Now, we have the intel on an autumnal Starbucks drink that’s the perfect for this time of year. It’s the Caramel Apple Refresher, and we can’t wait to try it!
Like most viral Starbucks drinks, the Caramel Apple Refresher isn’t found on the regular menu, but thanks to the Frappuccino mixologists at Totally the Bomb, you can walk into any store with this recipe.
The basis for this drink is the new Kiwi Starfruit Refresher, which is starfruit- and kiwi-flavored juice shaken with ice. OK, so how does kiwi taste like caramel apple?
First, order a Grande Kiwi Starfruit Refresher with no water or other additions.
Then, ask to substitute the water with apple juice.
Here comes the caramel! Ask for one pump of caramel, plus an extra caramel drizzle around the cup.
P.S. Just remember that secret menu beverages take more time and effort, so have the recipe ready or use the Starbucks app to order. Your barista—and fellow customers—will thank you for not holding up the line.
Get More Caramel Apple Flavor
Do you know how to make traditional caramel apples? (You know, the kind where you go beyond melting a package of caramels.) It’s easier than you might think—all you need is butter, brown sugar and corn syrup. It’s time to learn how to make real caramel apples!
Caramel Apple-Inspired Recipes for Fall
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Taste of Home
Caramel Apple Bars
These bars make an excellent fall dessert. We like to warm individual servings in the microwave and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It quickly became a family favorite; maybe it'll become one of your family's, too. —Carol Stuber, Osawatomie, Kansas
Go to Recipe
Salted Caramel Apple PieInstead of the usual ho-hum apple pie, my grandmother and I prepared this showstopper salted caramel apple pie for Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful time preparing it and an even better time eating it! —Emmie Hine, Wilmette, Illinois
Caramel Apple Rice Krispies TreatsOoey, gooey caramel meets your favorite crisped rice treat in this caramel apple Rice Krispies Treat recipe. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Caramel Apple FloatWho doesn't love the flavors of caramel, apples, and vanilla ice cream together? If I'm feeling fancy, I drizzle caramel syrup around the inside of my glass before adding the apple cider and ginger ale. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
Caramel-Apple Skillet BuckleMy grandma used to bake a version of this for me when I was a little girl. She would make it using fresh apples from her tree in the backyard. I've adapted her recipe because I love the combination of apples, pecans and caramel. —Emily Hobbs, Springfield, Missouri
Caramel Apple SconesA drizzle of caramel complements the apple and whole wheat flavors of these rustic-looking scones. —Arlene Cook, Bainbridge, Georgia
Caramel Apple StrudelMy father, who was born and raised in Vienna, Austria, would tell us stories about how his mother covered all the kitchen counters with dough whenever she made apple strudel. This recipe is a modern, delicious way to carry on part of my family's heritage. —Sarah Haengel, Bowie, Maryland
Caramel Apple Pie with Streusel ToppingI developed this recipe through the years to get it exactly where we want it. I've entered several pie contests with it and placed first each time—one bite and you'll know why this pie's a winner! —Laurel Dalzell, Manteca, California
Caramel-Apple Shortbread CookiesThere is nothing like seeing my friends almost melt to the floor when they bite into something I made. These cookies never fail to elicit oohs and aahs. —Amber Taylor, Lenoir City, Tennessee
Caramel Apple BarsThese bars make an excellent fall dessert. We like to warm individual servings in the microwave and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It quickly became a family favorite; maybe it'll become one of your family's, too. —Carol Stuber, Osawatomie, Kansas
Caramel Apple CupcakesTake these extra special cupcakes to your next event and watch how quickly they disappear! With a caramel topping and spice cake base, they're the perfect mix of two fall-favorite treats. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Oatmeal Caramel Apple CookiesThis recipe for caramel apple cookies is a fun twist on traditional oatmeal raisin. These treats are hard to resist! —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Rustic Caramel Apple TartLike an apple pie without the pan, this scrumptious tart has a crispy crust that cuts nicely and a yummy caramel topping. —Betty Fulks, Onia, Arkansas
Caramel Apple Coffee Cake with WalnutsI created this recipe after a trip to an orchard with my family. This moist cake is full of hearty apples and nuts, while the caramel topping adds a delectable finish. —Sharon Cable, Dyersville, Iowa.
