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Caramel Apple Spice – Best Easy Starbucks Copycat Drink

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This cozy Caramel Apple Spice is a Starbucks copycat recipe featuring real apple cider, homemade cinnamon syrup, and buttery caramel sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for chilly days or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups apple cider
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (preferably dark brown)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
  • Whipped cream, for topping
  • Ground cinnamon, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Make the cinnamon syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 2 cinnamon sticks. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves (about 2 minutes). Let it bubble for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Let the cinnamon sticks steep while you prep the cider (5–30 minutes for deeper flavor), then strain.
  2. Heat the apple cider: In a medium saucepan, pour in 4 cups apple cider. Warm over medium heat until steaming but not boiling (about 3–4 minutes).
  3. Combine & sweeten: Remove the cider from heat. Stir in all of the strained cinnamon syrup and 1/4 cup caramel sauce. Whisk well to blend. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
  4. Serve & top: Pour the hot caramel apple spice into mugs. Top each mug with whipped cream and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce. Dust lightly with ground cinnamon. Serve immediately.

Notes

For dairy-free or vegan, use coconut whipped cream and a dairy-free caramel sauce. Do not let the cider boil—keep it at a gentle steam for best flavor. Make extra cinnamon syrup and store in the fridge for up to a month. Customize sweetness and spice to taste. For parties, keep warm in a slow cooker and set out toppings for a DIY bar.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple spice, starbucks copycat, apple cider drink, fall drinks, cozy drinks, cinnamon syrup, caramel apple cider, homemade starbucks drink

Find it online: https://lemonydrinks.com/caramel-apple-spice-recipe-best-easy-starbucks-copycat-drink/