Copycat Starbucks Caramel Apple Cider
Sweet, spiced apple juice swirled with buttery caramel and a hint of cinnamon—this Starbucks caramel apple cider copycat delivers cozy café vibes with brown sugar, vanilla, and apple juice. Steamy and rich, it's your favorite fall scent in a mug, topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.
2
mugs
Ingredients
Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
- 1/4 cup (55 g) brown sugar light or dark, packed
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks or 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (strained)
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract real, if possible
Caramel Apple Cider
- 2 cups (480 ml) apple juice 100% juice, no added sugar preferred
- 2-4 tbsp (30-60 ml) cinnamon dolce syrup homemade, to taste
- whipped cream for topping
- caramel sauce for drizzling
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Spoon
- Mug
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Heatproof jar (for syrup storage)
Instructions
- Make the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon sticks. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the sugars dissolve and mixture comes to a gentle boil, about 3–5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let cool slightly, then pour into a clean jar and refrigerate. (Syrup keeps for up to 6 weeks.)
- Warm the apple juice: Heat apple juice in a small saucepan over medium heat until steaming (or microwave in your mug in 30-second bursts until hot).
- Assemble: Stir 1–2 tablespoons of cinnamon syrup (to taste) into each mug of hot apple juice. Stir well.
- Top and serve: Finish each mug with whipped cream and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce. Enjoy immediately while warm and cozy.
Notes
Customize sweetness by adjusting the amount of syrup. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based whipped cream. Try spiced cider instead of apple juice for extra autumn flavor, or spike with bourbon or rum for an adults-only treat. Store extra syrup in the fridge and use it in coffee, tea, or oatmeal!
Nutrition
Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 40mg | Potassium: 200mg | Sugar: 45g | Vitamin A: 100IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 0.2mg