It's a Caramel Apple Spice from Starbucks.
Except I've been making them at home. And they are just as good, and don't cost me $2.95 for every. single. one. Thus making me healthy (made from real apples), and frugal (spent less than $10 on enough ingredients to feed my husband's platoon).
Step one: go to Starbucks. See? You're loving this already. Walk up to your nice barista and ask to buy a bottle of Cinnamon Dulce Syrup. I went to the Starbucks on post and even though she had to ask her manager how to ring it up, she sold it to me for $6.95. AN ENTIRE BOTTLE! Less than seven dolars! It's enough to last me for many years - including making this in bulk for parties. (if you want to ask for a pump, feel free. A friend of mine told me she asked when she bought the syrup, and they just gave it to her. A Starbucks pump is 1 tbs according to the interweb, so now you know.)
Step two: assemble drink. Pour about 12 oz of freshly pressed apple cider into a mug. (my second gallon of apple cider for the year is very acid-ey, so I also add about 2 tbs of water. If, however, you love the cider as is, please skip this step). Now add your Cinnamon Dulce Syrup (Starbucks says three pumps for the 12 oz. I add a little less... because you can always add more). Pop it in the microwave until it's the right amount of hot for you (2 minutes is perfect for me).
Now top with whipped cream (optional but yummy) or ice cream if it's a little warmer that day (again, optional, but why would you miss it?). And top that with some caramel sauce.
It is the perfect treat to reward yourself for raking leaves, walking the dog, or getting ready to put the laundry away. I deserve a treat for getting ready, don't I?
Why is it that when I quench my thirst, I reach for water, but when my sister quenches her thirst, I am treated to a Martha-Stewart-Quality slide-show and I start jonesing for a rake, a punkin-colored dog, and a justification to go to Starbucks??? (To purchase the syrup, of course!)
ReplyDeleteYou'e gotta love Autumn!