Caramel Apple Cider
Description
Move over, pumpkin spice – caramel apple cider is here! Cozy up to a mug of this sweet, satisfying treat, which blends spiced New York apple cider with an easy homemade caramel syrup.
Ingredients
Homemade caramel syrup
- 1/4 Cup salted butter
- 1/2 Cup brown sugar
- 1/3 Cup heavy cream
- 1/2 Teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Cider
- 8 Cups New York State apple cider
- 1/4 Cup lemon juice
- 1/2 Tablespoon allspice
- 1 Vanilla bean
- 2 Cinnamon sticks
- (Optional: whipped cream, hot caramel ice cream topping and cinnamon sticks)
Instructions
Homemade caramel syrup
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Mix in brown sugar and stir for 2 minutes. Mix in heavy cream and stir continuously for 2 more minutes (sauce should be gently bubbling).
- Remove pot from heat and stir in vanilla and salt until well mixed. Let cool.
Cider
- In a 3-quart slow cooker, combine apple cider, caramel syrup, lemon juice, and allspice. Split vanilla bean and scrape seeds; add seeds to cider mixture. Tie vanilla bean and cinnamon sticks together with kitchen twine and add to slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until heated through. Discard cinnamon sticks and vanilla bean.
- Pour cider into mugs; garnish with whipped cream, caramel topping and additional cinnamon sticks if desired.