Spiced Apple Lemonade
Here at the Test Kitchen, we believe that lemonade is a year-round affair. To dress it up for winter, we’ve spun it into a mocktail with cozy spices and a hint of thyme. The spiced apple juice and lemon syrup can be used to make up to 5 drinks.
Ingredients
For the spiced apple juice:
- 2 cups (16 oz./500 ml) apple juice
- 5 fresh thyme sprigs
- 8 black peppercorns
- Pinch of allspice
To make the lemon syrup:
- ½ cup (3 1/2 oz./100 g) sugar
- ½ cup (4 oz./125 ml) fresh lemon juice
To make the cocktail:
- 3 oz. (80 ml) spiced apple juice
- 1 1/2 oz. (45 ml) lemon syrup
- Fresh thyme for garnish
- Fresh apple slice for garnish
Directions
To make the spiced apple juice, in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the apple juice to a boil. Add the thyme, peppercorn and allspice. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture and let cool completely.
To make the lemon syrup, in an airtight container, combine the sugar and lemon juice. Stir until sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
To make the cocktail, in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the spiced apple juice and the lemon syrup. Shake vigorously until well chilled. Strain into a tall ice-filled glass. Garnish with thyme and an apple slice.
Williams Sonoma Test Kitchen