
Apple Brûlée is a cozy, spiced apple drink that’s perfect for autumn or any chilly day. Made with apple juice, orange, honey, and warming spices like cinnamon and star anise, it’s naturally sweet and lightly aromatic. This simple beverage can be enjoyed as a comforting afternoon treat, a festive drink for gatherings, or even as a soothing nightcap. With minimal ingredients and a few minutes of preparation, it’s an easy way to bring seasonal flavors into your home.
What Is Apple Brûlée?
Apple Brûlée is a warm, spiced apple drink inspired by the flavors of baked apples and caramelized sugar. Traditionally served hot, it combines fruit juices with aromatic spices to create a comforting beverage that tastes like fall in a cup. Unlike cider, it’s lightly sweetened and infused with warming spices, making it both flavorful and soothing.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: Ready in just 10 minutes using basic ingredients.
- Naturally Sweet and Spiced: Apple juice, honey, cinnamon, and star anise create a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Perfect for Fall and Winter: Ideal for cozy mornings, afternoons, or festive evenings.
- Customizable: Add vanilla, ginger, or cloves to adjust the flavor profile.
- Kid-Friendly or Adult-Friendly: Alcohol-free, making it suitable for all ages, or add a splash of rum for adults.
Tips for the Best Apple Brûlée
- Use Fresh 100% Apple Juice: The flavor of the juice is key to a naturally sweet and flavorful drink.
- Adjust Sweetness: Add more honey if you like a sweeter drink or reduce it for a lighter flavor.
- Spice It Up: Cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and optional ginger or vanilla create layers of warming flavors.
- Serve Hot: This drink tastes best when served immediately after straining for maximum aroma.
- Optional Garnishes: Top with a cinnamon stick, orange peel, or a few apple slices for presentation.
How to Store Apple Brûlée
Apple Brûlée is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to preserve the flavor and prevent burning the spices.
How to Freeze Apple Brûlée
Freezing is not recommended for Apple Brûlée, as the delicate spices and citrus notes lose their potency after thawing. For best flavor, prepare fresh batches as needed.
Ingredients
How to Make Apple Brûlée

Combine the Juices and Spices: Pour the apple juice into a small saucepan and add the cinnamon stick, star anise, and cloves. You can adjust the spice quantities to your taste. Optional additions like ginger or a splash of vanilla extract work beautifully.
Combine the Juices and Spices: Pour the apple juice into a small saucepan and add the cinnamon stick, star anise, and cloves. You can adjust the spice quantities to your taste. Optional additions like ginger or a splash of vanilla extract work beautifully.

Add Sweetness and Citrus: Stir in the honey and the juice of half an orange. Mix until the honey dissolves completely.
Add Sweetness and Citrus: Stir in the honey and the juice of half an orange. Mix until the honey dissolves completely.
Simmer Gently: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the spices to infuse the juice.

Simmer Gently: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the spices to infuse the juice.
Strain and Serve: After simmering, remove from heat and strain the drink into cups, discarding the whole spices. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting aroma and natural sweetness.