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Washington Apple Drink

A simple, deeply satisfying drink made with fresh Washington apples and warming spices. This naturally sweetened beverage works beautifully served hot or cold and delivers pure apple flavor without any fussy ingredients or complicated techniques.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 4 large Washington apples Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work beautifully, roughly chopped
  • 6 cups filtered water
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 2 slices fresh ginger about the size of a quarter
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Lemon juice from 1/2 lemon optional, for brightness

Equipment

  • Large saucepan or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Wooden spoon for stirring
  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
  • Mugs or serving glasses
  • Vegetable peeler (optional, for garnish)
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Method
 

  1. Rinse your Washington apples under cool water and pat them dry. Cut each apple into quarters, leaving the skin on because it contains valuable flavor compounds and nutrients that will infuse into the drink.
  2. Pour 6 cups of filtered water into a large saucepan and set it over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and fresh ginger slices directly to the cold water. This allows the spices to gradually release their oils as the temperature rises.
  4. Allow the water to come to a rolling simmer but not a hard boil.
  5. Carefully add your chopped apples to the simmering spiced water and stir gently.
  6. Reduce heat to medium and let everything simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples should begin to soften and the liquid should smell rich and deeply apple-forward.
  7. Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully pour the liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl or directly into a pitcher. Press gently on the apple pieces with the back of a spoon to extract every drop of liquid.
  8. Stir in the honey or maple syrup while the drink is still warm. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt.
  9. If you want extra brightness, squeeze in a small amount of fresh lemon juice.
  10. Serve hot immediately in mugs or allow to cool and serve chilled over ice.

Notes

Do not skip the salt - a tiny pinch amplifies the apple and spice flavors. The drink can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week, and the flavors actually improve as they meld. Choose apples that smell fragrant for the best flavor. Do not peel the apples before cooking as the skin contains important flavor compounds. For a vegan version, substitute maple syrup for honey.