Description
A cozy, 5-minute hot apple cider made with just 4 ingredients. No simmering required, this naturally gluten-free and dairy-free drink offers instant warmth and nostalgia.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups 100% pure apple juice (preferably unfiltered)
- 1 medium apple (Honeycrisp or Gala), sliced into thin rounds or wedges
- 1 whole cinnamon stick (or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
- 1 strip orange zest (no white pith)
- Optional: 1 star anise or 2 cloves
Instructions
- Wash the apple and slice it into thin rounds or wedges, leaving the skin on for color and flavor.
- Pour the apple juice into a small to medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Heat the juice until steaming with small bubbles forming around the edges, but do not let it boil (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the apple slices, cinnamon stick, and orange zest to the hot juice.
- Let the mixture sit for 1-2 minutes to infuse the flavors; do not cook the apple further.
- Ladle the warm juice into mugs.
- Drop one apple slice and the cinnamon stick into each mug.
- Squeeze the orange zest strip over the top to release oils, then drop it into the mug.
- Serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
Do not boil the apple juice as it can make the cider taste cooked-down or bitter. Use fresh citrus zest for the best flavor. If hosting a group, keep the juice warm in a slow cooker on the ‘warm’ setting and add fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks right before serving. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stove.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cups
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 28
- Carbohydrates: 30
Keywords: hot apple cider, grandparents day recipe, 5 minute recipe, gluten free drinks, dairy free drinks, cozy fall drinks, easy apple cider