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Perfect Cozy Salted Caramel Apple Cider Mocktail

Salted caramel apple cider mocktail - featured image
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A warm, comforting mocktail featuring homemade salted caramel syrup and tart apple cider, perfect for fall gatherings. This alcohol-free drink is rich, buttery, and surprisingly indulgent.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups apple cider (not apple juice)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt (plus more for rim)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: ¼ cup whipped cream (for topping)
  • Optional: Cinnamon sticks and star anise (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make the salted caramel syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ½ cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons water. Stir gently until the sugar is wet like sand. Stop stirring once it starts bubbling. Let it cook without stirring for about 4-5 minutes, until it turns a deep amber color. Swirl the pan occasionally to help it cook evenly. When it’s the color of a copper penny, remove from heat.
  2. Add the butter and cream: Carefully whisk in 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. It will bubble up violently — that’s normal. Keep whisking until the butter is fully melted and incorporated. Then slowly pour in ¼ cup heavy cream while whisking constantly. The mixture will steam and bubble again. Keep whisking until it’s smooth and glossy.
  3. Season the caramel: Remove from heat and stir in ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Taste and adjust salt or cream as needed. Set aside to cool slightly.
  4. Warm the apple cider: In a separate saucepan, warm 4 cups apple cider over medium heat until steaming hot but not boiling (about 4-5 minutes).
  5. Prepare the mugs: Pour a thin layer of flaky sea salt onto a small plate. Run a slice of apple or a damp paper towel around the rim of each mug, then dip the rim into the salt.
  6. Assemble the mocktail: Pour about 2 tablespoons of the salted caramel syrup into the bottom of each mug. Ladle the warm apple cider over the caramel, filling each mug about three-quarters full. Stir gently to combine.
  7. Add the toppings: If using, add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. Drizzle a little extra caramel syrup over the cream. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a star anise if desired.
  8. Serve immediately: Enjoy hot, right after assembly, while the caramel is still suspended in the cider.

Notes

Don’t walk away from the caramel; it can burn quickly. Use room temperature cream to prevent seizing. Taste the cider before adding caramel to adjust sweetness. The salted rim is crucial for flavor but can be skipped for kids. Make caramel syrup ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

Keywords: salted caramel apple cider mocktail, fall mocktail, non-alcoholic drink, apple cider recipe, cozy drink, caramel apple cider

Find it online: https://lemonydrinks.com/perfect-cozy-salted-caramel-apple-cider-mocktail/