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–+ servings
Honey Lemon Apple Cider 1

Honey Lemon Apple Cider

This soothing hot cider with honey and lemon balances natural sweetness with immune-boosting properties – perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a comforting drink that's actually good for you.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 8 cups
Calories 95 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Stockpot
  • Fine-Mesh Sieve or Cheesecloth
  • Potato Masher

Ingredients
  

For the Cider Base

  • 8 medium apples preferably a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith
  • 2 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tbsp whole cloves
  • 1 tsp whole allspice
  • 1 whole nutmeg slightly cracked (or 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg)
  • 1 orange sliced into rounds
  • 2 lemons one sliced and one juiced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger peeled and sliced (optional)
  • 10 cups water

For Finishing

  • 1/4 cup raw honey adjust to taste

Instructions
 

  • Quarter the apples without peeling or coring them. Remove any stems and slice away any bruised areas.
  • Place the quartered apples in a large stockpot and add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, orange slices, lemon slices, and ginger (if using). Pour in the water until it covers the fruit and spices.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover partially with a lid (allowing some steam to escape), and simmer for 2 hours.
  • Using a potato masher or large wooden spoon, gently mash the apples and fruit to release more flavor. Let the mixture cool slightly (about 15 minutes).
  • Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another large pot or bowl, pressing gently on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
  • Stir in the honey and the juice from the remaining lemon while the cider is still warm (but not boiling hot, ideally around 110°F/43°C). Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.
  • Serve the cider warm, garnished with a fresh cinnamon stick and lemon slice. For an extra touch, float a thin apple slice on top.

Notes

Unlike commercial ciders that can contain up to 30g of added sugars per serving, this homemade version relies only on natural sweetness from fruit and a moderate amount of honey.
Substitution Options:
  • For a less sweet version: Replace honey with 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup or coconut sugar
  • For extra brightness: Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
  • Spice alternatives: Star anise or cardamom pods work wonderfully if you're missing any of the listed spices
  • Dietary needs: For vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup
Storing Tips:
  • Refrigerator storage: Keep in glass containers for up to 7 days.
  • Freezing option: Freeze in ice cube trays then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop rather than microwave to preserve flavors.

Nutrition

Calories: 95kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 0.3gFat: 0.2gSodium: 10mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 19gVitamin C: 30mg
Keyword Apple Cider, Healthy Drink, Honey Lemon, Sugar-Free Beverage
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