Description
A refreshing, festive, and naturally gluten-free and vegan spritzer made with apple cider, honey, and fresh thyme. This simple three-ingredient drink is perfect for Rosh Hashanah or any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups apple cider (100% pure, preferably refrigerated)
- 1/2 cup honey (mild variety like clover or wildflower)
- 1/4 cup warm water (for dissolving honey)
- 4–6 cups soda water or sparkling water
- 4–5 large sprigs fresh thyme
- Optional: Apple slices for garnish
- Optional: Lemon wheels for garnish
- Optional: Cinnamon sticks for infusion
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey and warm water. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the honey is completely dissolved into a smooth syrup. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Pour the apple cider into a large pitcher (approx. 1-gallon size). Add the warm honey syrup and whisk or stir vigorously until fully incorporated.
- Rinse the fresh thyme sprigs and trim off any tough woody stems. Drop the leafy sprigs into the pitcher.
- Slowly pour the soda water down the side of the pitcher to preserve carbonation. Fill to about an inch from the top.
- Gently stir once or twice to mix. Do not over-stir to avoid losing fizz.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the thyme to infuse and the drink to chill.
- Serve over ice in highball glasses or mason jars, garnished with fresh thyme and/or apple slices.
Notes
Use cold ingredients to keep the drink bubbly and chilled. Dissolve honey in warm water first to prevent clumping. Do not add soda water until ready to serve to maintain carbonation. Remove thyme sprigs after 30-60 minutes to prevent bitterness. Can be made ahead by storing the cider-honey-thyme mixture for up to 2 days; add soda water just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Jewish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 26
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 28
Keywords: Rosh Hashanah, holiday drink, apple cider spritzer, honey apple drink, gluten-free, vegan, non-alcoholic, fall recipes, party drinks