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Honey Lemon Cider Spritz served
Refreshing cider with honey and lemon

Honey Lemon Cider Spritz

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Vegetarian & Vegan Dishes Drinks
An elegant hybrid of spritzers and ciders. The lightness of apple juice and sparkling water meets the classic pairing of honey and lemon, made exciting with a touch of cinnamon. This isn't a heavy alcoholic drink, but a laid-back all-day refresher (in its mocktail version) or a light evening cocktail. The secret to layered flavors is letting the spices infuse the base before topping with soda.
🕒 Prep Time 15 mins
⌛ Total Time 25 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 135 kcal
🌍 Cuisine International

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Large pitcher
  • Wooden spoon (for muddling)
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Glasses

Instructions

1 ✓

Wash the lemons and slice them into thin rounds. Discard the ends (thick pith only) as they are bitter.

Tip: Thin slicing increases the surface area for flavor extraction.
2 ✓

Place lemon slices and cinnamon sticks at the bottom of the pitcher. Gently press them with the handle of a wooden spoon.

Tip: Muddling helps release lemon juice and essential oils from the peel without destroying the structure.
3 ✓

Drizzle the honey over the lemons and mix with the muddled fruit.

Tip: The thick mixture of honey and lemon juice forms the 'base'.
4 ✓

Pour in the apple juice (or cider), stir, and refrigerate for at least 10-15 minutes.

Tip: This time allows for diffusion, letting cinnamon and lemon zest flavors enter the liquid.
5 ✓

Before serving, fill the pitcher with ice and gently top with sparkling water.

Tip: Don't stir too wildly now, or you'll lose the carbonation (CO2) that keeps it fizzy.
6 ✓

Pour into glasses, ensuring everyone gets a lemon slice.

Tip: The visual is part of the experience.

Recipe FAQ

Why let it sit?
Cold infusion is a slower process than hot. Time is needed for the cinnamon and lemon peel flavors to permeate the apple juice.
Can I use ground cinnamon?
Not recommended; it doesn't dissolve, makes the drink murky, and leaves a gritty texture. Cinnamon sticks provide a cleaner flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 whole Lemons (organic)
  • 1/4 cup Liquid Honey
  • 2 cups Apple Juice (100%) or Hard Cider
  • 2 cups Sparkling Water (highly carbonated)
  • 2 sticks Cinnamon Sticks
  • 2 cups Ice Cubes