BHA & BHT Free Hibiscus-Lime Spiced Apple Cider
Warm, ruby-red, and layered with spice, this hibiscus-lime apple cider is the kind of drink that makes a cold afternoon feel like an occasion. Bottled ciders and flavored drinks are notorious for sneaking in synthetic preservatives like BHA and BHT to extend shelf life, so making your own from scratch is genuinely the cleanest route. Here, unfiltered apple cider gets steeped with dried hibiscus flowers, Ceylon cinnamon, fresh ginger, and whole cloves until it turns a deep jewel tone and smells absolutely incredible. A strip of lime zest and a splash of fresh lime juice at the end cut through the sweetness and give the whole thing a bright, citrusy lift that keeps it from feeling heavy. A touch of maple syrup lets you dial in the sweetness exactly where you want it — no refined additives, no mystery ingredients. Strain it into a mug, tuck in a sprig of mint, and you have something that looks and tastes far more impressive than the effort it actually takes.
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 apple cider (unfiltered)
- ¼ cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 2 ceylon cinnamon sticks
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 strip lime zest (about 3 inches), pith removed
- 1–2 tbsp maple syrup, or to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
For serving
- lime slices, for serving (optional)
- fresh mint sprigs, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the apple cider, dried hibiscus flowers, Ceylon cinnamon sticks, sliced ginger, cloves, and lime zest strip in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring once or twice, until the cider is steaming and just beginning to bubble at the edges, about 8–10 minutes.
- 2
Reduce the heat to low and steep, uncovered, for 10 minutes, until the cider is a deep ruby-red and fragrant with hibiscus and spice.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!