Description
A rich, spiced winter beverage that balances tart apple cider with sweet salted caramel and creamy dairy, finished with vanilla and warm spices for a cozy, comforting experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups fresh-pressed apple cider
- 1 large cinnamon stick
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 3–4 tablespoons salted caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Measure out all ingredients including caramel sauce, cream, milk, and spices before starting.
- Pour apple cider into a medium saucepan and add the cinnamon stick and nutmeg.
- Warm the cider over medium-low heat until steaming but not boiling, stirring occasionally (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in the salted caramel sauce until fully dissolved and incorporated into the cider.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Ladle into mugs and serve immediately, optionally topped with whipped cream or extra caramel.
Notes
Do not boil the cider or the dairy, as this can cause separation and flat flavor. Use fresh spices for best aroma. For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and milk with full-fat canned coconut milk or oat milk. For a spiked version, add 1-2 ounces of bourbon or rum per mug after removing from heat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 38
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: winter drink, apple cider, salted caramel, cozy recipe, hot beverage, dairy-free option, gluten-free