Easy Copycat Starbucks Caramel Apple Cider Bar (Spiked and Kid-Friendly Versions)
My neighborhood always does an annual block party for Halloween. We keep it simple- hot dogs, chili, and snacks on folding tables in our front yards. It is one of my favorite traditions because even the grown ups get into it, wearing family themed costumes and setting up music and displays to scare and delight Trick Or Treaters. Afterwards, a group of kids always ends up in my living room, dumping out their loot on the carpet to inventory and trade with each other, and of course steal a few pieces before bedtime. I look forward to it all year.
I have made this apple cider bar for a while now, taking inspiration from my barista days, and it is always a big hit. There is something so comforting about holding a warm beverage while you take the kids around for candy, and it is also nice to have an offering for the volunteers kindly staying behind to hand out treats while you’re out scavenging for the good chocolate.
Also, an added bonus for this concoction is that it makes your home smell amazing, as if fall exploded in your kitchen. It would be perfect for a Halloween movie night or fall-themed dinner party.
🍏Hot Caramel Apple Cider Bar 🍎
Ingredients:
🍎2 gallons good quality apple cider
🍏4-6 orange spice tea bags
🍎4-6 cinnamon sticks
🍏 1 Tbs Vanilla extract (increase to taste)
Instructions:
Pour apple cider in a large pot on the stove. Add in vanilla and cinnamon sticks. Remove the strings from the tea bags, being careful not to cut a hole, and add to the cider. Bring to a boil and then simmer on low heat for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally and watching to make sure cinnamon sticks don’t begin to disintegrate (If you are feeling fancy, you can put your spices in some cheesecloth before adding to the pot). Remove tea bags and cinnamon sticks. Pour cider into crockpot on warm setting. Serve with ladle.
Options for the Cider Bar:
🍾Spiced Rum for grown ups (I use Old New Orleans Cajun Spice Rum)
🍎Disposable coffee cups with lids
🍏 Festive Napkins
🍎Caramel syrup (about 2 pumps per serving; you can find caramel syrup bottles and pumps on Amazon)
🍏Caramel sauce for topping
🍎Ground Cinnamon
🍏Honey Sticks
🍎Sprinkles
🍏Whip cream
Use your imagination, there is no limit to things you can add to customize your cider. Now if only we could magically conjure up a rain-free night, a mild cool front, and the next day off work with no sugar hang overs. Happy Haunting!