Low Iodine 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, whole cloves, and sliced ginger until the kitchen smells absolutely incredible — then honey is stirred in for a gentle, floral sweetness that ties everything together. Managing iodine intake can make even simple pleasures feel complicated, but every ingredient here is naturally plant-based and free from the seafood, dairy, and iodized salt that typically cause concern. Ceylon cinnamon is used throughout rather than the more common cassia variety, which gives the drink a lighter, more nuanced spice without any bitterness. The honey is adjustable, so you can dial the sweetness up or down to suit your mood. Garnished with thin apple slices and a fresh 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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