Spiced apple jasmine drink

Colder months call for a warm burst of flavour. This simple, non-alcoholic brew makes for a great drink to offer guests and packs a punch of its own.

Makes 2 servings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups brewed hot jasmine tea
• 1 cup apple juice
• honey or agave syrup, to taste (optional)
• 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 star anise pods
• apple slices

Directions

1. In a saucepan, combine the juice, ginger, cinnamon and star anise.
2. Over medium heat, bring mixture to a simmer, then reduce to low heat. Let steep together for 5 minutes.
3. Using a cooking spoon, remove the cinnamon stick and star anise pods from the mixture.
4. Add the brewed jasmine tea. For something sweeter, add honey or syrup to taste. Stir well.
5. Pour into each mug. For a smoother drink, use a strainer to separate the ginger from the liquid.
6. Add slices to each mug as desired and enjoy.

Notes:

• Prefer a different fruit? You can substitute the apple juice with pear juice. For the slices, you have even greater range to experiment with – why not try orange, pear or peach?
• Wanting something with a bit more kick? Add two cardamom pods, smashed open, to this recipe.
• This drink can also be enjoyed cold. Simply refrigerate the mixture without removing the spices and ginger, then strain before serving. Note that the drink will continue to steep over the time kept together.