Description
A warm, spiced, alcohol-free drink ready in 10 minutes. Perfect for autumn gatherings and weeknight treats, this mocktail captures the essence of fall with fresh apples and toasted spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups 100% pure apple cider (not apple juice)
- 1 medium apple, chopped into small uniform cubes (mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp recommended)
- 2–3 cinnamon sticks
- 1–2 star anise pods (optional)
- 1 strip orange peel (wide strip, no white pith)
- 1/4 cup water
- Optional toppings: extra cinnamon sticks, star anise, orange slices, whipped cream, nutmeg
Instructions
- Chop the apple into small, uniform cubes.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the apple cider, chopped apples, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and orange peel.
- Add 1/4 cup of water to the saucepan.
- Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (small bubbles around the edges, not a rolling boil).
- Reduce heat to low and let it gently simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the kitchen smells fragrant.
- Remove the pot from the heat.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the cinnamon sticks, star anise, and orange peel.
- Optional: Pour the cider through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher for a smoother drink, or leave the apples in for texture.
- Pour into mugs and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Do not skip the simmering step as it allows flavors to meld. Taste before adding extra sweetener as apple cider sweetness varies. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne or fresh ginger. For a sparkling version, add sparkling water or ginger beer. Can be made in a slow cooker on low for 2-4 hours. Leftovers store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: fall drink, cinnamon apple cider, mocktail, alcohol-free, seasonal drink, autumn recipe, easy drink, gluten-free, vegan