Spiced Apple Cider Mocktail
Ingredients
- 8 ounces apple cider
- 1 cinnamon stick plus 1 extra for garnish
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 star anise
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce maple syrup optional, for extra sweetness
- 1 thin apple slice for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the apple cider, cinnamon stick, cloves and star anise in a small saucepan.
- Warm over medium heat for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cider is steaming but not boiling.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and maple syrup, if using.
- Strain the spices out through a fine mesh sieve directly into a mug.
- Garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick and a thin apple slice on the rim.
- Serve warm, within 10 minutes, while it is still steaming.
Good to Know
Multiply everything except the garnish and hold it warm in a slow cooker set to low for a whole party to ladle from.