Hot Pomegranate Cider {with a White Tea Kicker}
Jan 25, 2011 tagged Dairy-free, Egg-free, Gluten-free, Vegan 
Hot Pomegranate Cider goodness—so nice to sip while you read the post.
It’s January—the month that follows the busiest, most indulgent, frivolous, joyful month of the year.
It’s the time we slow down. Take stock. Renew ourselves.
We vow to exercise and eat right. To savor life. To cherish our families. To put our heart and soul into some big endeavor.
We detoxify and revitalize.
What better way to do that than to boost our immune systems with vitamins and antioxidants, fruits and vegetables—smoothies, juices, and detoxifying soups.
It’s a call to arms by Nicola of gfree-mom where a month of bloggers share their antioxidant drinks and soups to create D-Tox January. Welcome to Day 25 of D-tox January. For links to all the other wonderful detoxifying & healthy recipes visit at gfree-mom.
This easy recipe incorporates three antioxidant powerhouses—pomegranate, apple cider and white tea. The combination, hot and steamy will soothe you—a good friend, your honey, and your kids—on a cold winter evening.
I’ve been sipping it to help ward off this darn cold I’ve been fighting. And, just because it tastes really really really good.
So, make a cup, or two, and mosey on over to g-freemom to read her call to arms and peruse the list of other D-tox January drinks and soups. It will inspire you to start on your own D-Tox path.
Hot Pomegranate Cider (with a White Tea Kicker)
Heat and lightly simmer in a small saucepan for 10 minutes and remove from the heat:
2 cups apple cider
1 cinnamon stick
4-6 whole cloves
Brew the tea for 1 minute in a small teapot:
2 White Tea tea bags (I used Republic of Tea Asian Jasmine White Tea-it’s gluten-free.)
2/3 cups hot (not boiling) water*
Add to the teapot with the white tea:
1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice**
Warmed spiced cider
Pour into two large mugs. Sip. Smile.
*Bring the water to a boil and take it off the burner. Let it cool for a few minutes (optimal temperature is 170-180 degrees Fahrenheit). Here’s a really nice guide on how to brew tea from my friend Amber over at Bluebonnets and Brownies.
**I used POM Lite. If you use 100% pomegranate juice reduce the amount to 3/4 cup and substitute the other 3/4 cup with half water/half cider or all water. Of course, if you like the kick pomegranate juice gives this drink go for the whole 1 1/2 cups!! It’s all a matter of taste.
Reader Comments (16)
That tea sounds so soothing and cleansing on this cold winter morning. Wonderful idea.
Heather - Thanks. I've been drinking it almost daily for a week now. Hits the spot!! -Nancy
Beautiful Nancy!
Gorgeous, Nancy!
Just beautiful... and so good for you! Thanks for this!
This cider sounds wonderful and so rejuvenating! Love your photos too. :-)
This sounds lovely! I can just smell all those spices mingling. Beautiful photo, Nancy!
Oh my goodness. This looks phenomenal. I LOVE that teapot - please please do let me know what make it is. I managed to smash two teapots before Christmas and am on a hunt for the perfect pot....
This looks so healing... warm and inviting! Love that photo.
LOVE pomegranite and LOOVVE cider...this is great!! :)
Nicola - It's a Zero Japan teapot I picked up at Whole Foods. It holds enough for about two cups of tea. There are a ton of different colors from which you can choose. Hope you can locate one! Thanks for hosting this event and for stopping by The Sensitive Pantry! -Nancy
This does sound nice and refreshing, but those spices and the warmth must make it so comforting too. Delicious....
Super antioxidant Cider...I'm all about this! thanks for posting!
Oh, I'm all for this cider and tea with POM combo, Nancy! I'd love to be at your table enjoying that warming beverage with you. :-) Delicious antioxidant goodness! After going most of my life not even trying apple cider, I've found I love it in hot drinks like wassail. Can't wait to try this recipe, Nancy--thanks!
Shirley
Nancy, this sounds perfect for this rainy day we are having right now. I cannot wait to try this. It will feel great on this laryngitis that i cannot seem to kick from this cold. I love the idea of this! YUM!!
LOVE how this recipe sounds and am definitely going to try it. I love apple cider but the store-bought packet mix has stuff in it that I think was problematic for my daughter while nursing (reflux)!