kick.. don’t worry, it’s not too spicy). We also have a fun collection of Candy Bar Hot Chocolates (Twix, Almond Joy, and Reeses… I love all three and honestly can’t pick a favorite)! If you want to check out ALL of our drink recipes (all family-friendly), click HERE (we have tons)!
Pumpkin Spice Steamer
Candy Bar Hot Chocolate
Mexican Hot Chocolate
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
How to Make Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice Cider
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