Copycat Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice

You don’t need coffee to enjoy a cozy Starbucks-inspired fall drink! This Copycat Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice combines warm apple juice, cinnamon syrup, whipped cream, and rich caramel sauce for an easy drink that tastes like fall in a cup.

It’s sweet, warm, packed with apple-cinnamon flavor, and completely coffee-free.

Best of all, you can make it at home in about 10 minutes.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy drink for a chilly afternoon, something special for the kids, or simply aren’t a coffee drinker, this homemade Caramel Apple Spice deserves a spot on your fall drink list.

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Spice

This is one of those drinks that tastes much more complicated than it actually is.

You’ll love it because it’s:

• Ready in about 10 minutes
• Completely coffee-free
• Easy to make
• Perfect for kids and adults
• Full of apple and cinnamon flavor
• Easy to customize
• Great for fall parties
• Less expensive than a coffee-shop drink

It also makes your kitchen smell incredible while you’re making it.

Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Syrup

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Caramel Apple Spice

• 1 1/2 cups apple juice
• 1–2 tablespoons cinnamon syrup
• 1 tablespoon caramel sauce

For Topping

• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce
• Pinch of cinnamon, optional

How to Make Copycat Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice

Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Syrup

Add the water, brown sugar, and cinnamon to a small saucepan.

Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until the brown sugar has completely dissolved.

Allow the mixture to gently simmer for approximately 3 to 5 minutes.

Remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Set the cinnamon syrup aside.

Step 2: Heat the Apple Juice

Pour the apple juice into a small saucepan.

Heat over medium-low heat until hot and steaming.

Don’t let it come to a rolling boil.

Step 3: Add the Cinnamon Syrup

Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of cinnamon syrup to the warm apple juice.

Stir until combined.

Start with one tablespoon and taste before adding more.

Step 4: Add Caramel

Drizzle approximately 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce into the apple mixture.

Stir until the caramel melts into the warm juice.

Step 5: Pour

Pour the hot caramel apple drink into a large mug.

Step 6: Add the Toppings

Top generously with whipped cream.

Drizzle caramel sauce over the whipped cream.

Finish with a small sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Serve immediately.

What Is a Caramel Apple Spice?

A Caramel Apple Spice is essentially a dressed-up hot apple drink.

Instead of coffee or espresso, the base is steamed apple juice.

Cinnamon syrup adds warm spice and sweetness, while caramel gives the drink a rich, buttery flavor.

Then the whole thing is topped with whipped cream and even more caramel.

Think caramel apple meets warm apple cider—with whipped cream.

Does Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice Have Coffee?

No!

That’s one of the reasons this drink is such a great addition to a fall beverage lineup.

A traditional Caramel Apple Spice doesn’t contain coffee or espresso.

That makes it a fun option for people who don’t like coffee and for kids who want their own special coffee-shop-style fall drink.

Does Caramel Apple Spice Have Caffeine?

The basic recipe doesn’t contain caffeine.

However, always check the labels on the specific syrups and ingredients you use if avoiding caffeine is important to you.

Apple Juice or Apple Cider?

Apple juice gives you a flavor closer to the coffee-shop-style drink and is what I’d recommend for this copycat recipe.

However, apple cider is delicious too.

Apple cider usually has a stronger apple flavor and may already contain spices.

If you use cider, you may want to reduce the cinnamon syrup so the drink doesn’t become overly sweet or spicy.

Homemade Cinnamon Syrup

Don’t skip the cinnamon syrup!

It’s one of the ingredients that transforms regular hot apple juice into something that tastes like a specialty fall drink.

Brown sugar gives the syrup a deeper flavor than white sugar, while cinnamon provides plenty of warmth.

You can make the syrup ahead of time, too.

How to Store Cinnamon Syrup

Allow the homemade cinnamon syrup to cool completely.

Transfer it to an airtight jar or container and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Give it a quick shake or stir before using.

The syrup is also delicious in coffee, iced coffee, chai, hot chocolate, and other fall drinks.

Can I Use Store-Bought Cinnamon Syrup?

Absolutely.

If you want to make this drink as quickly as possible, use your favorite bottled cinnamon-flavored coffee syrup.

Simply heat the apple juice, add the syrup and caramel, and finish with whipped cream.

You’ll have your drink ready in just a few minutes.

What Caramel Sauce Should I Use?

Any caramel sauce that you enjoy will work.

A thick caramel dessert sauce gives the drink a rich flavor and creates a beautiful drizzle over the whipped cream.

You can also use homemade caramel sauce.

If your caramel is particularly thick, warm it slightly so it’s easier to drizzle.

Make It Sweeter

If you love really sweet coffee-shop drinks, add an extra spoonful of cinnamon syrup or caramel sauce.

You can also add both.

Just remember that apple juice is naturally sweet, so taste your drink before adding too much.

