Name: Spiced Apple Cider Spritzer
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American cuisine
Ingredients: 6 cup apple cider (freshly pressed); 4 pcs cinnamon sticks; 2 pcs star anise; 6 pcs cloves (whole); 3 cup sparkling water (chilled); orange slices (for garnish)

A tall, clear glass filled with bubbly spritzer is garnished with a cinnamon stick and apple slices, creating a festive and flavorful fall beverage.

This alcohol-free Spiced Apple Cider Spritzer is a comforting and elegant beverage, perfect for any occasion. It brings the cozy aromas of autumn into a refreshing drink, serving as a delightful, sophisticated alternative to conventional sodas. Freshly pressed apple cider is gently simmered with cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves, allowing the warm spices to deeply infuse the cider. After cooling, it is then topped with sparkling water just before serving, creating a vibrant effervescence. Garnish with a thin slice of apple or orange and a cinnamon stick for a visually appealing presentation. This spritzer offers complex natural flavors without artificial ingredients, making it a healthy and appealing choice within the Soft Drinks & Sodas category.

Preparation time: 10 min
Cooking time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Servings: 8

Instructions

Preparation

1Combine the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and whole cloves in a medium saucepan.
2Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Do not boil. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the spices to infuse the cider.
3Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cider cool completely to room temperature. You can leave the spices in during cooling for a stronger flavor.
4Once cooled, strain the cider to remove all the spices. Discard the spices.
5Transfer the spiced apple cider to a pitcher or preferred serving container and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until thoroughly cold.
6When ready to serve, fill glasses halfway with the chilled spiced apple cider.
7Top each glass with an equal amount of chilled sparkling water for effervescence.
8Garnish each spritzer with a fresh orange slice and an additional cinnamon stick, if desired, before serving immediately.

Instructions

Preparation

1Combine the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and whole cloves in a medium saucepan.
2Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Do not boil. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the spices to infuse the cider.
3Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cider cool completely to room temperature. You can leave the spices in during cooling for a stronger flavor.
4Once cooled, strain the cider to remove all the spices. Discard the spices.
5Transfer the spiced apple cider to a pitcher or preferred serving container and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until thoroughly cold.
6When ready to serve, fill glasses halfway with the chilled spiced apple cider.
7Top each glass with an equal amount of chilled sparkling water for effervescence.
8Garnish each spritzer with a fresh orange slice and an additional cinnamon stick, if desired, before serving immediately.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 110 kcal
Protein: 0 g
Fat: 0 g
Carbs: 28 g

Nutrient	Per serving
Calories	110 kcal
Protein	0 g
Fat	0 g
Carbs	28 g

Tips

For make-ahead convenience, prepare the spiced cider and chill it for up to 3 days. Add sparkling water right before serving.
Adjust the ratio of cider to sparkling water to your preference, making it sweeter or lighter as desired.