This autumn harvest Apple Cider Mocktail brings together unsweetened apple cider with warm spices like nutmeg and cardamom and is topped with sparkling mineral water for a bubbly finish.
Perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings, it’s a refreshing alcohol-free drink that captures the warmth of autumn without any added sugars. Nutmeg can support digestion and is thought to work as a carminative spice [1]. Carminitive herbs are said to aid in reducing gas and bloating associated with eating Cardamon is a member of the ginger family and usually is harvested from India, Sri Lanka and Mexico [2].
These spices add warmth, depth, and rich flavors to this Apple Cider Mocktail. You can buy premade apple cider or make your own at home with our Apple Cider recipe. Either way, your house will smell like fall when it’s cooking on the stove!
TIPS:
- Nutmeg is best fresh grated with a microplane and cardamon is best ground with a mortar and pestle, or a garlic press.
- This mocktail can be prepped in advance by infusing the cider with spices, then storing it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just add sparkling water and garnish with apple slices.
- If you don’t care for sparkling water you can substitute with flat water
,or enjoy the spice cider on its own. - Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) omissions and substitutions are listed in the recipe ingredients.
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References:
- Berdahl, D. R., & Wang, Q. (2000). Nutmeg: Chemistry and health benefits. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 1(1), 21-30. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1541-4337.2000.tb00002.x
- Govindarajan, V. S., & Stahl, W. H. (1980). Cardamom—Production, technology, chemistry, and quality. Part 1. Critical Reviews in Food Science & Nutrition, 12(3), 199-246. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398009527278
Apple Cider Mocktail
- Recipe by: Erin Rhae Biller, ND, FAIHM
- Serves: 4
- Meal: Beverage
- Serves: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
1 cups unsweetened apple cider
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (AIP - omit or sub)
2 cardamon pods, crushed (AIP – omit or sub)
Ice
3 cups sparkling mineral water
Apple slices, for garnish
Directions
In a small saucepan, warm apple cider with nutmeg and cardamom over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat and let cool.
Strain out cardamom pods and allow cider to chill completely.
Fill 4 glasses with ice, then pour ½ cup spiced cider into each glass. Top with ½ cup sparkling mineral water.
Garnish with fresh apple slice and grated nutmeg.
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