Hot Butterscotch Apple Cider

The butterscotch syrup prepared in this recipe is used to make individual servings of this hot apple beverage. There is enough butterscotch syrup for 24 servings. Heat up only as much apple cider or apple juice as you need. Any leftover butterscotch syrup may then be frozen for later use.

Yield: Serves 24

Hot Butterscotch Apple Cider

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup salted butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup whipping cream
  • 1 tbsp fancy molasses
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • Apple cider or apple juice
  • Brandy or Calvados (apple brandy), optional*
  • Lemon wedges, optional*

Directions

  1. To prepare butterscotch syrup, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in sugar, brown sugar, cream and molasses. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly to dissolve sugar and brown sugar. Remove from heat. Stir in cinnamon and vanilla; set aside.
  2. Bring apple cider to a boil in a nonreactive saucepan or Dutch oven. Remove from heat.
  3. For each serving, pour 1 cup hot apple cider into a mug. Stir in 1 tbsp butterscotch syrup and 1 tbsp brandy. Squeeze juice from a lemon wedge into mug; stir. Leftover butterscotch syrup may be frozen.
Nutritional analysis per serving:

 

185 calories, 4.1 g fat, 0.4 g protein, 37.5 g carbohydrates, 0.5 g fibre, 29 mg sodium 

Tip: The butterscotch syrup in this recipe is also delicious when used as a topping for ice cream.