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A pot of hot spiced apple cider on a table with an apple, cinnamon sticks, caramel candies and star anise to the side.

Hot Spiced Caramel Apple Cider (Easy Starbucks-Inspired)

This homemade 4-ingredient spiced apple cider inspired by the Starbucks recipe is easy, and can be made iced, in a slow cooker or on the stove! Perfect fall drink.
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Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings: 9 cups
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Video

Ingredients
  

  • 1 64-ounce apple juice jug
  • 1-2 star anise pods
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 c. caramel candies or ½ c. caramel sauce (for ice cream sundaes) approx. 2 handfuls of candies
  • whipped cream and cinnamon sticks for garnish

Equipment

  • medium-large pot

Method
 

Stovetop instructions:
  1. Place all ingredients in a covered medium-large pot over medium heat. If using caramel candies instead of caramel sauce: As the cider begins to heat, stir approx. every 5 minutes until caramels have dissolved.
  2. Allow to simmer at least 30 to 40 minutes, stirring intermittently. The longer you allow it to simmer on the stovetop, the better!
  3. Serve with garnish of a cinnamon stick or whipped cream, if desired. Any extra cider can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for approx. 1 week.
Crockpot instructions:
  1. Place ingredients into your slow cooker on low and allow to cook for at least 2 to 3 hours.
  2. Be sure to stir at 1-hour intervals. If using caramel candies (as opposed to caramel sauce), stir after the first 30 minutes as caramels start to disintegrate.
  3. Serve with garnish of a cinnamon stick or whipped cream, if desired. Any extra cider can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for approx. 1 week.