Easy Mini Caramel Apple CheesecakesCheesecake is the ultimate comfort food, but a big slice can be too rich. These bite-sized cheesecakes topped with apples and creamy caramel dazzle the senses. —Brandie Cranshaw, Rapid City, South Dakota
Apple Crisp PizzaWhile visiting a Wisconsin orchard, I tried a tempting apple crisp pie. At home, I put together this apple pizza. As it bakes, the enticing aroma fills my kitchen, and friends and family linger waiting for a sample. —Nancy Preussner, Delhi, Iowa
Caramel Apple MuffinsThese muffins are perfect for anyone who loves caramel apples. They are particularly good with breakfast or during a coffee break. —Therese Puckett, Shreveport, Louisiana
Apple Pie BitesThese apple pie bites are fun for kids to make. Simply wrap strips of pastry around apple wedges and shake on some cinnamon-sugar. Then just bake and watch them disappear! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Gourmet Caramel ApplesThese drizzled confections look gorgeous and taste over-the-top yummy. With peanut butter flavor and a salty burst, they'll be the treats you can't wait to make each year. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chunky Apple CakeAfter taste testing lots of apple cakes, I've found this apple cake recipe the best. Full of old-world comfort, the yummy brown sugar sauce really makes the cake special. For a festive occasion, top with a dollop of whipped cream. —Debi Benson, Bakersfield, California
Caramel Apple BitesKids can help make these perfect fall bites by dipping the baked cookies in caramel and nuts. It's a fun food craft for all of us. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Spiced Apple Cake with Caramel IcingEasy to prepare and popular with my friends and family, this apple cake is one of my all-time favorite autumn recipes. A slice of this soft treat is delicious with a hot cup of coffee or tea. —Monica Burns, Fort Worth, Texas
Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel SauceThis apple bread pudding with caramel sauce has been in my life for a long time. It's a family fave and always on my buffet when I put together a brunch. It's also special enough for dinner dessert. —Cleo Gonske, Redding, California
Apple Caramel Cheesecake BarsThe streusel topping that comes with this recipe for apple cream cheese bars is absolutely irresistible. If you can’t resist a “taste test” before a party, just arrange each apple bar on a serving platter and no one will know a piece is missing from the pan! —Katherine White, Henderson, Nevada
Caramel-Pecan Apple PieYou'll love the smell in your kitchen—and the smiles on everybody's faces—when you make this scrumptious caramel apple pie recipe. It takes me back home to Virginia, to my granny's table. —Jean Castro, Phoenix, Arizona
Caramel-Pecan Apple SlicesHere's a warm, decadent side dish for fall or winter brunches. Ready to eat in only 15 minutes, the apples are also good alongside a pork entree or spooned over vanilla ice cream. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
This delicious, gooey caramel apple dump cake is flavorful, moist and made with simple ingredients: apple pie filling, cake mix, butter and, of course, caramel sauce. You can add in a few warming spices, such as nutmeg and cinnamon, for extra fall flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Go to Recipe
Caramel Apple Creme BruleeHere's the cream of the apple dessert crop. Fruit, caramel and cinnamon flavors enhance the rich, velvety custard. Served warm or chilled, it's a classic end to a meal. —Cheryl Perry, Hertford, North Carolina
Fluffy Caramel Apple DipThis sweet, smooth and fluffy dip is really a crowd-pleaser. Be careful—it's so good that you won't want to stop eating it! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Contest-Winning Caramel Apple CrispWhen my kids and I make apple crisp, we use all sorts of apples to boost the flavor and texture. Add melted caramels, and you’ve got something scrumptious. —Michelle Brooks, Clarkston, Michigan
Air-Fryer Apple Pie Egg Rolls with Caramel SauceThese easy apple pie egg rolls can be prepared as needed, using egg roll wrappers as vessels for the fruit rather than traditional pie crust. The air-fryer method of cooking results in a crispy, crunchy crust with a tender, juicy filling. Flavored cream cheese spread may be used instead of plain, depending on availability. —Sheila Suhan, Scottdale, Pennsylvania
Caramel Crunch Apple PieI was raised on a small farm, the youngest of eight children and the only girl. My mom taught me how to make all kinds of pies from scratch, and this is one of my favorites. Caramels and apples are a delicious combination.
Writer, blogger, content creator. I specialize in food and travel, plus digital commerce and the retail industry. Based in Portland, Oregon after a very long time spent in NYC.
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