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Caramel Apple Cider Float Recipe: A Cozy Sip of Fall in a Mug

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Caramel Apple Cider Float Recipe: A Cozy Sip of Fall in a Mug

Float Into Fall—No Flannel Required

If fall had a signature drink, this would be it. The Caramel Apple Cider Float is what happens when hot apple cider and vanilla ice cream decide to go on a hayride together. It’s creamy, cozy, and just the right amount of caramel-kissed. Whether you’re hosting a harvest party or just need a sweet escape from leaf-raking duty, this float is your shortcut to seasonal bliss. Bonus: it takes less time to make than tying your flannel around your waist.

Caramel Apple Cider Float in a clear glass mug with vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle, garnished with dried apple slice on rustic autumn background
Caramel Apple Cider Float – Cozy Fall Treat in a Mug

 

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Cider Float

  • Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Just a few pantry staples and a scoop (or three) of ice cream.
  • Kid-Friendly & Grown-Up Approved: Add a splash of spiced rum for adults.
  • Perfect for Any Fall Occasion: Think Halloween parties, cider mill hangs, or leaf-peeping weekends.
  • Customizable Temperature: Serve it warm or chilled depending on your vibe.

Ingredients for the Float

Makes 1 Serving

  • 1/2 cup chilled apple cider (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/8 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon
  • 2–3 scoops vanilla ice cream
  • Caramel sauce, for drizzling
  • Optional Garnishes:

How to Make the Caramel Apple Cider Float

  1. Fill a glass or mug halfway with chilled apple cider.
  2. Stir in the pumpkin pie spice until fully combined.
  3. Add two to three scoops of vanilla ice cream.
  4. Drizzle generously with caramel sauce.
  5. Garnish with whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, or apple slices.

Homemade Apple Cider Recipe

Makes ~1/2 gallon

  • 10 medium apples (Honeycrisp + Granny Smith recommended)
  • 1 orange, quartered (peel on, seeds removed)
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 1 tablespoon allspice berries (optional)
  • 8 cups water
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

  1. Roughly chop apples and place in a large pot with the orange.
  2. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and water.
  3. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 1.5 hours.
  4. Mash softened fruit with a potato masher.
  5. Strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
  6. Stir in brown sugar and simmer for 10 more minutes.
  7. Cool and refrigerate. Keeps 5–7 days.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Float

  • Chill your mug beforehand for an extra-refreshing sip.
  • Freeze scoops of ice cream on parchment to prevent melting too fast.
  • For a warm version, heat the cider before adding ice cream to create a creamy apple-spice latte-float hybrid.

Creative Variations to Try

  • Hot Caramel Cider: Try this Hot Caramel Apple Cider for a cozy twist.
  • Spiked Float: Add 1 ounce of spiced rum or caramel whiskey.
  • Cider Slushie: Blend cider with ice before assembling.
  • Salted Caramel Finish: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the drizzle using this easy caramel sauce recipe.

Serving Suggestions for Fall Gatherings

Pair your float with these cozy treats:

Serve as a dessert drink for casual gatherings, movie nights, or leaf-peeping afternoons. For dinner pairings, this float complements hearty dishes like Pennsylvania Dutch Bacon Corn Potato Chowder beautifully.

FAQs About Caramel Apple Cider Floats

Can I make this dairy-free? Yes — use dairy-free vanilla ice cream and a vegan caramel sauce.

Can I make the cider ahead of time? Absolutely. Homemade cider keeps well in the fridge for up to 7 days and freezes well for up to 3 months.

Do I have to use homemade cider? Not at all — high-quality store-bought cider works perfectly too.

More Fall Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re on a pumpkin spice bender, don’t miss these cozy favorites:

More Fall Cider Recipe Ideas

Final Thoughts: Sip, Savor, Repeat

This Caramel Apple Cider Float is the kind of recipe that turns a regular afternoon into a seasonal celebration. It’s nostalgic, indulgent, and deceptively simple. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, it’s guaranteed to deliver orchard vibes and caramel dreams in every sip.

A clear glass mug filled with apple cider and vanilla ice cream, drizzled with caramel sauce and garnished with a thin slice of dried apple. Set against a warm, rustic autumn background with cozy lighting and soft textures.
Yield: 1 Caramel Apple Cider Float

Caramel Apple Cider Float Recipe: A Cozy Sip of Fall in a Mug

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

This Caramel Apple Cider Float blends creamy vanilla ice cream with spiced apple cider and rich caramel sauce for a cozy fall treat. Serve chilled or warm for a nostalgic orchard-inspired indulgence. Pair it with our Apple Pie Cupcake Jars or Apple Pear Raspberry Pies in Jars for a full autumn spread.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chilled apple cider (homemade recipe
  • or store-bought)
  • 1/8 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (homemade recipe
  • ) or cinnamon
  • 2–3 scoops vanilla ice cream
  • Caramel sauce, for drizzling

Optional Garnishes:

  • Whipped cream
  • Cinnamon sticks
  • Extra caramel drizzle
  • Thin apple slices

Homemade Apple Cider Ingredients (~1/2 gallon):

  • 10 medium apples (mix sweet + tart, like Honeycrisp + Granny Smith)
  • 1 orange, quartered (peel on, seeds removed)
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 1 tablespoon allspice berries (optional)
  • 8 cups water
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)

Instructions

    To Make the Float:

    1. Fill a glass or mug halfway with chilled apple cider.
    2. Stir in pumpkin pie spice until fully incorporated.
    3. Add 2–3 scoops of vanilla ice cream.
    4. Drizzle generously with caramel sauce.
    5. Garnish with whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, or apple slices.
    6. Enjoy immediately for a perfect fall indulgence.

    To Make Homemade Apple Cider:

    1. Roughly chop apples and place in a large pot with the orange.
    2. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and water.
    3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1.5 hours.
    4. Mash softened fruit with a potato masher to release flavors.
    5. Strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
    6. Stir in brown sugar and simmer 10 more minutes for extra sweetness.
    7. Let cool before storing in the fridge; keeps 5–7 days.

Notes

  • Chill your mug before preparing for an extra-refreshing float.
  • Freeze ice cream scoops on parchment to slow melting.
  • For a warm version, heat the cider before adding ice cream for a creamy latte-style twist.
  • Add 1 ounce spiced rum or caramel whiskey for a grown-up version.
  • Try blending cider with ice to make a float slushie.
  • Sprinkle flaky sea salt over caramel for a bakery-style finish.

    • Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    1

    Serving Size:

    1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1649Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 142mgCarbohydrates: 433gFiber: 59gSugar: 339gProtein: 8g

    The Nutritional Information may not be accurate. This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

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    © Julee
    Cuisine: american / Category: Fall Recipes

    About Julee Morrison

    Julee Morrison is an author and writer with over 35 years of experience in parenting and family recipes. She’s the author of four cookbooks: The Instant Pot College Cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens, The Complete Cookbook for Teens, and The Complete College Cookbook.Available on Amazon,

    Her work has appeared in The LA Times, Disney’s Family Fun Magazine, Bon Appétit, Weight Watchers Magazine, All You, Scholastic Parent & Child, and more.

    Her article "My Toddler Stood on Elvis' Grave and Scaled Over Boulders to Get to a Dinosaur" appeared on AP News, and her parenting piece “The Sly Way I Cured My Child's Lying Habit” was featured on PopSugar.

    Outside of writing, Julee enjoys baking, reading, collecting crystals, and spending time with her family. You can find more of her work at Mommy’s Memorandum.

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