Harvest Hearth Spiced Apple Cider Mocktail

When the air turns crisp and you crave something warm and comforting, this spiced apple cider mocktail is exactly what your mug is waiting for. We simmer fresh apple cider with whole spices until the kitchen smells like a cozy autumn dream, then finish it with a splash of tart cranberry and a hint of vanilla. It is the kind of drink that makes everyone slow down and actually enjoy the moment.

✨ An original recipe written by AI — not kitchen-tested, so trust your taste on seasoning & timing.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh apple cider
• 1 cup cranberry juice
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 6 whole cloves
• 4 star anise pods
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 orange, sliced into rounds

Directions

1. Combine apple cider, cranberry juice, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange slices in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir gently until the brown sugar dissolves completely, about 2 minutes.
3. Bring the mixture just to a low simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it steep for 12 to 15 minutes to build deep spice flavor.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract during the last minute of simmering.
5. Taste and adjust sweetness with a pinch more brown sugar if desired.
6. Use a fine mesh strainer to ladle the cider into four mugs, leaving the whole spices behind.
7. Garnish each mug with a fresh cinnamon stick and an orange slice and serve immediately while steaming hot.

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