Warm Spiced Apple Cider (Non-Alcoholic)

This is the drink-snack hybrid for cold days. Apple juice simmered with cinnamon, star anise, and cloves. It makes the whole kitchen smell like Christmas. It's warming, comforting, and feels like a treat without any alcohol or caffeine.

Ingredients (Serves 2):

• 500ml apple juice (the cloudy kind)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise
• 2 cloves
• 1 strip of orange peel

Method:

1. Put all ingredients in a small saucepan.
2. Heat gently until steaming but not boiling.
3. Let it simmer on the lowest heat for 5–10 minutes to infuse.
4. Strain into mugs. Sip slowly.

Why it's gut-friendly: Cloudy apple juice retains some fibre. The spices—cinnamon, star anise, cloves—are all carminative, reducing bloating and aiding digestion. A warm, comforting treat.