Barley Free Hot Honey-Cinnamon Apple Cider
Warm, spiced, and deeply comforting, this hot apple cider is the kind of drink that makes a cold evening feel like a celebration. Fresh cider simmers low and slow with whole cloves, sliced ginger, and Ceylon cinnamon sticks, drawing out layers of flavor that no store-bought mix can touch. Ceylon cinnamon is worth seeking out here — its softer, more floral warmth is noticeably different from the sharper cassia variety, and it shows up twice for maximum depth. Honey steps in as the sweetener, dissolving gently into the cider and letting you dial the sweetness exactly to your liking. Every ingredient in this recipe is naturally grain-free, so there's no need to scrutinize labels or worry about hidden additives sneaking in. Garnish with thin apple slices and a fresh cinnamon stick and it looks as good as it tastes — effortlessly elegant for a cozy night in or a holiday gathering.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 4 cups fresh apple cider (not apple juice)
- 2 ceylon cinnamon sticks
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 4 whole cloves
- 3 tbsp honey, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp ground ceylon cinnamon
For serving
- 1 medium apple, cored and thinly sliced, for serving (optional)
- 4 ceylon cinnamon sticks, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the apple cider, Ceylon cinnamon sticks, sliced ginger, and whole cloves 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 let it boil.
- 2
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the honey and ground Ceylon cinnamon. Continue to heat gently for 10 minutes, until the cider is fragrant and the honey is fully dissolved.
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