Nutmeg Free Hot Spiced Cranberry Drink
Tart cranberry juice meets warm spice in this deeply fragrant hot drink that feels like the holidays in a mug. Cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, orange peel, and a touch of ground ginger do all the heavy lifting here, building layers of cozy, aromatic flavor without a single drop of nutmeg in sight. That matters more than you might think — so many mulled cider and spiced punch recipes lean hard on nutmeg, making them a minefield for anyone who needs to avoid it. This one skips it entirely and honestly doesn't miss it, because the combination of allspice and cloves brings all the warmth and depth you could want. Maple syrup sweetens everything naturally, and you can dial it up or down to taste as the drink simmers low and slow on the stove. The result is a rich, jewel-toned drink that's just as impressive served to guests as it is sipped solo on a cold evening. Strain it into your favorite mug, add an orange slice if you're feeling fancy, and let it do its thing.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 4 cups cranberry juice (100% juice, no added sweeteners)
- 1 cup water
- 3 tbsp maple syrup, plus more to taste
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 4 whole allspice berries
- 3 strips orange peel (about 3 inches each, pith removed)
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
For serving
- orange slices, for serving (optional)
- cinnamon sticks, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the cranberry juice, water, maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, orange peel strips, and ground ginger in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- 2
Heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture just begins to steam and small bubbles form around the edges, about 8–10 minutes. Do not bring to a full boil.
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