Homemade Holiday Magic: Spiced Apple Cider Mocktail Recipe

Exploring Holiday Nostalgia with a Spiced Apple Cider Mocktail

As the holiday season approaches, I find myself reminiscing about cozy gatherings with friends and family, sharing stories by the fireplace, and sipping on warm beverages. Today, I am excited to share a new creation that captures the essence of those nostalgic moments: a Spiced Apple Cider Mocktail.

For this unique holiday beverage, you will need:

• 600ml apple cider
• 200ml ginger beer
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise pods
• Peel of 1 orange
• 5 whole cloves
• 50ml maple syrup
• 100ml sparkling water

In addition to the ingredients, you will need the following kitchen tools:

• saucepan
• wooden spoon
• strainer
• serving glasses

To start, pour the apple cider into a saucepan and add the cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, orange peel, and whole cloves. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together for about 15 minutes.

Next, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the ginger beer and maple syrup. Let the mocktail cool for a few minutes before straining out the spices. Discard the solids, and pour the spiced apple cider into serving glasses over ice.

To finish off the mocktail, top each glass with a splash of sparkling water for a bit of effervescence. Give the drink a gentle stir to combine all the flavors, and garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange twist for a festive touch.

The total weight of this Spiced Apple Cider Mocktail is approximately 1050 grams, with enough for 4 servings. Each serving clocks in at around 262 grams, and the calorie count per serving is roughly 120 calories.

One unique tip for this mocktail is to infuse the apple cider with the spices overnight for an even more robust flavor profile. Simply prepare the mixture the night before, let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it overnight. The next day, reheat the cider and continue with the remaining steps for a deeply aromatic drink.

I encourage you to try this Spiced Apple Cider Mocktail and make it your own by adjusting the spice levels or sweetness to suit your taste preferences. Cheers to creating new holiday traditions with loved ones and enjoying the warmth of the season through delicious beverages!