As fall approaches, there’s no better way to greet the season than by mixing up a batch of apple cider infused with CBD caramel. Blending autumn’s most celebrated flavors, this delicious drink will keep you warm and cozy as leaves begin to change color and cooler temperatures chill the air. 

If you love fall flavors, I highly recommend making homemade apple cider. Whether you love Gala, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji, choose your favorite apple variety (or a blend!) to create this comforting recipe. You’ll also want to source whole spices rather than ground to properly spice up the cider. I recommend adding cinnamon sticks as well as whole cardamom, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg.

If you’re in a rush and don’t have the time to make homemade apple cider, simply substitute for store-bought apple cider. Heat the cider in a small saucepan before serving, then follow the directions as written. However, if you do have the time to prepare the homemade apple cider, I encourage you to make this recipe. It’s absolutely delicious and it might become your new fall go-to.

To enhance the cider, you can easily create CBD caramel sauce by infusing it with Care By Design 40:1 Full Spectrum CBD Drops, which is specially formulated to replenish and balance the mind, body, and spirit, and rich in cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoid acids. 

If you haven’t infused caramel before, it’s quick and easy, plus tastes out-of-this-world delicious, especially when combined with apple cider. Since you’ll be adding CBD oil, be sure to follow the directions as noted and always stir well before serving to prevent separation. Click here to find Care By Design near you.

Ready to try this scrumptious fall beverage for yourself? Keep reading for the full recipe and be sure to stay tuned for more Herb Somm x Care By Design drink collaborations as part of the Elevated Elixirs series that we’ll be featuring this fall and holiday season. Enjoy!

Servings: 1 drink (use the leftover homemade apple cider and CBD caramel sauce to make a second round or prepare a round of drinks for your friends)

Target Dose: 3 CBD |  < 1 mg CBDA | < 1 mg THC | < 1 mg THCA per drink (using Care By Design CBD Caramel Sauce)

Equipment:

• Large stockpot
• Wooden spoon
• Saucepan
• Rubber spatula
• Mason jar or storage jar of your choice
• Teaspoon
• Ladle
• Potato masher
• Shallow saucer
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Cocktail coffee glass or glass of your choice

Ingredients:

Apple Cider

• Yield = around 11 ½ cups
• 8 large apples, cut into quarters
• ½ orange, cut in half 
• 5 cinnamon sticks
• 5 whole cardamom pods, cracked partially 
• 1 teaspoon whole allspice
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1 whole nutmeg
• ½ cup packed golden brown sugar

Care By Design CBD Caramel Sauce

Yield = around 1 cup

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup water
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 ml Care By Design 40:1 Full Spectrum CBD Drops (64 mg CBD | 16 mg CBDA | 1.6 mg THC | 0.4mg THCA) 

Cinnamon Sugar Rim

• Orange wedge 
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Caramel Apple CBD Cider

• 6 to 8 ounces homemade apple cider, served hot
• 1 to 2 teaspoons Care By Design CBD Caramel, to taste
• Garnish with a slice of apple and a cinnamon stick

Directions:

Begin by preparing the apple cider. Add the ingredients into the bottom of a large stockpot. Cover with water by at least 1 to 2 inches, then bring the water to a boil. Give the apple cider a quick stir using a wooden spoon, then cover the pot, reduce the heat, and simmer for 2 hours.