Citrus Free Hot Apple-Pear Compote Drink
Warm, fragrant, and deeply comforting, this simmered fruit drink is exactly what you want wrapped around your hands on a cold afternoon. Ripe apples and pears are cooked down with cinnamon, ginger, and a touch of maple syrup until they're completely soft, then pressed through a sieve to produce a silky, naturally sweet liquid that drinks like a hug. A small splash of apple cider vinegar at the end adds just enough brightness to keep things balanced without relying on any citrus at all — which makes this a genuinely satisfying option when lemon or orange are off the table. Hot drinks can be surprisingly tricky territory, since so many warming beverages lean on citrus peel or juice for that lively finish, but the combination of tart apple, sweet pear, and warm spice does all that work here on its own. The optional thyme sprig is a lovely little touch that adds a subtle herbal note without complicating anything. Everything comes together in one saucepan with simple pantry staples, and the straining step is what transforms it from a chunky compote into a smooth, café-worthy drink. Ladle it into your favorite mug and serve it immediately while it's still steaming.
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Learn more →Ingredients
2 servings
- 2 medium apples (such as fuji or honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and roughly chopped
- 2 medium ripe pears (such as bartlett or bosc), peeled, cored, and roughly chopped
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- ¼ tsp ground ceylon cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp ground ginger
- 1 pinch fine sea salt
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 sprig fresh thyme (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the chopped apples, chopped pears, water, maple syrup, Ceylon cinnamon, ground ginger, and sea salt in a medium saucepan. Add the thyme sprig, if using. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
- 2
Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the fruit is completely soft and beginning to fall apart, about 15–18 minutes.
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