Apple Cinnamon Infusion
By Emma Kitchen
Certified Culinary Professional
•
Recipe tested & approved
A warming infusion using orange peels and dried apple slices steeped in hot water with a cinnamon stick. Takes about 10 to 20 minutes to brew. Citrus and spice notes mingle. Dairy, gluten, nut, and egg-free. Vegan friendly. Yield roughly 300 ml or 1.25 cups. Aromatic and slightly tangy with cinnamon warmth.
Prep:
5 min
Cook:
15 min
Total:
20 min
Servings:
1 serving
#warm drinks
#infusions
#vegan recipes
Peels, slices, steep. Citrus and apple fragments soaked hot. Apple skins replaced with dried slices. Orange gives fresh brightness. Cinnamon deepens flavor. Timing varies around quarter-hour. No bulky chunks. Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-less. You get a translucent amber sip. Herbal but fruity hints, spicy trim. Easy to keep peels for purpose, never waste. Small cup, big scent. Forget bags. Purity in fragments. Brew slow, not rushed. A simple shift from skin to dried fruit and fresh citrus zest shifts vibe completely. It’s not the norm but tasty. Warm and lingering naturally.
Ingredients
- Zest from one orange
- 200 ml hot water
- 1 dried apple slice
- 1 cinnamon stick
About the ingredients
Peels are often tossed but here the zest from orange adds citrus oils. Fresh zest bitter sharp sometimes so use only peel, no pith. Dried apple slices chosen over fresh to intensify apple aroma without floating pulp. Cinnamon stick brings resinous warmth that’s subtle yet potent. Water must be freshly boiled to extract oils and sugars effectively. Quantities are smaller compared to original to focus on a concise cup that doesn’t overwhelm in taste or caffeine-like feel. Adding cardamom optional for mild herbal complexity. Ingredients all fresh or naturally dried; no sugars or additives. A wholesome warm beverage alternative that’s free from gluten, nuts, eggs, dairy, ideal for delicate diets.
Method
- Start with zesting orange, keep pieces intact.
- Place dried apple slice and orange zest in cup.
- Pour 200 ml boiling water over ingredients.
- Add cinnamon stick for spice.
- Cover to steep for about 12 to 18 minutes.
- Remove cinnamon stick and strain peels before drinking.
- Optional: add a pinch of ground cardamom for twist.
Cooking tips
Start by zesting an orange carefully, avoiding the bitter white pith beneath. Place zest and dried apple slice into your cup. Pour freshly boiled water just off rolling boil, about 200 ml for this smaller portion, covering peels entirely. Add a whole cinnamon stick to the cup, no crushing needed—let time extract aromas. Cover the cup to trap steam and flavors. Steep between 12 and 18 minutes. Keep it covered to preserve heat. Remove the cinnamon stick then strain out peels if preferred for smooth sipping. Optional twist: sprinkle a small pinch of ground cardamom right after steeping to add spice depth. Stir and drink warm. Best consumed fresh but can keep covered briefly without losing essence. Avoid boiling the infusion again to prevent bitterness or harshness.
Chef's notes
- 💡 When zesting orange, avoid the white pith. Sour and bitter. Use just the outer layer. Fresh peels are flavorful. Dried apples enhance aroma. Choose thick slices, not thin.
- 💡 Cover while steeping. Retain heat and essential oils. Waiting is key—12 to 18 minutes. Steeping too long? It may turn bitter. Patience pays. Don't rush the flavors.
- 💡 Use freshly boiled water. Just off the boil works best. Max extract of oils and sugars. Flavors can dull otherwise. Always start with boiling. Water quality matters.
- 💡 Experiment with pinch of ground cardamom. A mild spice twist. Balances apple and orange nicely. But don’t overdo it. Small amounts. Add it after steeping.
- 💡 Strain peels for smoother drink. Cinnamon stick can stay, flavors remain. Look for translucent amber color. A hint of tang with warm spice. Enjoy fresh for best results.
Common questions
How to enhance flavors?
Steep longer for more intensity. Adjust water temperature. Add fruit pieces. Each change shifts taste profile bring freshness.
What if the infusion is too bitter?
Check steeping time. Less is often better. Always taste as you go. Under steep for smoother sips.
How should I store leftovers?
Cover well. Refrigerate briefly. Best used fresh. If cold, reheat gently. Watch for bitterness—avoid boiling.
Can I use fresh apples instead?
Yes but different texture. May soften too much. Dried maintain aroma. But fresh can add unique taste. Try both.
