Vegetarian 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 like an occasion. Fresh cider simmers low and slow with Ceylon cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and sliced ginger until the kitchen smells absolutely incredible — then a generous pour of honey brings it all together with a floral, natural sweetness. Ceylon cinnamon is worth seeking out here; it's softer and more complex than the cassia variety you'll find in most spice racks, and it makes a noticeable difference in the final cup. The technique is simple but intentional — keeping the heat gentle and never letting the cider boil preserves all those bright, fruity notes that would otherwise cook off. Honey gets stirred in at the end so you can dial the sweetness exactly to your taste, which means this works just as well for someone who likes it lightly sweet as for someone who wants full dessert energy. Garnish with thin apple slices and a fresh cinnamon stick and it looks as good as it tastes. This is the kind of cozy, plant-based drink that earns a permanent spot in your cold-weather rotation.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!