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Easy Cozy Cinnamon Apple Cider Mocktail: Best Party Sipper

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A warm, spiced apple cider mocktail that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. This easy recipe combines apple cider, orange juice, and warm spices for a cozy, non-alcoholic drink that pleases everyone.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups apple cider (not apple juice)
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 3 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 2 whole star anise pods (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 3 thin slices fresh ginger (peeled)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Apple slices, for garnish
  • Extra cinnamon sticks, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Combine the Base: In a large saucepan, pour in 4 cups of apple cider and 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice. Add 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup. Whisk gently to combine.
  2. Add the Spices: Drop in 3 whole cinnamon sticks, 2 star anise pods, 1 teaspoon of whole cloves, and 3 thin slices of fresh ginger.
  3. Simmer, Don’t Boil: Place the pot over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—small bubbles around the edges, not a rolling boil. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes.
  4. Check the Flavor: After 10 minutes, taste the mixture. If you want it sweeter, add another teaspoon of maple syrup. If it’s too sweet, add a squeeze of lemon juice.
  5. Strain the Spices: Place a fine-mesh strainer over a large bowl or heatproof pitcher. Carefully pour the cider mixture through the strainer to catch the cloves, ginger slices, and star anise. Discard the solids. (Cinnamon sticks can be saved for garnish.)
  6. Add the Lemon Juice: Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
  7. Serve Warm: Ladle the mocktail into heatproof mugs or glasses. Garnish each with a thin apple slice and a fresh cinnamon stick.

Notes

Don’t over-simmer—10-12 minutes max to avoid bitterness. For deeper flavor, toast spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding liquid. Can be made ahead (without lemon juice) up to 2 days in advance. For parties, keep warm in a slow cooker on ‘warm’ setting. If too many cloves are added, balance with extra apple cider and orange juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider mocktail, cinnamon apple cider, non-alcoholic drink, holiday drink, warm cider, party drink, cozy drink

Find it online: https://cravemila.com/easy-cozy-cinnamon-apple-cider-mocktail-best-party-sipper/