Delicious Sweet and Spicy Nonalcoholic Apple Cider

ByIris and Honey

It’s that cozy time of year when a hot apple cider makes the perfect evening drink. It’s actually warmer than usual here in Central PA, but we’re having apple cider nonetheless. This recipe elevates that classic apple cider taste with the addition of American Malt from Lyre’s, cinnamon simple syrup, and a cinnamon stick.

nonalcoholic warm apple cider pinterest pin

Strites’ Orchard grows their own apples and churns them into apple cider right on site. I highly recommend a visit. They use a variety of apples in their apple cider that include Gala, Macintosh, and Honeycrisp.   Fresh apple cider isn’t available all year round, so get it while you can! The apples are pressed raw and there are no additives or preservatives. The apple cider is pasteurized and it is alcohol free.

Speaking of alcohol free, you can add a non-alcoholic kick to this hot apple cider by adding Lyre’s American Malt, which will give you a warm fuzzy feeling with less than 0.5% ABV. I love the flavor of the American Malt. It has a smooth bourbon taste and is the perfect choice for all of your whiskey mocktails.

This apple cider is equal parts sweet and spicy.  It tastes delicious warmed up.  If you try it chilled and let me know what you think!

Cinnamon Simple Syrup

To make cinnamon simple syrup, bring 2 cinnamon sticks and ½ cup of water to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain out the cinnamon sticks and add ½ cup of sugar. Return to a boil and stir until sugar is dissolved. Reduce the heat and simmer until thickened.

Cinnamon sticks can be reused. Allow them to dry completely and grate a little off to freshen them up for reuse.

If you don’t want to make cinnamon simple syrup, using an equal amount of maple syrup makes a great substitute.

Step 1

Simmer the apple cider and cinnamon sticks for 5-10 minutes

Step 2

Add American Malt, lemon juice and syrup in a mug

Step 3

Top with apple cider

Step 4

Enjoy!

glass mug of apple cider with Lyre's American Malt and Strites' apple cider bottle in the background

glass mug of apple cider with Lyre's American Malt and Strites' apple cider bottle in the background
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Nonalcoholic Warm Apple Cider

Course Drinks
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 1

Ingredients

  • 6 oz apple cider
  • 2 oz American Malt
  • 1/4 oz cinnamon simple syrup
  • 1/2 oz lemon juice
  • 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions

  1. In a pot, simmer apple cider and cinnamon stick for about 5-10 min

  2. Set cinnamon stick aside

  3. In a mug, add cinnamon simple, lemon juice, and American Malt

  4. Top with the warm cider

Looking for more apple cider recipes?  Try this recipe for caramel apple cider!