Description
Spiced Apple Cider Mocktail is a cozy, non-alcoholic drink combining fresh apple cider with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and star anise. Perfect served hot or chilled, it delivers comforting fall flavors with a hint of citrus from orange slices.
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider (fresh or store-bought)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 star anise pods
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
- Ice cubes (for serving chilled)
- Apple slices or cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, ground nutmeg, and orange slices.
- Heat over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to infuse, avoiding boiling.
- Optionally, stir in maple syrup or honey for added sweetness.
- Strain the cider to remove spices and orange slices, pouring into a pitcher or serving glasses.
- Serve warm in mugs with apple slice or cinnamon stick garnish, or chill to serve over ice.
Notes
- Add sparkling water for a fizzy version.
- Include fresh rosemary or thyme for herbal notes.
- For a zesty kick, add a 1-inch slice of fresh ginger while simmering.
- Mix in 1/2 cup cranberry juice for a tart, festive twist.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
