Spiked Caramel Apple Cider
Slightly sweet and crisp apple cider swirls with homemade salted caramel and bourbon to become a comforting, delicious and fall cocktail! This Spiked Caramel Apple Cider is the ultimate autumnal drink. You can make yours with or without spirits, too!
2024 Update: This recipe was originally shared in September 2014. The recipe and post include an update recipe, as well as new photos and more tips and tricks. I hope you love this drink!
September always reminds me of the fall, crisp weather and apples.
Which means this month, I’m all about apple recipes. (Looking at you, Apple Cider Moscow Mule, Cinnamon Apple Pork Chops, Vegan Apple Crisp and more.)
Which leads me to this Spiked Cider recipe.
Why I love this recipe:
As I was brainstorming apple recipes, I initially wanted to make a family classic (ahem, Apple Crumble) until I got a craving for apple cider.
Hot cider is one of my favorite drinks to sip during the fall months because it’s an autumnal comfort food of mine.
However, I wanted to make Spiked Apple Cider, one of my all-time favorite treats that was a revelation when I realized I liked bourbon.
This recipe has been a mainstay in our lives since the early 2010’s, and I love to make for Halloween. You know, to sip while I hand out candy.
Of course, my husband did the very important taste testing to make sure the spiked rendition was delightful. (It is!)
Other apple drinks for the fall: Apple Cider Moscow Mule | Apple Cider Punch with Sambucus | Apple Cider Margaritas | Gin Apple Pie Cocktail | Spiced Apple Cider
Looking for a dish to make and share this fall? Check out my Fall Recipe Index for more ideas.
What do I need to make this recipe?
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- Dutch Oven to make the spiced cider
- Saucepan to make the caramel
- Rubber spatula
- Large cocktail mixing glass
- Hot drinks glass
Let’s talk ingredients!
In addition to the tools above, you’re going to need some ingredients to make this recipe, too! Chances are, you might already have some of them in your fridge or pantry. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full measurements and instructions.
Here’s what you need to grab at the grocery store:
- Apple cider — we make our own spiced cider, so you need apple cider that hasn’t been spiced already. If you can find fresh apple cider that has been spiced and slightly sweetened, use that!
- Spices — you want both cinnamon sticks and whole cloves to add flavor and warming spices to the cider.
- Salted caramel sauce — you can purchase it from the store, or you can make your own!
- Bourbon — if you’re spiking your cider, this is our beverage of choice! Use one that’s great for drinking or your favorite whiskey, if that’s more your speed. Do not use a fancier sipping bourbon, though.
- Garnishes — sweetened whipped cream is a lovely addition, as is more salted caramel sauce. You could add apple slices or cinnamon sticks to your final glasses, too.
Substitutions and adaptations:
You will notice in the recipe that I have notes to make a non-alcoholic caramel apple cider drink. This recipe was originally developed in 2014, when I was pregnant with our first child, and I sipped that to ensure it was delicious while my husband tested out the bourbon version, which he loved.
Swap out the bourbon for another alcohol. This caramel apple cider cocktail would be tasty with caramel vodka or rum!
How to make Spiked Caramel Apple Cider
Make the Spiced Apple Cider
If you’re going to make this at home, feel free!
I have included allllllll the details in my Easy Spiced Apple Cider post for ya. š
Make the Salted Caramel Sauce
Again, you can make this at home, and I detail it in my How to Make Salted Caramel post.
If you want to use a store-bought caramel, be my guest!
Make the Drinks
Make this directly in a heat-safe glass instead of a blender or a cocktail shaker.
Pour in the warm apple cider and salted caramel into a large glass or liquid measuring cup. A large cocktail mixing glass* (affiliate link) would be excellent for this.
Stir vigorously until incorporated.
Once combined, add the bourbon, and stir with a spoon.
You may also leave out the bourbon if you’d like classic Caramel Apple Cider.
Garnish the mugs. I dipped mine in chilled, sticky caramel to have a caramel rim and added a dollop of sweetened whipped cream. You could add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. You can also skip the garnish all together.
Pour the drink into the prepared heat-proof mug, and enjoy immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
You do not have to do that! You can make regular Caramel Apple Cider (like the kind you might have at Starbucks or your favorite coffee shop.) To do this, simply leave the bourbon out of the cider. This tastes delicious without the added alcohol.
If you don’t have time to make your own cider, feel free to purchase a jug of your favorite cider from the grocery.
If you’re feeling hesitant about the caramel, I get that. You can also purchase salted caramel sauce from the grocery, and if you’re more comfortable doing that, please do.
It’s in the way they’re finished. Apple cider is unfiltered, which means the apple pulp and other debris are not filtered before the cider is bottled. Apple juice is filtered, which gives it a clearer consistency and makes it a little smoother and sweeter to drink.
