Hearth & Harvest Spiced Apple Cider Mocktail

When the air turns crisp and you want something warming in your hands, this spiced apple cider mocktail is pure autumn magic in a mug. We simmer fresh apple cider with whole spices until your kitchen smells absolutely incredible, then finish it with a splash of orange juice and a honey swirl for depth. It's the kind of cozy drink that makes you want to curl up under a blanket and forget the rest of the world exists.

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

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh apple cider
• 1 cup orange juice
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 6 whole cloves
• 4 star anise pods
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Pour apple cider and orange juice into a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and ground nutmeg to the pot and stir gently to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a low simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and let it gently simmer uncovered for 15 minutes so the spices bloom fully.
4. Stir in honey and vanilla extract until the honey dissolves completely.
5. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding a little more honey if desired.
6. Remove from heat and strain the cider through a fine mesh strainer into a heat-safe pitcher, discarding the whole spices.
7. Ladle into mugs and garnish each with a fresh cinnamon stick and an orange slice if desired, then serve immediately while warm.

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