Merry Christmas Brew
A warm, festive spiced apple beverage infused with cinnamon, cloves, and citrus slices, perfect for holiday gatherings and spreading Christmas cheer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine brown sugar, salt, whole cloves, allspice, cinnamon sticks, and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Combine apple juice with orange and lemon slices in a large saucepan.
- Heat gently.
- Strain the hot spice liquid into the apple juice with fruit slices.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter brew, consider increasing the brown sugar to taste. You can substitute apple juice with white grape juice for a different flavor profile. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of whole cloves and allspice. This brew can also be made ahead of time; simply reheat before serving for a warm, comforting drink.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Merry Christmas Brew in festive mugs or heatproof glasses. It pairs beautifully with holiday treats such as Homemade Snicker Bars or Layered Cherry Cake for a delightful festive experience. Garnish with extra orange or lemon slices for an appealing presentation, and consider serving alongside a charcuterie board for a cozy gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the brew on the stovetop over low heat until it's steaming, but not boiling, to preserve the flavors. You can also microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe mug.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Merry Christmas Brew contains roughly 105 calories, with 1g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of iron (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 890mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this brew in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the brew a day ahead. Simply follow the instructions and let it cool before storing it in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of this drink?
Absolutely! This recipe is already non-alcoholic, making it perfect for all guests. If you want to enhance the flavors, consider adding a splash of cranberry juice or a few extra spices to the brew for a festive twist.
Can I use fresh spices instead of whole spices?
Yes, you can use ground spices if that's what you have on hand. Just remember that ground spices are more potent, so use about a quarter of the amount. For example, instead of 1 tablespoon of whole cloves, use about 1 teaspoon of ground cloves.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).