Spiced Apple Cider Fizz Mocktail Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">200ml apple cider (not alcoholic)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">100ml ginger beer</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">50ml soda water</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml fresh lemon juice</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml cinnamon syrup (or simple syrup with 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 cinnamon sticks</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 star anise pods</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">3 whole cloves</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 apple, thinly sliced for garnish</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Ice cubes</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp cinnamon sugar for rimming (1 tbsp sugar mixed with 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon)</li> </ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Small saucepan</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Fine mesh strainer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Highball glasses</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Small plate (for rimming)</li> </ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider with 1 cinnamon stick (broken in half), 1 star anise pod, and the cloves. Gently heat the mixture until it just begins to simmer, then immediately reduce heat to low and let it infuse for 10 minutes. The liquid should be fragrant but not reducing significantly – we're extracting the spice flavors without concentrating the cider. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Remove the spiced cider from heat and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Then strain through a fine mesh strainer into a container and refrigerate until chilled (about 30 minutes), or speed up the process by placing in the freezer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cider must be cold before mixing to maintain the carbonation of the finished drink. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Prepare your glasses by running a lemon wedge around the rim and then dipping in cinnamon sugar. The moisture helps the sugar adhere, creating a beautiful and flavorful rim. For best results, only rim half the glass to give your guests the option of sipping with or without the sweet spiced edge. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Fill the prepared glasses with ice cubes. Pour 100ml of the chilled spiced cider into each glass, followed by 15ml of cinnamon syrup and 15ml of fresh lemon juice in each. The acid from the lemon brightens the drink and balances the sweetness of the cider. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Gently pour 50ml of ginger beer into each glass, followed by 25ml of soda water. The carbonated ingredients should be added last and with minimal agitation to preserve their effervescence. Stir very gently with a bar spoon, using just 2-3 turns to combine without deflating the bubbles. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Garnish each drink with a fresh cinnamon stick, star anise pod, and a thin apple slice. These aromatics not only enhance the visual appeal but also add complex scents that complement the drinking experience – your nose will detect these spice notes with each sip. Serve immediately while the carbonation is at its peak. </li> </ol>