Mustard 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 version delivers that feeling in the most satisfying way. Fresh apple cider gets gently infused with cinnamon sticks, ginger, fennel seeds, and whole cloves, filling your kitchen with an aroma that feels like autumn in a pot. The low-and-slow simmer is key — keeping the heat below a boil lets the spices bloom without turning the cider bitter or cloudy. A stir of honey at the end rounds everything out with just the right touch of sweetness, and you can dial it up or down to your taste. For anyone navigating mustard sensitivities, this recipe is a natural fit — every ingredient is straightforward and easy to verify, with zero hidden seasonings or spice blends that might sneak in a problem ingredient. Strained smooth and poured into mugs, it's the kind of drink that feels far more special than the effort it takes to make. Thin apple slices floated on top make it look almost too pretty to drink — almost.
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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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