Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice Recipe

Now that it's officially fall, I have been on a fall drink kick... never mind the fact that it's 90 degrees here today in San Diego!  This warm weather is not stopping me from my caramel apple spice, salted caramel frappuccino (made without coffee- I don't drink coffee), or any of the other yummy drinks that Starbucks has to offer!

I've already been to Starbucks twice this past week, so I figured it was high time I learned how to make some of their delicious drinks at home!  I found the actual Starbucks recipe here.  She is an ex-barista, so her recipe is the real deal.  The only problem is that the recipe calls for Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Syrup, which I don't have, and didn't want to go buy at Starbucks for $12 a bottle.  How hard can it be, really, to make a cinnamon dolce syrup?

Not too hard, because I experimented and made my own!  My version of Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Syrup tastes amazing, and cost me zero dollars to make, since I already had all of the ingredients!  Can't beat that :)  Wanna' make your own at home too?

Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice:

• Apple juice (I read that Starbucks uses Tree Top, so that's what I used), around 12 oz.
• 3 Tbsp. Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Syrup, OR my easy syrup recipe below
• Whip cream
• Caramel syrup

1.  Add 3 Tbsp. syrup to the apple juice in a microwavable cup.  Microwave until very warm, between 1-2 minutes.

2.  Add whip cream to the top, drizzle with caramel syrup, and enjoy!!

Cinnamon Dolce Syrup:

• 4 Cinnamon sticks
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup brown sugar

1.  Break cinnamon sticks into smaller pieces, and add to water in a small pot.  Bring to a boil, and lower heat to a simmer.  Simmer the sticks and water for about 10-15 minutes.  Once syrup has cooled, remove the sticks and discard.

2.  Add brown sugar to the cinnamon water mixture, and heat on low.  Stir until brown sugar is dissolved.  Let cool, and refrigerate in a sealed container until ready to use.  

I hope you enjoy this yummy caramel apple spice recipe as much as we did!  You will be able to make a lot of these with a container of apple juice, and save yourself the money, time, and hassle it would take to go to Starbucks to get your own!  Jut don't ask me how many cups of caramel apple spice I've had this last week... I'm not telling ;)

For more fall fun, you can print off my fall activities bucket list punch card.

And for a fun family Halloween meal, check out this Spooky Spaghetti with Eyeballs!

To decorate your home this fall, you can see how to make this cinnamon-scented nature wreath,

or this fall wreath made out of paper!

If you liked this project, please follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Bloglovin', and Instagram.

xo, Laura

Linking Up Here:  Tatertots and Jello,  Ginger Snap Crafts, Snap!, 36th Avenue