Spiced Apple Juice With Cinnamon and Nutmeg

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Updated on 08/22/21
Tested by
Tracy Wilk
Photo of Tracy Wilk
Tested by Tracy Wilk
Tracy Wilk is a professional pastry chef, recipe developer and chef instructor, and, most importantly, a firm believer in sprinkles.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Fall spiced apple juice recipe

The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Total: 20 mins
Servings: 4 to 6 servings

Some of the best recipes are the ones that take everyday ingredients that you already have at home and with a few simple steps, transform them into something wonderful. This spiced apple juice recipe is just that. With just store-bought apple juice and a few other ingredients, you can quickly whip up a holiday-worthy beverage that the whole family can enjoy. To make this drink, all it takes is apple juice simmered with brown sugar, lemon and orange, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

"If you are looking for a warming, family friendly drink for a celebration, this will fit the bill. The smell of the spices warming over the stove will welcome everyone into your home." —Tracy Wilk

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Ingredients

  • 4 cups apple juice

  • 1 cup water

  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

  • 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced, seeds removed

  • 1/2 orange, thinly sliced, seeds removed

  • 1 stick cinnamon, plus more for serving, if desired

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • Lemon slices, for garnish

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for fall-spiced apple juice
    The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

  2. Combine everything in a large saucepan and bring to a boil.

    Combine everything
    The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

  3. Reduce heat to a simmer; continue cooking for 10 minutes.

    Reduce heat
    The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

  4. Strain and serve in warm mugs.

    Strain
    The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

  5. Garnish with lemon slices and individual cinnamon sticks, if you desire.

    Garnish
    The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

Tips

  • Serve this hot spiced apple juice in mugs or heat-resistant glasses. To make it a drink worthy of a celebration, garnish each cup with a cinnamon stick along with the lemon and orange slices.
  • If you are making a large batch for a party or family occasion, think about using your crock pot or slow cooker. Make the cider according to the recipe and then set your slow cooker on a warming setting and pour the cider into the crock pot. This will keep the beverage warm (without boiling) all night long.
  • If you have any leftover cider, store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. You can enjoy the leftovers cold, straight out of the fridge, or reheat them in the microwave or on the stove.

Recipe Variations

  • Another option is to add alcohol to the adult's drinks and make it into a warm cocktail like a hot toddy. This drink would pair well with bourbon or even brandy. Make sure you have a way to distinguish between the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (like a cinnamon stick only gets placed in one or the other).
  • If you prefer a richer drink, use apple cider instead of the apple juice. Cider is usually available in autumn at grocery stores and farm stands but may be harder to find in other seasons.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
324 Calories
1g Fat
86g Carbs
5g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories 324
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 20mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 86g 31%
Dietary Fiber 12g 43%
Total Sugars 58g
Protein 5g
Vitamin C 317mg 1,584%
Calcium 177mg 14%
Iron 2mg 12%
Potassium 929mg 20%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)