Last Updated on January 24, 2023 by laurenpacek
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Caramel Apple Spice Starbucks drink is a sweet and satisfying combo of apple juice, cinnamon dolce syrup, caramel sauce, and whipped cream.
It's a warm and comforting favorite from Starbucks. Even though it comes from the coffee giant, this drink doesn't actually contain any coffee. However, I bet that it will satisfy coffee drinkers and non-drinkers alike.
This recipe makes enough for two cozy mugs, so share with a friend!
Table of contents
What is a Caramel Apple Spice?
A Caramel Apple Spice is a non-coffee drink sold at Starbucks that's made with apple juice, a cinnamon-sugar syrup, and caramel sauce, and is topped with whipped cream and even more caramel sauce. This drink is full of cozy flavors and will be enjoyed by coffee drinkers and non-drinkers, as well as kids and adults, alike.
It's a common misconception that this drink is a seasonal menu item. The Caramel Apple Spice actually on the menu all year long!
Ingredients
You only need FOUR ingredients to make this warm, comforting, kid-friendly drink. Let's walk through each of the ingredients below.
- Cinnamon Dolce Syrup: This simple syrup is flavored with cinnamon, vanilla, and two kinds of sugar. You can use store bought or make your own at home. It's so easy to do, that I highly recommend going the homemade route!
- Apple juice: Use your favorite apple juice. You can use apple cider, if you prefer, but the original recipe calls for apple juice.
- Caramel sauce: You can use a homemade or store bought caramel sauce. I used one from Torani. Just make sure that you use a caramel sauce rather than a syrup.
- Whipped cream: Again, you can go homemade or store bought when it comes to the whipped cream. For the sake of convenience, I used store bought.
How to make a Caramel Apple Spice
It's ridiculously easy to make this drink! Let's walk through the steps.
First, you'll need to add the apple juice, cinnamon dolce syrup, and caramel sauce to a saucepan over medium heat. You just want to warm everything up and allow the caramel sauce to melt into the apple juice. Just make sure to whisk everything from time to time.
Once you're happy with how warm (or hot) the drink is, carefully ladle it into a couple of mugs. After that, all that's left is to top the mugs with generous amounts of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Recommended tools
- A heavy-bottomed saucepan
- A measuring cup
- A whisk (I like silicone)
- Caramel sauce
- Glass mugs for hot drinks
Other hot beverages
- Starbucks Medicine Ball from A Nerd Cooks
- Wassail Hot Cider from The Fresh Cooky
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate from A Nerd Cooks
- Glühwein from Live Eat Learn
- Dirty Chai Latte from A Nerd Cooks
- Hot Buttered Rum from A Couple Cooks
FAQs/Tips and tricks
Yes! Just scale the amounts of each ingredient up proportionally.
Sure, if you like. The original recipe calls for juice, but you can use apple cider if that's what you prefer.
You don't have to use homemade syrup (though it's so easy that you should!), and can use store bought cinnamon simple syrup instead.
Yes! This is a Starbucks copycat recipe, so it will taste like your favorite treat from Starbucks.
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The Recipe
Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice
Caramel Apple Spice Starbucks drink is a sweet and satisfying combo of apple juice, cinnamon dolce syrup, caramel sauce, and whipped cream.
Ingredients
- 3 cups apple juice
- 3 tablespoons Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
- 3 tablespoons caramel sauce, plus more for topping
- whipped cream
Instructions
- Combine the apple juice, Cinnamon Dolce Syrup, and caramel sauce in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.
- Heat until warmed to your liking, whisking occasionally.
- Ladle the drink into mugs.
- Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 384Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 146mgCarbohydrates: 98gFiber: 7gSugar: 71gProtein: 1g
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