Description
Warm up your fall evenings with a cozy spiced honey mocktail that blends natural sweetness, warming cinnamon, cloves, and bright citrus notes. This soothing non-alcoholic drink is perfect for crisp autumn nights, family gatherings, or solo relaxation, offering a comforting and festive beverage experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
- 2 tablespoons pure honey (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Gather honey, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, fresh orange zest, water, and natural gelling agent. Ensure the orange zest is freshly grated to capture the bright citrus oils.
- Infuse the spices: In a small saucepan, combine water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange zest. Bring to a gentle simmer and let the spices release their warm flavors over 10 minutes.
- Add honey and apple cider vinegar: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the honey and apple cider vinegar until fully dissolved, blending sweetness and tang seamlessly.
- Incorporate the natural gelling agent: Sprinkle the natural gelling agent slowly into the warm mixture while whisking continuously to avoid clumps and create a smooth texture.
- Cool and strain: Allow the mocktail to cool to room temperature, then strain out the solids using a fine mesh sieve for a clear, silky drink.
- Serve chilled or warm: Pour into glasses and serve immediately, warmed for cozy evenings or chilled over ice for a refreshing alternative.
Notes
- Use whole spices rather than pre-ground for a more vibrant, complex flavor.
- Avoid boiling aggressively to prevent bitterness from cloves.
- Steep spices longer if a stronger, spicier drink is desired.
- Adjust honey amount after tasting for preferred sweetness.
- Add natural gelling agent gradually for a pleasantly thickened texture without heaviness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: spiced honey mocktail, fall drink, non-alcoholic beverage, cozy drink, cinnamon cloves drink, autumn mocktail