Black Pepper 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 apple cider simmers low and slow with Ceylon cinnamon sticks, sliced ginger, and whole cloves, drawing out layers of warmth and fragrance without any harsh heat. Honey adds a floral sweetness that you can dial up or down to your liking, making every mug feel personal. For anyone avoiding black pepper, this recipe is a natural fit — every single ingredient is chosen for flavor, and there's nothing hidden in the spice blend to worry about. Ceylon cinnamon is worth seeking out here; it's softer and more delicate than the cassia variety, which makes the whole drink feel refined rather than sharp. Strained smooth and served with a fresh apple slice and a cinnamon stick, it's as pretty in the mug as it is satisfying to sip.
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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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