(Full recipe below!)
Sip into the Season with Our Sorrel Cider
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, there’s something special about wrapping your hands around a warm cup of cider. At Mutana, we love celebrating seasonal shifts with drinks that comfort the spirit and nourish the body, and our Hibiscus (Sorrel) Cider does just that.
This ruby-red blend combines tart hibiscus flowers, warm cinnamon, clove, and 100% apple juice into a perfectly balanced fall beverage. It’s a modern take on a traditional West African and Caribbean sorrel drink, infused with cozy autumn energy. Whether you sip it hot after a long day or chilled with a slice of orange, it brings brightness, warmth, and wellness to every cup.
The Health Benefits Behind the Brew
Each ingredient in this simple recipe brings its own natural goodness:
Hibiscus (Sorrel)
Known for its vibrant red hue and tangy flavor, hibiscus is packed with antioxidants and vitamin C. It may help support healthy blood pressure and give your immune system a gentle boost, perfect for the colder months.
100% Apple Juice
Naturally sweet and full of plant-based polyphenols, apple juice supports heart health and hydration. Its mild sweetness balances the tartness of hibiscus beautifully, creating a smooth, comforting blend.
Cinnamon Sticks
Cinnamon adds warmth and depth while offering anti-inflammatory and blood sugar–balancing properties. It is also known to promote circulation, a wonderful companion for chilly weather.
Clove Buds
Cloves lend that signature spiced aroma and bring antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits. They are especially soothing for the throat and digestive system when cooler weather hits.
Optional Add-Ins:
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Dried Ginger Root – for gentle warmth, immune support, and digestive comfort.
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Dried Lemon Peel – for a bright citrus note and a dose of vitamin C.
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Star Anise – for added flavor complexity and aromatic uplift.
How to Enjoy It
Simmer your spices and hibiscus in apple juice, strain, and serve. You can enjoy this drink steaming in a mug with a cinnamon stick garnish, or chilled over ice for a festive fall punch.
It’s caffeine-free, family-friendly, and naturally vibrant, a perfect beverage to keep you grounded and glowing all season long.
Full Recipe:
Core Ingredients
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100% apple juice – 2 quarts (8 cups)
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Dried hibiscus (sorrel) – ⅔ cup, lightly packed
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Cinnamon sticks – 2–3 (3" sticks)
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Whole cloves – 6–8
Optional Add-Ins (for extra flavor and warmth)
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Dried ginger root – 1 tablespoon (adds subtle spice)
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Dried lemon peel – 1 tablespoon (brightens the flavor)
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Star anise – 1 whole (for a light licorice note)
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Allspice berries – 2–3 (for a rounder, deeper flavor)
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Orange peel or slices – a few pieces, for fruitiness
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Sweetener (optional) – honey, agave, or sugar to taste
Instructions
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Simmer the base:
In a medium pot, combine apple juice, cinnamon sticks, and clove buds.
Add any optional add-ins like ginger or lemon peel if desired.
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. -
Steep the hibiscus:
Remove from heat, add the dried hibiscus, cover, and let steep for 10–15 minutes. -
Strain:
Pour through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, pressing gently to extract flavor. -
Serve hot or cold:
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Hot: Warm gently and serve in mugs for a cozy fall drink.
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Cold: Chill and serve over ice for a bright, tart refresher.
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Yields: ~2 quarts
Storage: Refrigerate up to 5–7 days; flavor intensifies after a day or two.