Hazelnut Free Warm Spiced Apple Cider
There is something deeply comforting about wrapping your hands around a warm mug of spiced cider on a cool day, and this recipe delivers exactly that kind of cozy satisfaction. Fresh apple cider gets gently warmed with cinnamon sticks, ginger, fennel seeds, and whole cloves until the kitchen smells absolutely incredible — earthy, sweet, and a little bit spicy all at once. The honey stirred in at the end rounds everything out with a soft, floral sweetness that you can dial up or down to your own taste. Because this is made entirely from scratch with whole spices and real cider, there's no need to scrutinize store-bought blends for hidden additives or shared-facility concerns. The gentle simmer — never a rolling boil — keeps the apple flavor bright and fresh rather than cooked-down and flat. Thin apple slices floated on top make for a beautiful, effortless garnish that feels a little fancy without any extra work. This is the kind of drink that makes a quiet afternoon feel like a proper occasion.
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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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