There’s nothing like wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of apple cider on a cool day, but most store-bought versions are packed with added sugar. This homemade sugar-free cider is naturally sweetened with fresh apples and spiced with cinnamon, cloves and ginger for a cozy drink that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Each sip delivers antioxidants, vitamin C and anti-inflammatory benefits—all without the sugar crash.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups freshly made apple juice (approximately 4-6 apples)
- 5 whole cloves
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cardamom pods
- 2 Chinese star anise
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- ½ orange, thinly sliced
Directions:
- Juice apples and place the completed juice in a medium-sized saucepan.
- Add cloves, cinnamon sticks, cardamom, anise, ginger and lemon zest.
- Cover and heat on low-medium heat for 20 minutes.
- Add orange slices during the last 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and strain to remove spices and fruits.
- Serve immediately.
Courtesy of: Heathful Pursuit
