This sweet and tart Caramel Apple Cider is like a cozy fall hug in a mug! Perfect for crisp autumn days, and always the star of Thanksgiving, it’s your classic cider’s classy cousin! And with just 5 ingredients, it’s oh-so easy to make!
The attraction and appeal of this heavenly cider that cannot be underestimated.
It serves up a magical combination of buttery rich caramel and tart apple cider… and is almost impossible to stop drinking once you start!
Janna writes: "Loved this apple cider recipe! My party guests raved about how good it was. :) "
It’s also a splendid way to serve up some fabulous fall fun in a mug. All while skipping the over-priced coffee house drinks!
I always get a kick out of making Starbucks Copycat Recipes at home. I mean, what’s not to love about enjoying your favorite indulgent drinks for a fraction of the price?
Besides, it’s crazy easy to make this copycat Starbucks caramel apple cider. Just 5 minutes of actual hands on time are required, then your crockpot takes over and does the rest!
Then like all of my Fall Crockpot Recipes for hot drinks, you can serve it straight from your Crock Pot… while the slow cooker keeps it perfectly warm and simmering for as long as you want!
My decadent Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate, lovely White Chocolate Hot Cocoa, and energizing Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Recipe all can be served the same way!
Talk about the perfect warm and cozy drinks for a party!
So let’s get this cozy hot cider simmering, shall we?
You’ll just need these simple ingredients…
Ingredients
It takes just 5 delicious ingredients to make the BEST hot caramel apple cider recipe!
Here’s what you’ll need to grab on your next trip to the grocery store…
- Apple Cider – Spiced apple cider can be substituted.
- Brown Sugar – Adds the perfect kiss of sweet to your cider.
- Vanilla Extract – To add cozy warmth to the cider.
- Cinnamon Sticks – To add a sweet and spicy flavor kick.
- Caramel Sauce – A delicious shortcut for creating the most indulgent hot apple cider with caramel.
- Optional: Whip Cream – To add that luscious, creamy topping we love!
Just like my perfectly spiced recipe for Apple Cider in a Crockpot, you’ll also need a 5 – 7 quart Crock Pot to prepare your caramel hot apple cider.
You’ll also want to have some cheesecloth on hand for bundling up your cinnamon sticks.
How To Make Caramel Apple Cider
You won’t believe how easy it is to make this festively fabulous caramel apple cider drink recipe in your slow cooker!
Here’s what you’ll do…
1. Add the ingredients to your slow cooker as instructed, and stir.
2. Once done, remove the cinnamon sticks and add the caramel.
3. Cook for 30 more minutes, give it one final stir, and you’re done!
You can even top your hot cider with some whipped cream and an extra dreamy drizzle of caramel to send it over the top!
Then enjoy it all year long with your friends or family… OR upgrade your holiday celebrations when you serve it alongside some of my other Easy Thanksgiving Recipes.
Or serve it alongside my lovely Apple Cider Fruit Punch and vibrant Orange Punch Recipe at your fall parties.
Scroll down for the printable recipe card with detailed, step-by-step instructions.
How To Store
For best flavor, I recommend enjoying your cider right away. However, your leftovers can be stored in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. Then when ready to enjoy, simply reheat to enjoy a second serving of apple cider and caramel yumminess!
Reviews
Here’s what your frugal friends are saying about this hot caramel apple cider recipe…
Alison writes: “Delicious and easy!”
Jacque writes: “I made for a family bonfire and all loved it. DELICIOUS”
Jen writes: “Best recipe, easy and tastes great!”
Tammie writes: “This was delicious and so easy! Highly recommend and will use again!”
Terre writes: “Totally rocks!”
Janna writes: “Loved this apple cider recipe! My party guests raved about how good it was. 🙂 Thanks for posting.”
Kristin writes: “New family favorite!!”
Nikki writes: “This was super simple and turned out great.”
Anastasia writes: “We couldn’t find this particular apple cider so we used apple juice. Honestly it was delicious. We added whipped cream and Carmel drizzle on top. It was perfect. Tastes amazing”
The Best Hot Beverages
Did You Enjoy This Recipe? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment & review below!
Caramel Apple Cider
Doubling Recipe Tip
If doubling or tripling recipe with buttons below, ingredient notes found after comma will not adjust. Increase ingredients as needed.
Ingredients
- 2 quarts Apple Cider
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar, packed
- 2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
- 3 Cinnamon Sticks
- 1/2 cup Caramel Sauce, (I used Smucker’s Caramel Sundae Sauce)
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients.
- Pour Apple Cider into 4 quart Crock Pot.
- Add Brown Sugar and Vanilla, and stir well.
- Tie up Cinnamon Sticks in small square of Cheesecloth, and add to Cider.
- Cover Crock Pot and cook on LOW for 3 hours.
- After 3 hours, remove Cinnamon Sticks and discard, then add Caramel Sauce to Cider. Stir well, and cook for 30 more minutes.
- Stir again just prior to serving… and ENJOY!
- OR… make it over the top when you add some whipped cream and an extra dreamy drizzle of caramel!
Notes
- Yield: 8 cups (or eight 1 cup servings)
- How To Store: Your caramel hot apple cider leftovers can be stored in your refrigerator up to 3 days.
- FAQ’s: For answers to Frequently Asked Questions or tips for common substitutions and variations, please refer to the detailed information above this recipe card.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
is it okay to skip using the cheesecloth?
You can… you just may want to strain the cider before serving. The cheesecloth helps prevent any pieces from breaking off and floating around. 🙂
Do you put whip cream on top?
After you transfer the cider to mugs, if you’d like you can add some whip cream and an extra drizzle of caramel. 🙂
Is it ok to make this ahead, like the night before an event, then reheat?
Hi Rebecca ~ it really works best to make this cider the day of the party. You could lay everything out the night before, and have the cinnamon sticks tied up in the cheesecloth ready to go. It will come together really quickly. 🙂