We were asked to make and serve hot cider for Hark Sunday.  Sometimes hot cider can taste watered down, and weak.  I wanted a hearty drink.

Backstory:  A year or more ago, Kyle’s (my nephew) beautiful wife Ashley served us apple cider laced with caramel syrup.  It was good.  She said it was similar to Starbucks hot cider.  I went online and discovered Starbucks added both Cinnamon Dolce syrup and Caramel syrup to their hot apple drinks.  ( I think they use apple juice.)

First I went to Starbucks and bought their syrups.  Then it was time to experiment.  Number One Son and Jenny (Number Two Son’s precious wife) were here as tasters.  First we made the hot cider with the syrups and apple cider.  We thought it needed more “body” and decided to try adding orange juice and a pinch of salt.  That did the trick.  Sweet Mother of Pearl, it was delicious. (If I must say so myself.)

Here is the cast of characters:  Cinnamon Dolce syrup, Caramel syrup, apple cider, and orange juice.  A pinch of salt (not pictured) is optional, but for whatever reason, the salt helps bring out the flavors.  (Yes, this picture was taken after we made the test drinks.  You can still get the idea.  I know I am a dork.)  The syrups can be found at Starbucks, SAM’S Club, Target, World Market, and many grocery stores.  There are also sugar free versions of the syrups, and they will work just fine.

This could not be easier.  You mix, heat, and serve.  Yummy!  (Yes, the picture is blurry, but I do not have many pictures to share for this blog, so please forgive me.  Janet is so cute and pretty, and she is a wonderful hostess.)

People were coming back for seconds (maybe not Nancy in this picture, but others were.), and even Beth from the kitchen ask about the recipe – made my day.

Making hot apple cider with the orange juice and the syrups is easier than using mulling spices (my opinion), and you get a more intense flavor.  Feel free to adjust the flavors to your liking.

Blessings to you and yours,

Thank you Ashley for introducing me to the syrups.