4 Starbucks Caramel Apple Cider

It's the most wonderful time of the year...when Starbucks has those delicious, limited-time-only seasonal drinks that I crave at all other times of the year.  One of them is their Caramel Apple Cider.  Aside:  Can someone please explain why this isn't on their drive-thru menu?  I can never remember what it's officially called and mumble about apple cider-something-or-other-that's-not-coffee.

I discovered an at-home clone recipe from blogger and fellow mom from E's class, Dixie Delights.  I have literally been stalking this recipe since A first posted it, and I finally got around to making my own after spending approximately $793 buying them at Starbucks.  My recipe ratios are just slightly different, only because I just have apple juice boxes which are 6.75 oz each.

- 2  juice boxes (6.75 oz) of apple juice (I always use no sugar-added like Apple & Eve)
- 4.5 - 5 pumps of Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce syrup (BTW, had you any idea they sell these at their coffee shops...for $8?!?!)
1.5 tsp of caramel.  I've been using a handy little tub of caramel sauce that came with pre-sliced apples ever since I became maimed by that apple slicer.  I'm not ashamed to admit I'm still afraid to use one right now.

But I digress.

In a small saucepan combine all ingredients and heat until just starting to bubble slightly.  Pour into your favorite large mug and roll your eyes in pure bliss.  It's that good.