This time of the year everyone is obsessed with “pumpkin spice everything”. Except for me. To be honest I really don’t care for pumpkin spice flavored treats. Nope, not even a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks. I love my real pumpkin treats though, like pumpkin bread and pumpkin pie, those I can’t get enough of. But pumpkin spice just isn’t my thing.

My drink of choice this fall? A Caramel Apple Spice from Starbucks. It is so good and is my definition of “fall in a cup”. While I could definitely drink one everyday I don’t think my wallet would be too happy with me, so last year I created my own version to enjoy at home on those brisk fall days.I like to enjoy mine in my comfiest sweater, curled up with a blanket on the couch (possibly with some pumpkin bread in hand). I like to maximize all things fall 🙂

If you haven’t tried the Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice yet, go get one now. And then when you are hooked like me you can try this recipe at home!

Ingredients

• 1/2 Gallon Apple Cider (or Apple Juice)
• 2 Cinnamon Sticks
• 8 oz. Heavy Whipping Cream
• Pinch of Cinnamon
• 1 Tsp. Vanilla
• Caramel Sauce

Directions

1. Add cider (or juice) to a medium sauce pot with the cinnamon and heat on medium-low until it has reached a desired drinking temperature.
2. While heating, whip the heavy whipping cream, dash of cinnamon, and tsp. of vanilla until fluffy and holds peaks.
3. Once the liquid is warm, pour into individual glasses.
4. Top with the whipped cream and drizzle generously with caramel sauce (or you can stir the caramel sauce into your cider before topping).
5. Enjoy and slip into a cozy fall coma 🙂

• You can also garnish with fresh cinnamon sticks, a dash of cinnamon, or cinnamon apple chips (my favorite!). And if you are feeling super indulgent, steam a little bit of milk or heavy cream to add an extra splash of creaminess to your drink!