Hot Ginger and Apple
Cloudy apple juice steeped with fresh ginger, lemon and cinnamon, sweetened with honey for a warming, alcohol-free winter drink.
Ingredients
- 750 ml cloudy apple juice
- 30 g fresh ginger — thinly sliced
- 1 lemon — half sliced, half juiced
- 1 tbsp honey — or to taste
- 1 cinnamon stick
Method
- Pour the cloudy apple juice into a saucepan and add the sliced ginger and cinnamon stick.
- Add the lemon slices and warm gently over a low heat until just steaming, around 65°C.
- Hold at this temperature and steep for ten minutes so the ginger flavour develops.
- Stir in the lemon juice and honey, then taste and adjust the sweetness.
- Strain into heatproof glasses, removing the ginger and cinnamon.
- Serve with a fresh lemon slice or a thin sliver of ginger if you like.
How to serve
- Glassware
- Heatproof glass
- Serve temperature
- Warm, around 65°C
- Garnish
- Lemon slice and a sliver of ginger
Hot ginger and apple is the drink to reach for when you want something warming without anything heavy. Cloudy apple juice provides a soft, fruity base, while fresh ginger brings a clean heat and lemon keeps everything bright. A little honey ties it together. It is quick to make and easy to adjust, which is part of its appeal on a cold afternoon.
Coaxing out the ginger
Ginger gives its best flavour through a slow, gentle steep rather than a fierce boil. Slice it thinly so more of its surface meets the warm juice, then keep the pan at around 65°C and let it infuse for a full ten minutes. The longer it sits at this low heat, the more warmth it lends. Add the lemon juice and honey towards the end, once you can judge how much sweetness the drink really needs.
A grown-up version
This is a flexible base, and the apple-ginger-lemon trio works just as well with a measure of spirit stirred in. A splash of Hot Apple Gin is a natural fit, since it is built around the same orchard and warm-spice character and slips in without overpowering the ginger. Add it off the heat, just before serving, so the gin’s aromatics stay fresh. Garnish with a slice of lemon and serve straight away while it is at its most fragrant.
Frequently asked questions
How much ginger should I use?
Around 30 g gives a clear, warming kick without overwhelming the apple. Slice it thinly so it infuses quickly, and add a little more if you like a stronger heat.
Can I leave the ginger to steep longer?
Yes. A longer steep at a low temperature draws out more warmth and fragrance. Just keep the heat gentle so the apple juice does not lose its freshness.
Do I have to strain it?
Straining gives a cleaner drink, but you can leave a few slices of ginger in for presentation. Avoid leaving the cinnamon stick in too long, as it can turn slightly bitter.
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