Hot Caramel Apple Cider
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One of our favorite Halloween traditions is having a warm drink ready for my kids after they finish trick-or-treating. Here in Utah, it’s not uncommon to have snow on Halloween, so we often spend more time figuring out how to bundle up and stay warm while still being able to see their costumes. A hot drink, like this caramel apple cider, is a welcome treat after a chilly evening.
I often make a hot apple cider but I don’t stick to a single recipe. I always make sure there’s a hot beverage waiting to warm them up. To make it even better, I love to top our drinks with whipped cream. There’s nothing like the contrast of the hot drink with a dollop of cool, sweet whipped cream. It’s an easy way to make the drink feel special, but you can always skip it if you prefer.
If you decide to make a hot cider, I highly recommend buying fresh apple cider from the refrigerated section of the grocery store. It’s a much better option than the bottled juice found in the aisles. The refrigerated kind has a fresher, more robust apple flavor and is usually very similar in price.
Ingredients for Hot Caramel Apple Cider
- APPLE CIDER
- BROWN SUGAR
- CARAMEL ICE CREAM TOPPING
- WHIPPED CREAM (OPTIONAL)
Instructions for Hot Caramel Apple Cider Recipe
In a large saucepan, combine the apple cider, brown sugar, and caramel topping. Place the saucepan on the stove and heat it over medium heat, stirring frequently. This gentle heat will allow the ingredients to blend together smoothly without scorching the caramel.
Once the mixture begins to simmer, continue to stir for a few more minutes until it’s fully heated through and the sugar has completely dissolved.
Carefully ladle the hot caramel apple cider into mugs. For an extra treat, top each serving with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a final drizzle of caramel sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes, you can. However, fresh apple cider from the refrigerated section has a richer, more complex flavor than apple juice. If you use apple juice, the final drink may be sweeter and have a less “fresh apple” taste. It will still be a delicious warm drink, but for the best results, use apple cider.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for a slow cooker, especially if you’re serving a crowd. Simply combine all the ingredients in the crock pot and heat on low for 2-3 hours, or until the mixture is hot. This is a great way to keep the cider warm throughout a party or gathering.
What kind of caramel sauce should I use?
The recipe works well with any store-bought caramel sauce or caramel topping, which is typically found in the ice cream aisle. You can also make your own caramel sauce for an even more decadent flavor.
Can I add spices to this recipe?
Yes! To add more fall flavor, you can simmer the cider with a cinnamon stick, a few cloves, or a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg. Just be sure to remove any whole spices before serving.
How should I store leftovers?
Let any leftover caramel apple cider cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or a pitcher and store it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to a week. To reheat, you can use the microwave or the stovetop.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Hot Caramel Apple Cider
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple cider or 1/2 gallon
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup caramel ice cream topping I used Smuckers
- whipped cream optional
- extra caramel ice cream topping optional
Instructions
- In a large sauce pan, combine the cider, sugar, and caramel topping.
- Cook over medium low heat until simmering stirring frequently. Simmer until heated and well blended.
- Serve in cups of mugs. Pipe whipping cream on top and drizzle with additional caramel topping if desired.
Nutrition
Recipe is a Real Mom Kitchen original.
This is the original photo from this post. The above photo was updated in March 2015.
