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Apple Caramel Iced Coffee: The Ultimate Guide & Recipe


  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Fall flavors meet iced coffee! Homemade caramel sauce and apple syrup elevate this drink to pure deliciousness.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 4 cups strong brewed coffee, cooled
  • 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • Ice cubes
  • Optional: Whipped cream, apple slices, caramel drizzle for garnish

Instructions

  1. Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan.
  2. Cook over medium heat without stirring until the sugar turns a deep amber color (5-10 minutes).
  3. Remove from heat and carefully add the butter. Stir until melted.
  4. Slowly pour in the warmed heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth.
  5. Stir in the sea salt.
  6. Cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  7. Combine apple cider, brown sugar, and apple pie spice in a small saucepan.
  8. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  9. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until reduced by half and thickened slightly. Stir occasionally.
  10. Stir in the lemon juice.
  11. Cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  12. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
  13. Pour in 2-3 tablespoons of apple syrup.
  14. Drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of caramel sauce around the inside of the glass.
  15. Pour in the cooled coffee.
  16. Add milk, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
  17. Stir gently to combine.
  18. Garnish with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and apple slices (optional).
  19. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Use a strong brewed coffee for the best flavor. Cold brew also works well.
  • Feel free to use any type of milk you prefer.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple syrup for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
  • For a more intense caramel flavor, add a swirl of caramel sauce to the bottom of the glass before adding the ice.
  • For an even more apple pie-like flavor, add a small amount of apple pie filling to the bottom of the glass before adding the ice.
  • Blend all the ingredients together with a handful of ice for a frozen frappe version.
  • Use vegan butter and plant-based milk to make this recipe completely vegan.
  • Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia in both the caramel sauce and apple syrup to reduce the sugar content.
  • You can make the caramel sauce and apple syrup ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble your iced coffee.
  • Experiment with other flavors! Try adding a splash of vanilla extract, a dash of maple syrup, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes