I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it enough, but I have an unhealthy addiction to Starbucks. I’ve been hooked since I sipped my first frap when I was (gasp) 12. Over the years I’ve tried so many of their sugar-laden caffeine-powered drinks, but this time of year, I’m drawn to the pumpkin spiced latte.
Perhaps I had too much coffee that day, or maybe I was just feeling adventurous, but for some reason not too long ago I ordered a Caramel Apple Spice. Taking the first sip of this autumnal drink warmed me to my toes. All that Starbucks does (from what I can tell) is warm their apple juice, mix it with a spiced sugary syrup, top it with whipped cream and drizzle it with caramel sauce. We’ve recreated this spicy drink just in time to meet the cold front sweeping the nation this weekend. Bundle up and grab a cup of this festive fall drink!
Cinnamon Simple Syrup:
Ingredients:
1 cup water
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Preparation:
In a small pot over medium-high heat, bring water and sugar to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 8 minutes. Add the cinnamon and simmer for another 2 minutes. Cool and transfer to a squeeze bottle. Store in refrigerator.
Spiced Whipped Cream (makes 4ish cups of whipped cream):
Ingredients:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Preparation:
Whip all ingredients together using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. This should stay good for about a week, and will do wonders for your morning coffee.
Caramel Apple Cider:
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons cinnamon simple syrup
10 ounces apple cider
Dollop spiced whipped cream
Drizzle of caramel sauce (Neil and I really like the salted caramel sauce from Bon Appetit’s Caramel Budino with Salted Caramel Sauce recipe.)
Preparation:
If you’re making just one cup, it’s easiest to microwave the cider and the cinnamon syrup together in a mug. To make enough for a fall party, simply multiply the ingredients by how many people you are hosting. Top each drink with a dollop of spiced whipped cream and drizzle with your favorite caramel sauce.
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Sounds wonderful! A perfect warm drink to enjoy while wrapped up in a big blanket with a good book!
Thanks, Jessica! That’s exactly what I did when I had a cup of this last weekend, except I was reading Southern Living 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Oh yum! This sounds like a wonderful way to usher in fall. I love cider…and I could drink it most everyday of the year. Thank you for sharing!
Monet that is such a good point! This cider really is great any time of year. Thanks for the comment!
Starbucks is made with heated apple juice, cinnamon dolce syrup, whipped cream and caramel sauce. Easy. Peasy. Lovin’ your take on it. Gonna try it this weekend.
Yes, I love that it’s so easy to recreate! Thanks for stopping by, Erin!
Looks delicious! I don’t really like whipped cream (weird, I know), but I might have to try your spiced whipped cream. I just posted my own recipe for spiced cider, and I’m glad I found yours, too! You can never have too many options 🙂
Hi Leah! Thanks for the comment. Hopefully you’ll like the spiced whipped cream. I think it’s a good balance of sweet and spicy. Enjoy!
I’m with you on the Starbucks addiction. Luckily (or unluckily) there isn’t one in my hometown, so I only get one if I’m out and about in the near city or spas! So thanks for this, because their fraps are my favourites, I can’t wait to try!
Hi Emma! Good to hear from a fellow addict! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
my husband loves this drink! i think it’s too sugary for me, but i’ll have to make it for him and steal a few sips 🙂
Ooo yes, sugar is my middle name. Or chocolate. Hmmm… either way, hope your hubby enjoys this one!
YESSSSSSSSSSSSS YUMMMMMMMMMMMM
I know, right!?
I lvoe this! It’s supposed to snow here later this week, and I think I’ll be trying this then!
Hi Emily! Thanks for stopping by. Let us know if you like it after you make it!