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Cozy Cinnamon Apple Cider Mocktail: Easy 5-Minute Recipe

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A warm and comforting non-alcoholic drink made with apple cider, cinnamon, and a hint of citrus. Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s perfect for cozy evenings and holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups apple cider (unfiltered, if possible)
  • 1 cinnamon stick (plus extra for garnish)
  • 2 whole cloves (optional)
  • 1 strip orange zest (about 2 inches long)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure)
  • 1 thin apple slice (for garnish, optional)
  • 1 star anise pod (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine the base ingredients. Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan. Add the cinnamon stick, whole cloves (if using), and the strip of orange zest. Do not add the honey or lemon juice yet.
  2. Warm gently, don’t boil. Let the cider heat slowly over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until steaming hot but not boiling. Tiny bubbles forming around the edges of the pan is the sweet spot.
  3. Add the honey and vanilla. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the honey and vanilla extract until the honey dissolves completely.
  4. Finish with lemon juice. Add the fresh lemon juice and give everything a final stir.
  5. Strain and serve. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a mug and pour the cider mixture through it to catch the cloves, cinnamon stick, and orange zest.
  6. Garnish and enjoy. Add a fresh cinnamon stick for stirring, a thin apple slice floating on top, and a star anise pod if desired. Let cool for about a minute before sipping.

Notes

For a vegan version, swap honey for maple syrup. For a less sweet drink, use unsweetened apple cider and skip the honey. For a boozy version, add 1-2 ounces of bourbon or dark rum. The drink can be made ahead (without lemon juice) and reheated. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider mocktail, cinnamon apple cider, warm apple cider, non-alcoholic drink, fall drink, winter drink, cozy drink, 5-minute recipe

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/cozy-cinnamon-apple-cider-mocktail-easy-5-minute-recipe/