Apple Elixir Mocktail

Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh apple cider
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole allspice berries
• 4 whole cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 1/2 cup chilled strong black tea, regular or decaf
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 cups chilled sparkling water
• 4 cups ice
• 4 apple slices, for garnish

Directions

1. Bring the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, allspice, cloves, and peppercorns to a boil in a small saucepan. Lower the heat and let it simmer until reduced to about 3/4 cup and glossy, 35 to 45 minutes. Strain out the spices and let the syrup cool.
2. Stir the cooled spiced cider syrup with the black tea, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar in a small pitcher. Taste and add a little more lemon if you want it brighter.
3. Fill 4 glasses with ice and divide the apple mixture among them. Top each glass with chilled sparkling water, give it a gentle stir, and garnish with an apple slice.