Gluten Free Hot Honey-Cinnamon Apple Cider
Warm, spiced, and deeply aromatic, this hot apple cider is the kind of drink that makes a cold evening feel instantly cozier. Fresh apple cider — not juice — forms the backbone here, and the difference in flavor is remarkable: richer, more complex, and naturally sweet without any added sugar beyond the honey. Ceylon cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and fresh ginger steep low and slow to build layers of warmth that feel almost like a hug in a mug. Honey is stirred in off the boil so it dissolves smoothly and keeps its nuanced flavor intact, and you can adjust the sweetness to your exact liking. Every single ingredient in this recipe is naturally free of gluten, so there's no label-checking or substitution gymnastics required — just pure, wholesome comfort. Garnished with thin apple slices and a fresh cinnamon stick, it's also genuinely beautiful to serve to guests. Whether you're hosting a fall gathering or just treating yourself on a quiet night, this one delivers every single time.
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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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