Beef Free Warm Spiced Apple Cider
There is something deeply comforting about wrapping both hands around a warm mug of spiced cider on a cold day, and this recipe delivers that feeling in the most satisfying way. Fresh apple cider gets gently infused with cinnamon sticks, sliced ginger, fennel seeds, and whole cloves — a combination that smells absolutely incredible as it warms on the stove. The key is keeping the heat low and patient, letting the spices bloom slowly without ever letting the cider boil, which keeps the apple flavor bright and clean rather than flat. A stir of honey at the end rounds everything out with just a touch of natural sweetness you can dial up or down to your liking. Thin apple slices floated on top make each mug look as inviting as it tastes, though the cider stands beautifully on its own too. Every single ingredient here is straightforward and plant-based, so there is absolutely nothing to second-guess — just pure, warming goodness from the first sip to the last.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 4 cups fresh apple cider juice or unfiltered apple juice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 slices fresh ginger (each about ¼ inch thick)
- ½ tsp fennel seeds
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 tbsp honey, or more to taste
For serving
- 1 medium apple, cored and thinly sliced, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, ginger slices, fennel seeds, and whole cloves in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Warm 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 simmer gently for 10 minutes, until the cider is fragrant and the spices have fully infused.
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