Salted Caramel Apple Cider Recipe

Salted Caramel Apple Cider is one of those drinks that feels like a hug in a mug. It’s warm, gently sweet, and balanced with just enough salt to keep it from feeling heavy.

I usually make it on crisp fall evenings, when the air smells like leaves and the light fades early. It’s comforting without being complicated, the kind of drink you sip slowly while the kitchen fills with that unmistakable caramel-apple aroma.

What makes this version special is that the caramel is made from scratch. It takes a few extra minutes, but the payoff is a deeper flavor that melts seamlessly into the cider instead of sitting on top as sweetness alone.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe started after I picked up a fresh jug of apple cider from a local market and wanted to turn it into something a little more indulgent without baking an entire dessert.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Apple cider has been served warm for centuries as a way to highlight the fall apple harvest. Salted caramel, though much more modern, became popular for its ability to balance sweetness with depth.

Combining the two brings together old-fashioned comfort and modern indulgence, making this drink especially popular during fall and winter holidays.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Warm, sweet, and lightly salty
• Made with real apple cider and homemade caramel
• Cozy and indulgent without being overly rich
• Perfect for fall and winter evenings
• Easy to scale for gatherings
• Kid-friendly, with an optional adult version
• Feels special while still being approachable

Chef’s Pro Tips

• Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor
• Stir constantly while making caramel to prevent burning
• Add the caramel gradually to control sweetness
• Warm the cider gently, never boil
• Finish with a small pinch of sea salt to enhance flavor

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

1. Two saucepans
2. Whisk
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Mug or heatproof glass

Ingredients in This Recipe

1. Apple cider (4 cups): Fresh or store-bought, naturally sweet and tart
2. Granulated sugar (1 cup): Forms the base of the caramel
3. Unsalted butter (½ cup): Adds richness and smoothness
4. Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates a silky caramel texture
5. Sea salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and adds depth
6. Cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Cider

1. Pour the apple cider into a saucepan and warm over medium heat until steaming. Reduce heat and keep warm.
2. In a separate saucepan, add the granulated sugar and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until melted and amber-colored.
3. Carefully add the butter to the melted sugar, whisking until smooth and bubbling.
4. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously. Add the sea salt and continue stirring until the caramel is glossy and fully combined.
5. Remove the caramel from heat. Pour about half of the caramel into the warm apple cider and stir gently until fully blended.
6. Taste and adjust sweetness or salt if needed.
7. Pour into mugs and drizzle additional caramel on top if desired. Serve warm.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Use store-bought salted caramel sauce if you want to skip making caramel
• Swap heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version
• Add a splash of rum, bourbon, or apple brandy for an adult version
• Stir in pumpkin pie spice for extra warmth

Salted Caramel Apple Cider

This drink combines warm apple cider with a rich, salted caramel swirl, resulting in a velvety, fragrant beverage. The caramel melts smoothly into the cider, creating a layered flavor profile with a final creamy and slightly salty finish. It is served warm and with a glossy, caramel-laden appearance.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups apple cider preferably fresh and unfiltered
• 1 cup granulated sugar for caramel
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter cut into pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt plus extra for garnish
• 1 cup heavy cream to help smooth the caramel

Equipment

• Saucepan (2)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mug or heatproof glass
• Cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)

Method

 

1. Pour the apple cider into a saucepan and warm it over medium heat until steaming, about 5 minutes, filling your kitchen with a cozy, fruity aroma.
2. Meanwhile, add the sugar to a separate saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk until it begins to melt and turns golden amber—listen for a gentle bubbling sound.
3. Carefully add the butter pieces to the caramel, continuing to stir until the mixture is smooth and bubbling, about 2-3 minutes. This will create a rich, glossy caramel sauce.
4. Stir in the sea salt and heavy cream, adding them gradually to prevent splattering. Keep stirring until the caramel is silky and just begins to boil, about 2 minutes.
5. Once the caramel is smooth and bubbling, remove it from heat. Pour half of the caramel into the warm cider, gently swirling to create a marbled effect with ripples of salted caramel.
6. Stir the cider gently to evenly distribute the caramel, then pour into mugs or cups. Drizzle additional caramel over the top and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt or a cinnamon stick for added flavor and presentation.
7. Serve the salted caramel apple cider warm, allowing the caramel to swirl with the fragrant cider, creating a luscious, inviting beverage perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings.

Notes

Stir constantly when making the caramel to prevent burning. Adjust the amount of salt to taste for a more or less salty finish. For an extra touch, garnish with a cinnamon stick or a slice of apple.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Make the caramel ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days
• Warm caramel gently before combining with cider
• Store finished cider in the fridge for up to 24 hours
• Reheat slowly on the stove, stirring well

How to Serve This Drink

• Serve warm in a mug or heatproof glass
• Garnish with a cinnamon stick or drizzle of caramel
• Pair with cookies, muffins, or apple desserts
• Offer as a festive non-alcoholic option at gatherings

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Pour into ice cube trays and blend later for a caramel apple frappé.
• Use as a base for oatmeal or porridge for a sweet morning treat.
• Combine with sparkling water for a lightly fizzy, caramel apple mocktail.

Variations to Try

1. Adult Version: Add 1–2 ounces of rum, bourbon, or apple brandy
2. Spiced Caramel: Add cloves or allspice in small amounts
3. Iced Version: Chill and serve over ice
4. Caramel Apple Latte: Add a shot of espresso
5. Maple Twist: Replace caramel with maple syrup for a lighter profile

FAQ’s

• Can I use store-bought caramel instead of making it?
  Yes, but homemade caramel provides a deeper, smoother flavor.
• Is this drink very sweet?
  It’s balanced. You control the sweetness by how much caramel you add.
• Can kids drink this?
  Yes, the base recipe is alcohol-free.
• Can I make it dairy-free?
  Yes, use coconut cream or a dairy-free caramel alternative.
• How long does it keep?
  The cider base keeps up to 24 hours refrigerated.
• Can I make a larger batch?
  Yes, multiply ingredients and keep warm in a slow cooker.
• Can I add spices?
  Yes, cinnamon, cloves, or allspice work well in small amounts.
• Does it need whipped cream?
  No, it’s optional and purely for indulgence.
• Can I serve it cold?
  Yes, it works well over ice as a chilled caramel cider.
• What apples work best if I make fresh cider?
  Sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Gala are ideal.

Mahek Manchanda

Hi, I am Mahek Manchanda. The curious heart behind Dramatically Stirring. I’ve always been most at ease in my own company. I’m not exactly a people-person (small talk still makes me cringe), but there are two things I’ve always loved with my whole heart: animals and food.