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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
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
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
  • Whisk

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.