Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups filtered water (or unsweetened apple juice for extra sweetness)
- 1 large navel orange, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 2-3 star anise (optional, for deeper spice notes)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- A pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger (optional)
Instructions
- Combine water (or apple juice), orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise (if using) in a medium saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Do not boil vigorously.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to fully infuse. Add honey or maple syrup to taste during the last 5 minutes of simmering, stirring until dissolved.
- Carefully remove the saucepan from the heat. Strain the mocktail through a fine-mesh sieve into a heat-proof pitcher or directly into mugs, discarding the solids.
- Pour the warm cinnamon orange delight into your favorite mugs. Garnish each serving with a fresh orange slice and a cinnamon stick for an elegant touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the cozy warmth.
Notes
For an extra festive touch, you can add a few whole cloves to the simmering mixture. If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup. This mocktail can be prepared ahead of time and reheated gently on the stovetop when ready to serve. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s also delicious served chilled over ice on a warmer day!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmering & Infusion
- Cuisine: Seasonal Comfort Beverage
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg