Hey y'all! Craving something sweet, spicy, and seriously refreshing? This Caramel Apple Spice Iced Coffee Recipe is the ultimate pick-me-up—imagine crisp apple, rich caramel, cozy autumn spices, and bold coffee in every delightfully chilly sip. It's perfect for brightening up your morning routine, jazzing up afternoon breaks, or wowing friends at weekend brunch. Let's get brewing and indulge in this irresistible treat!
Why You'll Love This Caramel Apple Spice Iced Coffee Recipe
- Bursting with flavors that blend caramel, apple, and warm spices—every sip tastes like fall in a cup!
- Super easy and quick to whip up, ready in just 10 minutes.
- Perfectly customizable to suit your sweetness and milk preferences.
- Refreshing cold coffee for a hot afternoon, but comforting enough for sweater weather too.
- Fun, festive, and sure to impress at gatherings or treat yourself solo!
Caramel Apple Spice Iced Coffee Recipe Ingredients
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee (chilled)
- ½ cup unsweetened apple juice or apple cider (chilled)
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup milk of choice (whole, oat, or almond all work great)
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Whipped cream, optional for topping
- Apple slices and extra caramel sauce, optional for garnish
Directions: How to Make Caramel Apple Spice Iced Coffee
Step 1: Brew and Chill the Coffee
Brew 1 cup of strong coffee using your preferred method (see tips here). Allow to cool completely or chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes ahead of time.
Step 2: Mix the Caramel Apple Syrup
In a small bowl, whisk together the apple juice, caramel sauce, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined and smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Iced Coffee
Fill a large glass with ice cubes. Pour the chilled coffee over the ice, then add the caramel apple syrup and the milk. Stir well until everything is mixed and creamy fragrant clouds swirl in the glass.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Top with a dollop of whipped cream, swirl with extra caramel sauce, and garnish with a few crisp apple slices if desired.
Notes for the Perfect Caramel Apple Spice Iced Coffee
- For best results, use fresh apple juice or unfiltered apple cider for rich flavor (learn about the difference).
- You can make coffee ahead of time—cold brew works especially well for a smoother taste.
- Adjust caramel or spices to suit your personal preference; start with less, then add more as needed.
Variations on Caramel Apple Spice Iced Coffee Recipe
- Dairy-Free: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk and dairy-free whipped topping.
- Decaf: Swap regular coffee for your favorite decaf blend.
- Hot Version: Prepare the same ingredients, but skip the ice and use hot coffee for a cozy fall latte.
Required Equipment for This Caramel Apple Spice Iced Coffee Recipe
- Coffee maker or French press
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl and whisk
- Large glass
- Spoon or straw
Storage Instructions for Caramel Apple Spice Iced Coffee Recipe
You can store the mixed caramel apple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best flavor, assemble the iced coffee just before serving. The prepared drink is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers (without ice or cream) can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours—just stir and add fresh ice before drinking.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Pair with flaky apple turnovers or a simple cinnamon coffee cake for a festive coffeehouse treat.
- Serve as a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up with a plate of crisp butter cookies.
- Try alongside a savory brunch—think bacon, eggs, and toast—to balance sweet and salty flavors.
Pro Tips for the Ultimate Caramel Apple Spice Iced Coffee Recipe
- Use large ice cubes or coffee ice cubes to prevent your drink from watering down as the ice melts (see how coffee shops do it).
- Double the caramel sauce for a richer, dessert-like treat—just reduce the apple juice slightly for balance.
- Sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt over the whipped cream for a salted caramel twist.
FAQ About Caramel Apple Spice Iced Coffee Recipe
- Can I make this Caramel Apple Spice Iced Coffee Recipe ahead of time?
- You can mix up the caramel apple syrup in advance, but for best taste and texture, combine with coffee and ice just before serving.
- What kind of coffee works best?
- Bold, medium-dark to dark roast brewed coffee or cold brew has enough depth to balance the sweet flavors.
- How can I make it a little healthier?
- Use low-sugar apple juice, swap in a sugar-free caramel syrup, and opt for a milk alternative for fewer calories—find more healthy swap ideas at Healthline.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Chill time: 5 minutes (or use pre-chilled ingredients)
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 large or 2 small drinks
Ingredients
- 2 shots of espresso (about 2 oz)
- ½ cup apple cider
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon apple pie spice syrup
- 1 cup milk or dairy-free alternative
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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1Brew 2 shots of espresso and let cool slightly.
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2In a mixing glass, combine apple cider, caramel sauce, apple pie spice syrup, and milk. Stir until caramel is dissolved.
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3Fill two tall glasses with ice cubes.
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4Pour the coffee evenly over the ice, followed by the apple-caramel milk mixture.
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5Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a pinch of ground cinnamon, if desired. Serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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