Iced Caramel Apple Spice
This refreshing Iced Caramel Apple Spice recipe brings autumn's cozy warmth into a cool, revitalizing summer drink. Combining the comforting flavors of spiced apple juice with a luxurious caramel drizzle, this creates a café-worthy beverage that costs 75% less when made at home.
Equipment
- Small Saucepan
- Heat-safe container
- Large Glass
Ingredients
Apple Spice Base
- 1 cup apple juice or fresh apple cider high-quality
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch allspice
- 1 pinch ground cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick optional, for garnish
- 1 thin apple slice optional, for garnish
Caramel Component
- 2 tbsp caramel sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 tbsp heavy cream or half-and-half
For Serving
- 1 1/2 cups ice cubes
- whipped cream optional
- ground cinnamon for dusting
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the apple juice or cider with the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, about 3-4 minutes. Don't let it reach a full boil.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to steep for 5 minutes, letting the spices fully infuse into the apple juice.
- Transfer the mixture to a heat-safe container and place it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to cool, or if you're in a hurry, place it in the freezer for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- While your apple spice base is cooling, prepare the caramel component. In a small bowl, mix the caramel sauce with the heavy cream or half-and-half until well combined.
- Fill a large glass with ice cubes. Slowly pour the cooled spiced apple juice over the ice, filling the glass about three-quarters full.
- Drizzle the caramel cream mixture over the top of the drink, allowing it to create beautiful caramel ribbons throughout the glass.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream if desired, and lightly dust with ground cinnamon. Add a cinnamon stick and apple slice for garnish if using. Serve immediately.
Notes
Pro Tips:
- Warming the spices with the juice releases their essential oils, creating a more aromatic and flavorful base.
- Warming your caramel sauce for just 10 seconds in the microwave makes it easier to blend and creates a silkier texture.
- Freeze spiced apple juice in ice cube trays to use instead of regular ice to prevent dilution as they melt.
Substitutions:
- For a lighter version, use almond milk instead of heavy cream
- Replace store-bought caramel with date syrup for a natural alternative
- Try unfiltered apple cider for a more robust flavor profile
- For a spicier kick, add a small piece of fresh ginger to the warming phase
Nutrition
Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 1gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 95mgFiber: 1gSugar: 32g
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