Warlocks’ Brew | Bourbon Caramel Apple Cider Coffee with video

Fall is knocking at the door in the great state of Maine, which means cooler nights are coming and the need for a warm drink couldn’t be more real. Next time you’re ready to reach for a Pumpkin Spice Latte, try this new drink I created, lovingly called Warlocks’ Brew. While a Witches’ Brew is traditionally half hot chocolate and half coffee; this Warlocks’ Brew is just about half hot apple cider and hot coffee, perfected by the addition of Torani Syrups.

This post is sponsored in part by Torani. All thoughts and creations are my own.

In my past life, before joining the military, I was actually a barista. I worked for a local coffee shop and fell in love with Torani Syrups and the creativity you can have with them. Our menu at the coffee shop was expansive, but we still managed to find ways to alter and come up with new drinks as part of our own “secret menu.” Now that life has moved on, and I’m not a teenager any more, my time as a barista in the corporate world has come to a close. However, I will say that being a work-at-home-mom to four kids under six has made me a better coffee drinker now than I ever was before. Thankfully, now instead of loading the kids into the van and heading to Target for a Starbucks, I can order Torani online and create my delicious treats while still in my PJ’s, not paying an arm and a leg, and avoiding all meltdowns from toddlers in public. HELLO – #WINNING !

Fall has always been my favorite time of year… Hot Chocolate, Apple Cider, campfires … all things warm for those colder nights, including Bourbon. One recipe I learned as a barista one fall was Witches’ Brew. I had customers asking for it and was utterly confused, until one of my co-workers let me in on a little secret. Witches’ Brew is actually the name for a drink that contains half hot chocolate and half coffee. In deciding what to name this drink, I thought Warlocks’ Brew was perfect! When I think Fall I think primarily hot chocolate and apple cider. They are really the perfect opposites of each other. And what’s the opposite of a Witch? A Warlock. Hence, apple cider + hot coffee = Warlocks’ Brew. 

Another secret of mine… I don’t like Pumpkin Spice. There! I said it! I really don’t. I love the smell of it, sure, but the actual taste… I just can’t jump on that bandwagon. I think I order one every fall to test myself. Maybe my tastes have changed and I’ll like it this year. Nope. ERRR! WRONG-O! Don’t like it. Can’t help it. Yet people are crazy about the stuff – like my sister.  But in my opinion, the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) is now a rickety ol’ bandwagon no one should feel safe on. Haha! So let’s get creative and start a new Fall trend! There are so many Torani flavors that scream Fall – total there’s 100+ flavor options!  So, get funky. Get creative. Build your own bandwagon that people can’t wait to jump on. Tag me on Instagram @theKatieMChase with #PumpkinSoBasic and show me the bandwagon you’re building! Or if you try this Warlocks’ Brew – show me that too! And tag @Torani to let them know you tried and loved my recipe!

Tips for Warlock Brew

Dip the rim. Whether you’re making a fancy magarita, a special kind of hot chocolate, or this delicious Warlock Brew, dipping the rim in a sauce is just an extra way to add a bit of flare. Show off to your guests, and get a mouth full of the flavor you want most predominant in your drink. It’s super easy. All you need is a plate or bowl, your sauce poured out onto it, and dip. If you are planning to then dip your cup in some crushed candy, salt, etc. you’ll want to make sure the sauce stays. Torani’s Caramel Sauce is on the more loose side – it would be extra yummy in an ice cream float! I love the way it slid down into the cup for this particular recipe. However, if you’re going to add somethings else to the rim, you can add just a sprinkle of cornstarch to thicken the sauce up. Then it should stay put.

Keep all the contents hot. The acid in Apple Cider likes to do some funny things when combined with a milk based product – think buttermilk. Now you don’t have to add the caramel creamer to this recipe, but it is an option that makes the drink smoother and more like a morning coffee. To create this Warlock Brew recipe so that the milk doesn’t curdle, you’ll want to make sure everything, except the Torani flavoring, is at the same hot temperature. Also, while Witches’ Brew called for half hot chocolate and half coffee, this Warlock Brew is more of a 25% apple cider and 75% coffee. The acid in the apple cider is able to be a bit more diluted that way. And of course – stir. I promise, this doesn’t get crazy and chunky. If left sitting for a long time, sure, you’ll see things start to separate. But there’s no way a cup Warlock Brew is going to be sitting around too long with how good it tastes.

What You’ll Need for Warlocks’ Brew

• Apple Cider – if you can purchase locally sourced Apple Cider, that’s always a win. Otherwise, look for the apple cider that contains added cinnamon. If you cannot find that, simply add an extra dash right on top to your cup.
• Coffee – I used Hazelnut flavored coffee for mine. I love my drinks to be on the sweeter side and it really balanced out with the hearty Bourbon. If you don’t have Hazelnut, or your husband is like mine and doesn’t like those “fu-fu” flavored coffees, just use regular. Using a Dark Roast coffee will really mellow out the flavors. If you choose to use a Dark Roast, be sure to up the Torani flavorings a bit to balance the bitter notes of the Dark Roast.
• Bourbon – there is a delicate layering of flavors going on in this drink. You don’t want to over power any of them. I suggest using a smooth Bourbon or Whiskey, 80 proof or under for this drink.
• Torani Syrups & Sauce – these elements are like the twine on a bail of hay, keeping it all tucked together neatly. The layers of flavors, spices, and silky smooth creaminess are just heavenly. One smell, one taste, and you’ll be busting out the sweaters and gathering wood for a campfire. Torani Bourbon Caramel and Torani Brown Sugar Cinnamon are all the flavors of Fall in one warm cup. Scared of the sugar? Torani has a healthy collection of Sugar-Free syrups available too! For more information on those and their other syrups, just head over to their site. And BTW, get these shipped right to your door! If Amazon Prime starts carrying Torani, I’m in trouble. 

Ways to drink Warlocks’ Brew

• Original or Naked – This is the original recipe. No cream. No alcohol. Just as delicious. For those of us that aren’t huge alcohol drinkers, the Torani Bourbon Caramel Syrup does a great job of infusing the flavors without the side effects of alcohol.
• Warlocks’ Brew Black – This blend is the original recipe with a shot, or two, of alcohol. The recommended pairing for this drink is either Whiskey or Bourbon as they have those deep, rustic notes. Another fun combination may be a Stout Ale.
• Warlocks’ Brew White – Similar to a White Russian, this drink is named for it’s appearance in the addition of a dairy product. You could also use coconut milk as well for a vegan option.  The Warlocks’ Brew White can be made virgin or alcoholic.

Warlocks’ Brew | Bourbon Caramel Apple Cider Coffee

With Torani Syrups now stocking my shelves and school starting, I’m ready for Fall. Gone are the days of looking forward to going to Target with two kids instead of four. Now I’m looking forward to staying home, snuggling a baby and hot cup of Warlocks’ Brew, and dreaming up more recipes for you to enjoy.

I would love if after you try this recipe, because I know you will, go ahead and rate the recipe with 5 stars! Leave me any comments or questions below and I’ll be happy to answer them. Then head over to Instagram and tag me in your stories @theKatieMChase and show me how you’ve made the recipe.