i know what you're thinking…. THIS GIRL IS SO BASIC.

and i can't argue. last week we talked apple crisp. this week we're talking caramel apple mulled cider like woah. NEXT WEEK WHATS NEXT?? Will i show you how to GROW apples? (spoiler: that's not on the schedule for next week i promise)

but seriously, my apple obsession might have reached new heights.

but here's the thing, let's be real about it: apple is the BEST flavor. its the flavor of FALL, which on it's own makes it the best.

and curling up on the couch with a hot mug of spiked apple cider is just the ONLY way i want to spend my nights… throw in a little caramel flavor and i'm sold. say no more. wherever you are I am.

wait. am i convincing you? or did you just convince me? things got weird.

enter: VODKA.

SO. i got this lovely addition to our liquor cabinet on a SUPER sale. if you can't find it or if you're pretty limited in your drink making abilities and wonder how else you'd ever USE this – you couldddddd sub in plain old salted caramel vodka, cause there are TONS more ways to use that sucker – obvi.

enter: cinnamon sticks and orange peels. because FLAVOR. YASSSS. this is my favorite part, we're giving the cider a nice spicy mulled flavor kick with these two and it will literally kick you in the butt with how excitingly good and nostalgic it feels.

While we're on the subject of nostalgic, i KNOW i showed you the ABC family halloween lineup earlier in the month – but should we address the fact that it's in full swing and there is SO MUCH HOCUS POCUS???

i'm just gonna come right out and say it: Friday night (Oct 30) virtual hocus pocus drinking game? (P.S. THANKS FOR SHARING THIS WITH ME KELLY!) wanna join me?? i'll be playing. FO SHO. and i'll be drinking this caramel apple cider. SooooOOooOoOo byeeeeeeee. see ya never. she gone.

anddddd now not a single soul wants to actually partake in this with me….

but we could make APPLE CRISP too!! or maybe we could even like spike a pumpkin spice latte. or or or just sit in the corner eating candy corn? that's an option. come onnnnnn guys. DRINK WITH ME it'll be fun. i promise. i'll make halloween jello jiggler shots. – oh sure NOWWWW you're back on board. omg. i just had an idea OH OH OH. i know what i'm making this week. OH OH OH its sooooo exciting. but i'm holding out on you HAHAHAHA

wait but back to the drinking game. i'm dead serious. if you wanna do it with me let me know! OH we could like live tweet it or at each other or something

i might be slightly obsessed with halloween and fall.

i'm SO sorry about the jumbled excited mess that is this post.

i might also be drunk off these so…. there's that.

BUT LOOK AT THE STEAM. IT LOOKS SO GOOD. AND THE DISSOLVED CINNAMON. WHAT??? Heaven.

um. for the sake of being real with you: i made two spiked versions of cider. this one ended up being the crowd favorite (aka: frankie and i like this one better) but if you're not super into the caramel apple idea i suggest bringing the cider to a boil with an inch of sliced ginger (i didn't use the orange peel or cinnamon in that one) and then pouring it over a shot of apple ginger vodka. yes. you're welcome. it gets a nice ginger-y kick. and it's wonderful. so look at that. now you have two recipes for the price of one… except they're all free. so there's that.

i LIVE by this caramel drizzle and using it for EVERYTHING. just kidding, but seriously.

If something needs a caramel drizzle (ahem. washington apple martini cough. – so good with a little caramel lining the glass) i'm all up in this stuff.

Also, i generally LOVE making my own whipped cream but sometimes you just have to be lazy.

sometimes lazy is good. and delicious. and totally, totally worth it.

now go enjoy the remainder of fall!!!

P.S. – i have it on good authority that a dutch bros hydroflask is the PERFECT vehicle to keep this warm for hours when you're walking around enjoying the foliage because you're basic…. but if that's just me that's fine. (but seriously i love my hydroflask and still consider it one of the best purchases i've ever made)

Caramel Apple Mulled Cider

Author: Ashley Renee
Cook Time: 10
Total Time: 10

Scale

Ingredients

2 cups apple cider (don't use apple juice, make sure its cider!)
1 cinnamon stick
2 inches of orange peel
4 oz caramel apple vodka ( basically 2 shots & you can sub just caramel vodka here if desired)
whipped cream & caramel drizzle, optional

Instructions

Pour the cider into a medium sauce pan and add the orange peel and cinnamon stick. Heat to a boil over medium heat. Let it simmer for about five minutes or so.
While the cider is simmering, pour one shot of caramel apple vodka into each mug. When the cider is finished simmering, evenly ladle it into the mugs over the vodka and stir.
Top with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle if desired!