Erin’s Easy Entertaining Tips
Oh, this Salted Caramel Apple Cider recipe would be an excellent choice for entertaining in the fall, whether you’re hosting friends for an at-home tailgate or a Halloween party.
I mean… who doesn’t love cider with caramel?
Here are some tips for serving this favorite fall drink at a gathering:
- Double or triple the recipe. This is a well-loved recipe for a reason, and it’s hard to stop drinking once you start!
- Make the salted caramel in advance. This could be done up to a week in advance. Let it cool, then let transfer it to a mason jar, and keep it in the fridge.
- Make a kid-friendly batch. As I’ve said above, this drink is excellent without the bourbon, too! If you’re going to serve both adults and kids, I suggest having the kid-friendly batch to be out in the open while mixing the adult drinks individually so that there is no confusion.
- Keep the cider warm in a slow cooker or crock pot! While this would look lovely in a pitcher, it would not stay warm.
Quick tips and tricks for the best Caramel Apple Cider
- Make it early and keep it warm on the stove in a Dutch oven or a slow cooker on the lowest setting.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave until warmed through, then garnish as necessary.
What can I serve alongside this recipe?
Depending on what you’re making this cider recipe for, there are a lot of options!
Since I love to enjoy this at Halloween, you could make a sweet-salty Halloween Trail Mix or Caramel Candy Corn Popcorn. My entire family is obsessed with these delightful Caramel Corn Cookies, which combine some of my favorite fall flavors.
And if you’re looking for a cider-based entree, let me recommend this Apple Cider Pulled Pork with Apple Cabbage Slaw. It’s a fan favorite recipe for a reason!
Interested in making this cocktail (or making it a mocktail)?
Here’s how you can do it:
Spiked Caramel Apple Cider
Ingredients
Non-Alcoholic Caramel Apple Cider (Makes 1)
- 8 oz. spiced apple cider
- 4 teaspoons salted caramel sauce
Spiked Caramel Apple Cider (Makes 1)
- 6 oz. spiced apple cider
- 4 teaspoons salted caramel sauce
- 2 oz. bourbon
Equipment
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Instructions
- Please note: The Caramel Apple Cider can be made in a large cocktail mixing glass. It will be warm, so proceed carefully.
- Garnish your heat-proof mugs with cold caramel sauce around the rim, if desired.
- Pour the homemade apple cider into the mixing glass. Measure in the salted caramel. Stir vigorously until the caramel is incorporated into the cider.
- Once combined, add the bourbon, if desired. Stir with a spoon to incorporate.
- Pour the prepared drink into a heat-proof mug.
- Garnish with sweetened whipped cream and an additional drizzle of salted caramel sauce, then enjoy immediately while warm!
Notes
Nutrition
About the Author:
Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her…
I dream about caramel apple cider basically all year round! Hot, cold, every which way — especially if you’re salting the caramel, mmm. I normally mix cider with rum, but bourbon would make me feel so much fancier š
Goodness, YES. I’m a fan of apple cider for any time during the year, though this time, when it’s just beginning to hint at fall and coolness, is the time I want it the most. I’ve never had cider with rum before, but I’m sure it’s equally as delicious as the bourbon-spiked cider!
I LOVE cider! In practically all forms! I’m hoping to get a chance to go to the orchard with my dad and sisters, so I might have to make this for myself once I get home!
Hooray for cider in any and ALL forms! I love that you can go to an orchard this time of year — there are none around us — and if you do go with your dad and sisters, you’ve gotta make some delicious apple things and tell me ALL about them!
Hot apple cider is one of the best drinks ever, spiked or not. š So delicious and soporific!
Amen, girl! It’s SO good!
Wow this looks good!! Plus your photos are so amazing that even though I don’t like apple cider, I am going to try to make this š Thank you for sharing!
Thanks, Nancy! I’d be interested to hear what you think of this cider if you DO make it since apple cider really isn’t your thing…
Pregnancy is a blessing and a curse. When I was. pregnant with our son, of course, everyday I looked forward to meeting him. He has brought so much happiness into our lives. Never a hard core drinker myself, I admit, the forced sobriety was a little challenging at times especially when around friends. Until the next bun is in the oven, I can’t wait to try this one with my husband!
You’re right about pregnancy making life a little challenging at times, though I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I cannot wait to meet Lady Baby S and hold her in my arms. That being said… I have a list of foods that I want to eat once our baby arrives and am keeping a running list, of which my husband rolls his eyes whenever I mention it because I may or may not mention it a lot when we’re eating. š
I haven’t been a fan of store bought cider, but I’ve never tried home made. That looks yummy š This is a really neat feature idea, too š
Homemade is SO good, Julie! What do you not like about store-bought cider? Maybe this recipe would be right for you to try?
