Xanthan Gum Free Lemon-Ginger Spiced Apple Cider
Warm, fragrant, and deeply comforting, this spiced apple cider is the kind of drink that makes a cold evening feel like a celebration. Unfiltered apple cider gets a serious flavor upgrade from fresh ginger, Ceylon cinnamon, lemon zest, and a whisper of turmeric — all simmered low and slow until the whole kitchen smells incredible. Every ingredient here is completely natural and straightforward, which means no hidden additives or thickeners to worry about — just real food doing all the work. The honey adds a gentle sweetness that plays beautifully against the brightness of the fresh lemon juice stirred in at the end. Keeping the heat below a boil is the key move; it coaxes out the aromatics without turning anything bitter or harsh. Strained smooth and poured into a mug with a fresh lemon and ginger garnish, it looks as good as it tastes. Whether you're serving it for a holiday gathering or just a quiet night in, this is the kind of recipe you'll come back to all season long.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 4 cups fresh apple cider (unfiltered)
- 1 cup water
- 1 lemon, zest peeled in wide strips and juiced (about 3 tbsp juice)
- 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 2 ceylon cinnamon sticks
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- 2 tbsp honey, plus more to taste
For serving
- 4 thin lemon slices, for serving (optional)
- 4 small fresh ginger slices, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the apple cider, water, lemon zest strips, sliced ginger, Ceylon cinnamon sticks, and turmeric in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir briefly to distribute the turmeric.
- 2
Heat the mixture until it just begins to steam and small bubbles form around the edges, about 8–10 minutes — do not bring to a full boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 10 minutes, until the cider is fragrant and the ginger and cinnamon aromas are pronounced.
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