December 7, 2021 by Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN

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Original article and page source found here.

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nAs the weather changes in the fall and winter months, we begin to look for warming and comforting foods and beverages. My cranberry apple cider recipe is the perfect drink to sip on during those cold nights. It’s packed with antioxidants and serves as a great alternative to mulled wine yet packs more flavor than simple apple cider. Try it out — it’s easy to prepare and undeniably delicious.nThe Perfect Fall to Winter DrinknWhat makes the perfect fall to winter drink? It’s a drink that makes you feel warm, at ease and fulfilled. It also contains warming spices, like cinnamon, cardamon, ginger and clove. That’s exactly what I added to my cranberry apple cider.nIt’s made with a combination of apples, cranberries, oranges, maple syrup and these warming, antioxidant spices. It’s easy to drink, but that’s okay because it’s full of free radical-fighting antioxidants and works to improve your health.nSo next time you’re looking for the perfect cold weather drink to enjoy, opt for making your own cranberry apple cider. Not only does it make you feel good in the moment, it has long-term health benefits that will keep you energized and healthy for the coming months too.nHave with a caramel apple, apple galette, apple crisp, apple fritters or apple cinnamon muffins.nKey IngredientsnHere are some of the top health benefits associated with the ingredients in this cranberry apple cider recipe:nApples: Apple nutrition contains fiber, vitamin C, potassium and vitamin K. Apples are also an excellent source of strong antioxidants (like quercetin and catechin) that can help to fight free radical damage and signs of early aging.nCranberries: Did you know that cranberries are packed with disease-fighting antioxidants? Like apples, eating cranberries can help to fight inflammation and reduce your risk of heart disease. Plus, cranberries can work to help prevent urinary tract infections because the antioxidants found in the fruit can change the bacteria so they don’t stick to the urinary tract.nOrange: Oranges are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, vitamin A and vitamin B6. Eating oranges or adding fresh orange juice to your water, smoothies or homemade beverages can help to strengthen your immune system, increase your energy levels, aid digestion and boost circulation.nCinnamon: Like so many of the ingredients in this cranberry apple cider recipe, cinnamon is also packed with disease-fighting antioxidants. Consuming cinnamon (and using cinnamon oil) helps to fight infections, strengthen your immune system, reduce inflammation and even fight diabetes.nGinger: Did you know that there are 115 different chemical components found in ginger root? Ginger has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which contributes to the many ginger health benefits that you receive when cooking and baking with ginger.nHow to Make Cranberry Apple CidernTo begin preparing your cranberry apple cider, start chopping the fruit into wedges. You’ll need six Granny Smith apples, six Honeycrisp apples and two oranges.nPlace the fruit wedges into a large pot and add a 10-ounce bag of fresh or frozen cranberries.nNext, add 3½ quarts of water to the pot. Now add in your spices: ½ teaspoon whole clove, 1 teaspoon ginger, ½ teaspoon cardamom and ½ teaspoon allspice.nNext, place four cinnamon sticks into the pot, ½ cup maple syrup … and one sprig of rosemary.nNow that all of your ingredients have been added to the pot, you’ll bring it to a boil and let it simmer on low for one hour.nOnce time is up, with a potato masher, crush the fruit in order to release the juices. This will make your cranberry apple cider super flavorful.nAfter mashing the fruit, let it simmer for another hour and let it cool. Now it’s time to strain your cider.nUsing a cheesecloth, strain out the fruit fibers and herbs so you only have the liquid left.nAnd just like that, your cranberry apple cider is ready! Store it in a sealable container and you can store it in your refrigerator for about one week.nReheat your cider before drinking or serving it. I hope you enjoy this comforting and warming cranberry apple cider.nnCranberry Apple Cider Recipen

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  • Author: Dr. Josh Axe

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• • Total Time: 57 minute

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• • Yield: 16 1x

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• • Diet: Vegan

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PRINT RECIPEn PIN RECIPEnMy cranberry apple cider recipe is the perfect drink to sip on during those cold nights. It’s packed with antioxidants and serves as a great alternative for coffee, tea or hot cocoa.nINGREDIENTSnSCALE1x2x3xn

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  • 6 Granny Smith apples

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• • 6 Honeycrisp apples

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• • 2 oranges

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• • 10-ounce bag cranberries, fresh or frozen

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• • 4 cinnamon sticks

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• • ½ teaspoon clove, whole

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• • 1 teaspoon ground ginger

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• • ½ teaspoon cardamom

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• • ½ teaspoon allspice

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• • ½ cup maple syrup

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• • 1 sprig rosemary

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• • 3½ quarts water

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nINSTRUCTIONSn

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   1. Chop fruit into wedges.

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1. 1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot over high heat. Bring to a boil.

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1. 1. Simmer on low for 1 hour.

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1. 1. With a potato masher, crush the fruit to release the juices.

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1. 1. Simmer for at least one more hour. Allow to cool before straining.

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1. 1. Strain out the fruit fibers and herbs with a cheesecloth.

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1. 1. Store in a sealable container in the fridge for about 1 week.

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1. 1. Heat before serving.

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  • Prep Time: 10 min

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• • Cook Time: 2 hrs

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• • Category: Hot Beverages

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• • Method: Stovetop

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• • Cuisine: American

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nNUTRITIONn

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  • Serving Size: 6 oz.

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• • Calories: 119

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• • Sugar: 21g

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• • Sodium: 90mg

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• • Fat: 0.3g

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• • Carbohydrates: 30g

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• • Fiber: 5g

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• • Protein: 0.7g

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• • Cholesterol: 0mg

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