Make It Less Sweet

Use less cinnamon syrup and skip the caramel mixed directly into the apple juice.

Instead, use just a small caramel drizzle over the whipped cream.

You’ll still get the caramel apple flavor without quite as much sweetness.

Make It Extra Caramel

Caramel lovers, this one’s for you.

Drizzle caramel sauce around the inside of your mug before pouring in the hot apple mixture.

Add caramel to the drink as directed.

Then top with whipped cream and another generous caramel drizzle.

It’s basically a caramel apple you can drink.

Add More Fall Spice

Cinnamon is the star, but you can add even more fall flavor.

Try adding a tiny pinch of:

• Nutmeg
• Allspice
• Cloves
• Apple pie spice
• Pumpkin pie spice

You only need a small amount.

Make It Taste Like Apple Pie

Add a pinch of apple pie spice to the apple juice while it heats.

Top the finished drink with whipped cream, caramel, and a little crushed graham cracker.

Now you’ve got something that tastes like warm apple pie in a mug.

Make It Dairy-Free

The apple portion of this recipe can easily be dairy-free.

Choose a dairy-free caramel sauce and top the drink with dairy-free whipped topping.

Check your caramel sauce carefully because many traditional caramel sauces contain butter or cream.

Make an Iced Caramel Apple Spice

September isn’t always sweater weather.

You can easily turn this into a cold drink.

Allow the cinnamon syrup to cool completely.

Combine chilled apple juice, cinnamon syrup, and caramel sauce.

Stir or shake well.

Pour over ice and finish with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.

It’s a fun option for those 80-degree September days when you’re mentally ready for fall even if the weather isn’t cooperating.

Make a Caramel Apple Cream Drink

For an extra-creamy cold version, pour the iced caramel apple mixture over ice and top it with vanilla sweet cream cold foam.

You could even add a little caramel to the cold foam.

It’s definitely not traditional, but it’s delicious.

Make It for a Fall Party

This is a fantastic fall party drink because it’s easy to make in a large batch.

Multiply the apple juice, cinnamon syrup, and caramel sauce based on the number of servings you need.

Keep the mixture warm in a slow cooker on the LOW or WARM setting.

Set out whipped cream, caramel sauce, cinnamon, and other toppings so everyone can customize their own mug.

It makes an adorable caramel apple drink bar for:

• Halloween parties
• Fall birthday parties
• Thanksgiving
• Bonfires
• Football parties
• Apple orchard gatherings
• Fall movie nights

Make It in the Slow Cooker

Making a big batch?

Add apple juice, cinnamon syrup, and caramel sauce to your slow cooker.

Heat on LOW until warm.

Once hot, switch the slow cooker to WARM.

Let everyone ladle the drink into mugs and add their own whipped cream and caramel.

What to Serve With Caramel Apple Spice

This cozy drink is perfect with your favorite fall treats.

Try it with:

• Apple cider donuts
• Cinnamon rolls
• Apple muffins
• Pumpkin bread
• Caramel apples
• Snickerdoodle cookies
• Apple crisp
• Apple pie
• Coffee cake
• Pumpkin muffins
• Maple donuts

For the ultimate fall afternoon, pair it with warm apple cider donuts.

Tips for the Best Caramel Apple Spice

Don’t boil the apple juice. Heat it until steaming.

Start with less cinnamon syrup. You can always add more.

Use a good caramel sauce. It’s one of the main flavors in the drink.

Don’t forget the whipped cream. It melts into the warm apple mixture and makes the drink extra creamy.

Make the cinnamon syrup ahead. Then your drink takes only a few minutes to assemble.

Taste before adding more sugar. Apple juice is already naturally sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Caramel Apple Spice Coffee?

No. It’s an apple-based drink and doesn’t require coffee or espresso.

Is Caramel Apple Spice Good for Kids?

Because this homemade version doesn’t contain coffee, it’s a fun fall drink for kids.

Make sure it’s cooled to a safe temperature before serving it to children.

Can I Use Apple Cider?

Yes. The flavor will be slightly different and potentially more spiced, but it will still be delicious.

Can I Make It Without Caramel?

Yes.

Leave out the caramel and you’ll have a delicious warm cinnamon apple drink.

Can I Make the Cinnamon Syrup Ahead?

Yes. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Can I Make a Large Batch?

Absolutely. It’s a great recipe to multiply for fall parties and can be kept warm in a slow cooker.

Copycat Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice

Coffee drinkers shouldn’t get to have all the fun during fall drink season.

This Copycat Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice gives you everything you want in a cozy September drink—warm apple, cinnamon, caramel, whipped cream, and absolutely no espresso required.

Make one for yourself, make one for the kids, or make an entire slow cooker full for your next fall gathering.

Just don’t skimp on that caramel drizzle.