MSG Free Spiced Hot Apple Cider
Warm, fragrant, and deeply comforting, this spiced apple cider is the kind of drink that makes a cold day feel like a gift. Unfiltered apple cider gets a long, slow simmer with Ceylon cinnamon, fresh ginger, turmeric, and whole cloves, coaxing out layers of spice that feel genuinely complex without any shortcuts. A spoonful of honey and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice go in at the end, brightening everything up and rounding out the warmth beautifully. Because every ingredient here is a whole, recognizable food, there's no need to squint at a label or wonder what's hiding in a flavoring packet — this is as clean and straightforward as a hot drink gets. Store-bought spiced ciders and seasonal coffee-shop drinks are notorious for relying on artificial flavor enhancers, so making your own is the only way to be truly sure of what's in your mug. The straining step at the end means you get a silky, clear pour every time, and a fresh cinnamon stick tucked into the mug makes it feel genuinely special. It's the perfect thing to ladle out for guests or sip quietly on your own when you need something that tastes like it took all day but really didn't.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 4 cups fresh apple cider (unfiltered)
- 2 ceylon cinnamon sticks
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 tbsp honey, plus more to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For serving
- apple slices or ceylon cinnamon sticks, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the apple cider, Ceylon cinnamon sticks, ginger slices, turmeric, and cloves in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring once or twice, until steam rises steadily and small bubbles appear around the edges, about 8–10 minutes.
- 2
Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, until the cider is fragrant and the spices have fully infused.
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