Why this Starbucks Copycat works at home
We know all the details on how Starbucks makes their caramel apple spice drink and here's why you can do it at home.
- ingredients are simple
- ingredients are inexpensive and can be found at the store, or probably are sitting in your pantry right now!
- you don't need a fancy machine to recreate their frothy texture
- It's a drink that both kids, parents and family can drink and LOVE.
What ingredients do I need for Caramel apple spice Starbucks drink
- caramel sauce- I recommend homemade or a good brand like Torani or ghiradelli
- apple juice or apple cider- you can even use the powdered apple cider packets made by alpine.
- whip cream for added creaminess
- cinnamon- Starbucks uses a cinnamon caramel sauce so we are simplifying the recipe by just adding a dash of cinnamon to the top.
Let's Breakdown how to make this simple hot drink
- Caramel Sauce
I love to make a simple salted caramel sauce for this drink, but lets face it. You don't always have the time or desire to make a caramel sauce. I recommend grabbing one from the store. I like Torani or Ghiradelli's salted caramel sauce.
note: Starbucks use a cinnamon caramel sauce, but to simplify we add the cinnamon at the end. just a dash.
Protip: Look for it by the ice cream toppings and sometimes by the coffee.
Add caramel sauce to the bottom of your mug.
Do I use apple juice or apple cider?
You can use either! Starbucks uses store bought apple juice in theirs. But because of the fall season and fresh apple cider being available in the stores often I'll pick this up. It's fresh apple flavor tastes so refreshing.
Heat up your apple juice or cider.
You can heat up your apple juice on the stove, in a tea kettle, or in the microwave!
FROTH your drink
Starbucks has a fancy machine that froths and steams your cold apple juice all at once. I mean, if you have that at home USE It. Majority of us don't- so to achieve this at home I use a $10 hand frother from amazon. It turns your hot apple juice and caramel into a creamy delicious drink!
no big deal, just stir it all together. The heat of the apple cider will melt the caramel and together they will infuse. Qh
If you want to purchase a hand brother from a store it might be a little tricky, IKEA carries one for 2.99! But you can order really great quality frothers from Amazon.
Toppings for your Caramel Apple Spice Drink
Starbucks tops their drinks with a little bit of whip cream and more caramel.
To give it that hint of cinnamon spice flavor we are going to add a sprinkle of cinnamon on the top too.
Stir it all together and drink!
If you don't have whip cream you can do a couple of things.
1. pour in a little half and half, creamer or heavy cream and froth it.
2. using your frother whip a couple of tablespoons of whip cream in a cold glass. you'll have whip cream in no time.
3. go without. It's really delish without too. The cider and caramel are a killer good combo.
you can skip the cinnamon, or keep it. First try it without the cinnamon topping and see how you like it.
Yes!! We LOVE using Alpine apple cider. It comes in tan boxes and us usually right by the hot cocoa. Mix with hot water and then you don't have to heat up any apple juice.
Heat up your apple juice or cider in a big container and then let your guest add the caramel, whip cream and cinnamon themselves. This will also give them the ability to not add anything they don't want or can't eat. like dairy.
I also recommend putting your sauces in a squeeze bottle if they are not already packaged in one or are homemade. If you're looking for a cold item, try our Thanksgiving punch.
yes!! we do. you'll probably want to triple the batch because its so good you will want to guzzle it. Click on the link here! Salted Caramel Sauce
Did You Try This Recipe?
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Salted Caramel Apple Spice Starbucks Copycat
Equipment
- hand held frother if desired.
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons salted caramel sauce
- 32 oz apple juice or cider hot
- whipped cream
- ground cinnamon
Instructions
- heat your apple juice to boiling and set a side.
- In 4 mugs add 1 tbs salted caramel sauce, pour in 8oz hot apple juice and froth if desired. Top with whip cream, 1 tbs of caramel sauce and a dash of cinnamon. Stir together.
Video
Notes
I also recommend putting your sauces in a squeeze bottle if they are not already packaged in one or are homemade.
Erin V says
These mugs are so dang cute?! love that this recipe uses ooey gooey caramel, I'm dying to try
Esther Kidwell says
This is my favorite recipe! Yum !