Ingredients:
- 2 cups Filtered Water
- 1 cup Unsweetened Cranberry Juice (100% juice)
- 2 Tbsp Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (with the mother)
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 4 thin slices Fresh Ginger (unpeeled, approx. 1/4 inch thick)
- 1 large Cinnamon Stick (or 2 small)
- 1–2 tsp Maple Syrup (Optional Sweetener, to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Whole Cranberries (Optional Garnish)
Instructions:
- Combine Liquids: Pour the filtered water and unsweetened cranberry juice into a small to medium saucepan.
- Add Aromatics: Add the slices of fresh ginger (unpeeled) and the cinnamon stick(s) to the saucepan.
- Heat Gently: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring the mixture just to a gentle simmer—do not allow it to boil vigorously.
- Steep: Once the mixture begins to steam and bubble lightly, reduce the heat to low and let it steep for 8-10 minutes. This allows the ginger and cinnamon to properly infuse their flavour and essential oils.
- Remove from Heat & Strain: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully pour the steeped liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl or measuring jug to remove the ginger slices and cinnamon stick.
- Add Powerhouse Ingredients: Stir in the raw Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) and the fresh lemon juice.
- Adjust Sweetness (If Necessary): If desired, stir in 1-2 teaspoons of maple syrup (or other preferred sweetener). Taste and adjust the flavour profile now.
- Serve Warm: Immediately divide the tonic between two mugs. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries or a thin slice of lemon, if using.