Festive Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Spiced Cider & Teas
Warm, gently spiced beverages make holiday gatherings feel cozy and are easy to make in small batches; below is a small-batch spiced cranberry-apple cider for 1–2 servings plus simple soothing tea ideas you can tailor to taste.
The textures here are soft and adjustable: strain the solids for a clear, easy-to-drink cider or leave the softened fruit bits for a gently textured cup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened apple juice or cider; 1/2 cup unsweetened cranberry juice (or 1/3 cup plus a few fresh cranberries); 1/4–1/2 cup water to dilute if desired
- 1/2 small apple, thinly sliced; 1 small slice fresh ginger (about 1/4 inch); 1 cinnamon stick or 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 whole cloves (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon juice; 1–2 tsp honey or maple syrup to taste (optional); optional for serving: chamomile or rooibos tea bag, lemon slice, extra honey
You can serve this warm cider with a soft cookie, a small scone, or a slice of soft bread if you like.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Combine apple juice, cranberry juice, sliced apple, ginger, cinnamon stick, cloves, and water in a small saucepan. Bring gently to a low simmer over medium-low heat and cook 8–12 minutes until the apple slices soften and flavors meld.
- Stir in lemon juice and 1 tsp honey or maple syrup, taste, and add more if desired. For a clear cider, strain through a fine sieve into a mug; to keep a softer texture, leave a few softened fruit pieces in the cup and serve warm.
- Optional: steep a caffeine-free tea bag (chamomile or rooibos) in your mug for 2–3 minutes before pouring the cider for a gentler, calming blend.
Tips and Easy Variations
Gentle-for-digestion
- Dilute with extra hot water or more apple juice to reduce sweetness and acidity.
- For the smoothest cup, strain out the spices and fruit before serving.
- Use pear juice instead of added sweetener for a milder natural sweetness.
Sweetness & dietary swaps
- If you need to limit sugar, skip the honey and rely on the natural juice sweetness.
- Maple syrup makes a gentle alternative to honey for vegan options.
- Add a small splash of unsweetened pear juice for extra natural sweetness without refined sugar.
Flavor swaps & serving ideas
- Swap apple juice for pear juice or add a slice of orange for brighter citrus notes.
- Serve alongside a soft cookie, scone, or a slice of soft bread for a cozy pairing.
- For a festive creamy option, pair with a vanilla-spiced non-alcoholic ‘nog’.
Quick comfort notes
- Keep the cider mild for sensitive stomachs by diluting it with hot water or extra juice.
- Brew fresh tea for each cup rather than storing mixed tea and cider long-term.
- Reheat gently on the stove and avoid boiling to preserve a smooth flavor.
Storage and Leftovers
Fridge
Cool leftover cider and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer
You can freeze cider in a sealed container for up to 2 months; thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove and avoid boiling to keep flavors smooth; if you used tea, brew a fresh tea bag per cup.
Conclusion
Give this small-batch spiced cranberry-apple cider a try—it’s simple to make, gentle on digestion, and designed for one or two cups.
The warm, lightly spiced flavors are perfect for quiet holiday moments or a cozy cup by the window.
FAQ
Can I make this caffeine-free?▶
Yes. Use caffeine-free tea such as chamomile or rooibos if adding a tea bag, and stick to fruit juices for the cider base to keep the drink caffeine-free.
Can I freeze leftovers?▶
Yes. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently; note that texture may change slightly after freezing.