Description
A warm, spiced apple cider mocktail infused with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and orange peel, perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (960 ml) apple cider (preferably unfiltered)
- 3 whole cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves (about 8–10 cloves)
- 2 whole star anise
- 2 strips orange peel (about 3 inches each, no white pith)
- 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) maple syrup (optional, to taste)
- Apple slices (for garnish, e.g., Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- Fresh cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine the Base (2 minutes): Pour 4 cups of apple cider into a medium saucepan. Add 3 cinnamon sticks, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, 2 star anise, and 2 strips of orange peel. Do not add maple syrup yet.
- Bring to a Gentle Simmer (5 minutes): Turn heat to medium-high and bring mixture to a gentle simmer (small bubbles around edges, not a rolling boil).
- Simmer Low and Slow (15 minutes): Reduce heat to low and let simmer gently, uncovered, stirring occasionally. After 10 minutes, taste and stir in 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup if desired. The cider should deepen to a rich amber color.
- Strain the Spices (2 minutes): Place a fine-mesh strainer over a large bowl or directly over mugs. Pour spiced cider through strainer to catch all whole spices and orange peel. Discard solids.
- Serve Immediately (1 minute): Ladle warm cider into mugs. Garnish each with a fresh cinnamon stick and a thin apple slice.
- Optional: Make It Iced (5 minutes): Let strained cider cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve over ice with same garnishes.
Notes
Don’t skip the orange peel—it adds brightness. Watch the cloves; too many can make the drink bitter. Simmer low and slow for best flavor. This mocktail tastes even better the next day. For a spiked version, add 2 ounces bourbon or dark rum per serving after straining.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 30
Keywords: apple cider, mocktail, fall, spiced, cinnamon, non-alcoholic, warm drink