Warm Spiced Apple Juice

This warm spiced apple juice is a delightful and healthy alternative to spiced apple cider, and it's still filled with the cozy flavors of autumn.

Instructions:

In a medium-sized pot, combine the apple juice, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and ginger slices.

Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse into the apple juice.

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the honey. Adjust the sweetness to your liking, adding more honey if needed.

For now:
Strain the spiced apple juice into mugs or heatproof glasses to remove the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and ginger slices.

Garnish each serving with a slice of orange and, if desired, additional garnishes like apple slices, cinnamon sticks, or star anise.

Serve the warm spiced apple juice immediately and enjoy!

For Later:
Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.

Once it has cooled, strain it to remove the cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger slices, and any other solids.

Carefully pour the spiced apple juice or cider into clean and sterilized glass bottles with airtight seals. Leave some space at the top of each bottle to allow for expansion as the liquid may expand when frozen.

Seal the bottles tightly and store them in the refrigerator to enjoy over the winter. If you plan to store them for an extended period, consider freezing them instead.

If you choose to freeze the spiced apple juice or cider, make sure to leave more space at the top of the bottles to account for expansion during freezing. You can freeze it in individual portions for easy defrosting.

When you're ready to enjoy your spiced apple juice or cider during the winter, simply thaw it in the refrigerator or warm it up gently on the stovetop.