Apple Cinnamon Detox Drink
This Apple Cinnamon Detox Drink is a beautifully simple infused water that combines crisp apple slices and warm cinnamon sticks for a flavor that is both cozy and refreshing. Naturally sweet with no added sugar, it takes just 5 minutes to prepare and makes staying hydrated feel like a genuine treat. Whether you serve it in a glass pitcher at brunch or keep a batch in the fridge all week, this drink is as stunning to look at as it is easy to make.
Equipment
- Glass pitcher with lid At least 6-cup capacity; infuser insert version recommended
- Sharp knife For slicing apples thin and evenly
- Cutting board
- Apple corer or paring knife For removing the core cleanly
- Wooden muddler (optional) For gently cracking cinnamon sticks to release flavor
- Measuring cup For measuring water
- Tall drinking glasses For serving over ice
Ingredients
- 2 apples any variety — Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala recommended; cored and thinly sliced into ¼-inch rounds or half-moons, skin on
- 2 cinnamon sticks Ceylon (true cinnamon) preferred for a milder, sweeter flavor
- 6 cups cold water about 1.4 liters; use cold water from the start to prevent apples from softening too quickly
- ice cubes for serving
Optional Add-In
- 1 slice lemon thin slice; adds light citrus brightness — add just before serving for best flavor
Instructions
- Rinse apples thoroughly under cold water, pat dry, then core and slice them into thin ¼-inch rounds or half-moon shapes — leave the skin on for color and nutrients.
- Gently press or tap each cinnamon stick with the back of a spoon or a muddler to lightly crack them, helping their essential oils release into the water more easily.
- Place apple slices into the pitcher, add the cinnamon sticks, and pour 6 cups of cold water over everything, making sure all ingredients are fully submerged.
- Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight for a fuller, richer flavor — check at 2 hours and taste before deciding how long to continue.
- Fill glasses with ice, pour the chilled infused water over the top, and let a few apple slices fall into each glass for a beautiful presentation — add a lemon slice now if using.
Notes
- Use cold water from the start — warm water causes the apples to soften quickly and can make the drink appear cloudy.
- Slice apples thin and evenly (about ¼ inch) for the best and most consistent flavor infusion.
- Choose fresh cinnamon sticks — old sticks lose their essential oils and won't flavor the water well. Fresh sticks will smell strongly of cinnamon up close.
- Do not crush the cinnamon sticks too aggressively. A gentle crack is all you need; over-crushing can make the water taste bitter and leave gritty particles.
- If using lemon, add the slice just before serving rather than during the full infusion period to keep the citrus flavor bright and fresh.
- Strain out the apple slices and cinnamon sticks after 24 hours if keeping the drink longer, to prevent off-flavors from softened fruit.
- You can top off the pitcher with more water throughout the day, though the flavor will become more subtle with each refill.
- Leftover infused apple slices can be blended into a smoothie or stirred into oatmeal — don't throw them away!
- Try variations: add 3–4 slices of fresh ginger for a spicier version, a handful of mint for a cooling twist, or swap still water for sparkling water just before serving for a festive bubbly drink.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours; do not freeze as the fruit will become mushy upon thawing.
Nutrition
Serving: 1CupCalories: 10kcalCarbohydrates: 2gSodium: 5mgPotassium: 20mgSugar: 1gVitamin C: 1mg
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