Citric Acid Free Chamomile & Vanilla Spiced Apple Cider
Warm, fragrant, and deeply comforting, this spiced apple cider is the kind of drink that makes you want to curl up under a blanket the moment it starts simmering on the stove. Fresh-pressed unfiltered cider forms the base, layered with floral chamomile, earthy turmeric, bright ginger, and the gentle sweetness of vanilla powder and honey. The result is a mug full of complex, cozy flavor that feels almost like a hug in liquid form. Avoiding citric acid can be tricky with store-bought ciders and spiced blends, which often sneak in additives or preservatives that don't belong. This recipe keeps things clean and straightforward — every ingredient is whole and recognizable, so you know exactly what's going into your cup. The one exception worth noting is the lemon juice, which is listed in the recipe; if you're managing a strict citric acid sensitivity, that's the single ingredient to evaluate for your own needs. The technique here is gentle and intentional — the cider is warmed low and slow to coax out the spices without losing any of the delicate chamomile notes that steep in at the end. Straining everything through a fine-mesh sieve before serving gives you a silky, clean pour that looks as beautiful as it tastes. Garnished with a cinnamon stick or a few crisp apple slices, this is the kind of drink you'll want to make again and again all season long.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 4 cups fresh-pressed apple cider (unfiltered)
- 3 chamomile tea bags (or 3 tsp loose dried chamomile flowers)
- ½ tsp vanilla powder
- 2 sticks ceylon cinnamon
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tbsp honey, plus more to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For serving
- apple slices or ceylon cinnamon sticks, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the apple cider, Ceylon cinnamon sticks, sliced ginger, and ground turmeric in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Warm, stirring occasionally, until the cider just begins to steam and small bubbles form around the edges, about 8–10 minutes — do not bring to a full boil.
- 2
Reduce the heat to low. Add the chamomile tea bags and vanilla powder, pressing the bags gently to submerge them. Steep for 5 minutes, then remove and discard the tea bags and cinnamon sticks.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!