Description
A quick, sugar-free hot apple cider infused with warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. This cozy drink is ready in minutes and captures the essence of autumn without added sugars.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium apples (mix of tart like Granny Smith and sweet like Honeycrisp), sliced into thin wedges
- 4 cups water
- 1 strip orange peel (about 2 inches)
- 2 large cinnamon sticks
- 4–5 whole cloves
- 4–5 whole allspice berries
- 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
Instructions
- Wash apples thoroughly, core them, and slice into thin wedges (about 1/4 inch thick).
- Place sliced apples, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, and orange peel into a medium saucepan.
- Pour in 4 cups of water, ensuring apples are mostly submerged.
- Turn heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover the pot with a lid slightly ajar and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes.
- Turn off heat and let the mixture steep, covered, for another 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
- Strain the cider into mugs using a fine-mesh strainer, discarding the solids.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice, then serve immediately.
Notes
Use whole spices only to avoid grittiness. Do not over-simmer to prevent bitterness. The steeping phase is crucial for flavor development. Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug (approx. 12-16
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 2
- Fat: 0.1
- Carbohydrates: 11
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 0.2
Keywords: sugar-free, fall cider, hot apple cider, cozy drink, autumn recipe, healthy beverage, gluten-free, vegan, keto-friendly