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Cozy Cinnamon Apple Cider Mocktail – Easy Homemade Recipe

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A warm, spiced apple cider mocktail made with simple ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla. Ready in under 10 minutes, it’s the perfect cozy drink for fall and winter gatherings or quiet evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (960 ml) apple cider (unfiltered, fresh preferred)
  • 2 large or 3 small cinnamon sticks (Ceylon or Cassia)
  • 4–5 whole cloves
  • 1 whole star anise pod (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure preferred)
  • 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 pinch salt
  • Optional garnishes: thin apple slices, additional cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, or fresh rosemary sprigs

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups apple cider, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise (if using). Do not add vanilla, honey, or lemon juice yet.
  2. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer (tiny bubbles around edges, wisp of steam). Do not boil. This takes about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Reduce heat to low and let steep for 5-7 minutes. Longer simmering gives stronger spice flavor.
  4. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (start with 1 tablespoon), 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir until honey dissolves. Taste and adjust sweetness or brightness.
  5. Place a fine-mesh strainer over mugs or a heatproof pitcher. Pour mocktail through strainer to catch spices. Discard solids.
  6. Garnish with cinnamon stick, apple slice, or star anise. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Don’t rush the simmer—gentle heat prevents bitterness. For deeper flavor, dry-toast cinnamon and star anise in the saucepan for 30 seconds before adding cider. Add sweeteners off heat to avoid burning. This mocktail tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. For parties, keep warm in a slow cooker on ‘warm’ setting.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider mocktail, cinnamon apple cider, warm fall drink, non-alcoholic, cozy drink, easy mocktail, spiced cider

Find it online: https://cooksyla.com/cozy-cinnamon-apple-cider-mocktail-easy-homemade-recipe/