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!
For an individual-sized Non-Alcoholic Caramel Apple Cider
8oz.homemade apple cider
4teaspoonssalted caramel
For an individual-sized Spiked Caramel Apple Cider
6oz.homemade apple cider
4teaspoonssalted caramel
2oz.bourbon
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Instructions
Make the Spiced Apple Cider
Pour the entire bottle of apple cider into a large pot, then add the cinnamon sticks and cloves. Turn the heat to high, and bring to a boil.
When the cider is boiling, lower the heat to the lowest possible setting. Cover, and allow at least 30 minutes to simmer.
Make the Salted Caramel
In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, add the sugar. With a rubber spatula, constantly stir the sugar as it heats and melts, eventually turning a caramel color. (Be VERY careful in this step because the sugar is so easy to burn!)
When the sugar starts browning, lower the heat. Add the butter, stirring as the caramel bubbles for 2-3 minutes.
Slowly drizzle in the half-and-half to the caramel, whisking vigorously. The caramel will bubble and splatter at this step, too.
When the half-and-half is incorporated into the caramel, remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the sea salt, and whisk until incorporated.
Allow the caramel time to cool.
Make the Drinks
The Caramel Apple Cider can be made with a blender or in a cocktail shaker. Be forewarned if you're making this a warm drink, using a metal cocktail shaker will be a challenge, and the entire shaker will absorb the heat of the drink and make shaking and pouring a challenge.
Pour the homemade apple cider into the blender/shaker. Measure in the salted caramel. Blend/shake until the caramel is incorporated into the cider. Once combined, add the bourbon, if you so choose, and stir with a spoon to mix.
Pour the prepared drink into an appropriate vessel (a heat-proof mug or a cocktail glass if you're drinking this chilled), and enjoy immediately.