Description
A warm, cozy, and sweet fall drink made with spiced apple cider, butterscotch syrup, butter, and cream, finished with a crunchy cinnamon sugar rim. This mocktail captures the essence of autumn in under 5 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups apple cider (100% pure, not from concentrate)
- 2–4 tablespoons heavy cream or half-and-half (or oat milk for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3–4 tablespoons butterscotch or caramel syrup
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rim)
- 1–2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for rim)
- 1 lemon wedge (for rim)
Instructions
- Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon on a small plate.
- Run the lemon wedge around the outer rim of your glass and dip it into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat. Set aside.
- Pour the apple cider into a microwave-safe mug or small saucepan.
- Warm the cider until steaming hot (around 160°F), but do not let it boil. This takes 2-3 minutes in the microwave or 3-5 minutes on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butterscotch syrup, vanilla extract, and butter until the butter is melted and everything is dissolved.
- Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half gently until the drink is creamy and combined.
- Pour the warm drink into the prepared cinnamon sugar-rimmed glass.
- Garnish with an apple slice or cinnamon stick if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not boil the cider as it will cook off the fresh apple flavor. Butterscotch syrup is preferred over caramel for a deeper, molasses-like flavor. For an iced version, pour the warm mixture over ice. If the drink separates, blend it to smooth it out, but prevention by not boiling the cream is easier. This drink is best made fresh.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 40
- Sodium: 10
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Protein: 3
Keywords: autumn, fall, mocktail, apple cider, caramel, butterscotch, cinnamon sugar, warm drink, non-alcoholic, seasonal