Yum! I didn’t think I would make any caramel sauce this year, but I think you have changed my mind! This cider looks amazing š Happy Fall!
I think you totally need to make some caramel sauce this year, Melissa! It’s basically a fall staple, right? Happy Fall right back at ya!
Oh man, my hubby would LOVE this (I would too, but he is a huge bourbon fan!) It looks super delish and beautiful too! I’d love to participate in this ingredient challenge, I have an apple recipe that I’m posting Friday…is that too late to be part of this months’?
This is my first time on your blog btw, I love it!
High-five for your hubby being a bourbon fan! And if you’re not one, I’m sure you could swap out some rum or another alcohol… or simply leave it be. Mine was delightful without the added alcohol.
We’d love for you to participate in the ingredient challenge, and Friday is absolutely not too late! When you post it, let me know. š And for future reference, we’re using pumpkin for our #comfortin1 ingredient on October 17th if you’d like to join in on that one, too!
Thanks for stopping by! So happy you enjoyed my blog!
Oh this looks so delicious–I’m definitely going to try both versions of this!! And I would love to participate in next month’s challenge. š Found you through Madison’s blog!
I cannot wait to hear what you think about both versions, Elizabeth! Please let me know what you think!
We’d love for you to participate in next month’s! We’re cooking with pumpkin, and our posts will be going live Friday, October 17th. So happy you stopped by!
This sounds soooo good! Cider is one of my fall favorites! I know you can’t have it right now, but have you ever tried Knob Creek’s maple flavored bourbon? Oh man, it is out of this world! I never really missed alcohol much when I was pregnant. Coffee was a terrible thing to give up\cut back though. Good thing all this caramel apple goodness probably tastes amazing all by itself!
Cider is one of my fall favorites, too, Megan! And I’ve never tried Knob Creek’s maple-flavored bourbon, though I can imagine it’s pretty delightful, and I’ll absolutely have to get my hands on it for a post-pregnancy tasting. I don’t really miss alcohol, per se, though I absolutely love some bourbon in my cider. However, this cider is good enough to stand alone without the bourbon, so it’s not really a big problem. š
As you know, anything with a alcohol content attracts my attention. The thought of making my own spiked apple cider totally appealed to me, until I read the instructions. The very words ‘be very careful at this stage’ scared me and my limited cooking skills, so I gave serious debate over trying to recreate this. Then I heard a like voice saying “cheat a little and buy the caramel” *wink* and so I did just that.
My spiked caramel apple cider looks absolutely nothing like yours BUT it tastes fantastic so I’m taking that as a win for me.
Thanks for sharing this, and other recipes, and for giving a true amateur a chance, and encouragement, to expand her cooking and baking skills.
Aww, well, I’m glad this worked out for you, girl! There’s no shame in purchasing your caramel if you don’t want to risk messing up the homemade stuff on your stovetop because I can attest that it stinks when it burns!
I’m so happy that this blog is helping you expand your cooking and baking skills! Keep it up, girl!
Mmmm! I’ll have two spiked, please, to make up for the one you can’t have! Apple + salted caramel is basically the greatest thing ever, and I’m a sucker for the rendition at Starbucks. Can’t wait to make this at home to satisfy the craving!
You’re a good friend, Cheryl! Thanks for taking one for the team on this. š
Apple and salted caramel is such a fabulous combination, and like you, I love the Starbucks rendition. Excited to hear what you think of this homemade version of it — I hope it stacks up!
This looks perfect for fall! Love it!
It really is! Cheers!
Wowza, that cider looks ridiculously good – spiked or not, I’d love a glass!
Thanks so much! It’s quite delicious either way. š I actually made this when I was pregnant, so no spiking of the cider for me, haha.
So yummy! I can image how good it would be hot or cold! Mmm!
Seriously. It is delightful either way!
My family is a big fan of warm cider on a cold winter night! We’ll have to try this recipe!
My family is, too! I hope yours enjoys this recipe as much as mine does. š
This is perfect for those cool fall and winter nights!
Agreed! Nothing like some spiked cider to warm you right up.
Oh yum! I am going to have to make this soon. What a perfect fall cocktail! š
Please do! I hope you enjoy it because it totally is perfect for this fall weather we’re currently experiencing. š
This looks so rich and perfect! Cider is definitely one of my favorite drinks during this season and this looks amazing!
Just made this and despite realizing half way through I did the caramel wrong lol it still turned out yummy and I imagine it will be even better when I follow the directions thank you for sharing.
Not gonna lie, Steph: Your comment made me chuckle when I first read it.
That said, I’m so happy to hear that it was delicious, even though you made the caramel wrong. I hope you have a chance to make it again and again because we love this stuff at our house!
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and let me know how it is! Did you try the boozy version or the non-alcoholic one?