Looking for the ultimate cold-weather cocktail? Meet your new favorite: Spiked Caramel Apple Cider Tea. From fresh apple cider to the hint of salted caramel, it’s a symphony of flavors that promises comfort in every sip.

clear glass of spiked caramel apple cider tea in a glass with a cinnamon stick.

We’re diving into the cozy season, and you know what that means, right? Comfy sweaters, crackling fireplaces, and, of course, heartwarming drinks! I’ve been absolutely obsessed with this new Spiked Caramel Apple Cider Tea recipe that I’m sharing today; I think of it as a comforting “hug-in-a-mug.”

I cannot wait for you to try this Spiked Caramel Apple Cider Tea. I mean, is there anything better than sipping on a cozy, warm drink that combines the comforting flavors of salted caramel tea and fresh apple cider? Heavenly, right?

Now, I know what some of you might be thinking: “Mixing tea with alcohol? Really?” But trust me on this one, friends. Here’s why this recipe is going to be your new cold weather BFF:

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

2 Ingredients

3 How To Make

4 Frequently Asked Questions

5 More Cozy Cocktails You’ll Love

6 Spiked Caramel Apple Cider Tea

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Flavors: The salted caramel tea is a game changer. It gives a depth of flavor that’s rich yet not overwhelming. Plus it’s paired with the zesty freshness of apple cider and that hint of vanilla. Pure magic!
Feels Like a “Hug-in-a-Mug”: With the warmth of the drink and that touch of Jack Daniel’s Winter Jack, this is like getting a cozy blanket-wrapped hug with every sip.
Versatility: While it’s perfect for the holiday season, it’s also a fabulous treat for those random cold evenings when you’re curled up with a good book or binge-watching your favorite series.

two glasses of spiked caramel apple cider tea garnished with apples and cinnamon sticks.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the mixing and sipping, let’s take a moment to truly appreciate what goes into this heartwarming drink. Here’s what you will need:

Fresh Apple Cider: The foundation of this wonderful drink! Fresh apple cider brings a delightful sweetness and tang, capturing the essence of fall in every sip.
Pure Vanilla Extract: A little dash of vanilla gives the cocktail a warm, aromatic undertone. It perfectly balances out the zestiness of the cider and adds a soft, velvety touch.
Salted Caramel Tea Bags: (I used Bigelow Salted Caramel) This is where the magic happens. The salted caramel tea infuses the cider with a rich buttery dimension. The slight hint of saltiness adds a contrast, making the sweetness even more pronounced.
Jack Daniel’s Winter Jack: It’s not just for sipping by the fire! This winter whiskey adds depth and a wonderful warmth to our concoction. It’s smooth, with gentle fruity undertones, making it a perfect match for our cider. (If you don’t have this particular whiskey, don’t worry. You can substitute with bourbon, spiced rum, or apple brandy.)
Cinnamon Sticks and Apple Slices to Garnish: Every drink deserves to be dressed up! The cinnamon stick doesn’t just look pretty, it adds a subtle spicy aroma as the drink sits. And that apple slice? It’s a crisp little snack waiting for you at the end!

You’ll also need heatproof mugs for this recipe. You can certainly use a coffee cup, but I prefer a clear glass mug so you can see the drink. Here are a few options I’ve used and love:

I also recommend checking your local thrift store as you can typically find these glasses for a dollar or less.

up close photo of spiked caramel apple cider tea in a glass mug.

hand holding a jigger adding whiskey to glass mug of apple cider.

How To Make

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to heat up some apple cider and assemble this comforting Spiked Apple Cider Tea! You can find the step-by-step instructions below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Add the apple cider to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil.
Remove from heat and add in the vanilla extract and tea bags. Allow the tea to steep for three minutes. Remove the tea bags and discard them.

apple cider and tea bags in a sauce pan.

Divide the apple cider tea into four heatproof mugs. Add 1.5 ounces of Jack Daniel’s Winter Jack to each mug.
Serve hot, garnished with a fresh apple slice and cinnamon stick.

pouring hot apple cider into a glass mug.

two glasses of spiked caramel apple cider tea in clear glass mugs.

Frequently Asked Questions

I can’t find Winter Jack (or I don’t have it on hand). What can I use instead?

No stress! There are several alternatives to Winter Jack that will still complement the flavors of this drink. You can opt for spiced rum which will add a touch of warm spices. Bourbon is another excellent choice which brings in sweet and woody notes. For an intense apple kick, apple brandy or calvados works wonders. And if you’re in the mood for a bit of spice, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky will give your drink a pleasant kick.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of this drink?

Absolutely! You can simply skip the alcohol and enjoy the delightful mix of apple cider, salted caramel tea, and vanilla extract. It’ll still be a cozy drink perfect for those chilly nights.

What if I can’t find salted caramel tea?

No worries! You can use regular caramel tea or even chai tea for a spicy twist. If using caramel tea, adding a tiny pinch of sea salt can help to mimic the salted caramel flavor.

How can I make this drink cold?

Easy! Once you’ve steeped the tea in the apple cider, let the liquid cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate it until it’s chilled. Serve over ice and add your chosen liquor.

Can I make a batch for a party?

Definitely! This drink is a crowd-pleaser. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Warm it in a large pot or slow cooker to keep it hot for your guests.

hand holding a glass mug of caramel apple cider tea cocktail.

More Cozy Cocktails You’ll Love

Well, there you have it: your new favorite cold-weather drink! I’m so thrilled to have shared this recipe with you and can’t wait to hear all about your Spiked Caramel Apple Cider Tea adventures. Please give this recipe a try! And if you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.

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