Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups fresh apple cider or high-quality apple juice
- ¼ cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 cinnamon sticks, broken in half
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 star anise pods (optional but recommended)
- 2-3 thin slices fresh ginger (optional, for extra warmth)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- Whipped cream for topping
- Extra caramel sauce for drizzling on top
- Optional garnish: a small cinnamon stick or star anise pod per serving
Instructions
- Pour the apple cider or apple juice into a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Place it over medium heat and bring the cider to a gentle simmer—you want to see small bubbles breaking the surface, but not a rolling boil.
- While the cider is heating, add the broken cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise pods (if using). Also add the fresh ginger slices if you’re using them for extra warmth and flavor.
- Once the cider is gently simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes. You’ll notice your kitchen filling with the most amazing warm, spiced aroma. This is exactly what you want.
- After simmering, remove the pan from heat and add the caramel sauce, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and pinch of sea salt. Stir very well until the caramel sauce is completely combined and there are no streaks of caramel remaining. Taste it and adjust sweetness or spice as desired.
- Strain the cider through a fine mesh strainer into a serving pitcher or ladle, leaving behind the whole spices. Or you can leave the cinnamon sticks in for a prettier presentation—just make sure guests know to remove them before drinking.
- Ladle the warm caramel apple cider into serving mugs or heat-safe glasses. Top each mug with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a light drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Garnish with a small cinnamon stick or star anise pod if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Make a big batch and keep it warm in a slow cooker on low for up to 4 hours, perfect for parties or gatherings. The flavors actually develop and deepen as it sits.
- The cider can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days, then gently reheated on the stovetop.
- For an adult version, add 1-2 ounces of bourbon, dark rum, or brandy to each mug.
- You can make this with cinnamon-infused vodka or bourbon spiced with cinnamon sticks ahead of time for a special touch.
- If your caramel sauce is very thick, warm it slightly in the microwave before stirring it into the cider for easier mixing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage / Drink
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cups (16 oz)
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 48g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg