Let the humble apple be the star of this year's show and combine health with high spirits this holiday season

Looking for a drink that highlights the crisp, sweet or tart flavour of an apple? Here are three fabulous and festive takes on popular apple drinks ahead of the holidays.

Thanks to its bold taste, the apple works in numerous drinks from warm, morning teas, to spice-infused, party mocktails.

Warm apple tea

Give this apple tea a try and you'll feel festive in an instant.

Perfectly sweetened with flavours jumping out from all sides, it can be enjoyed piping hot, luke warm or chilled.

It's easy to make and batches nicely, so be sure to make a few servings at a time to reheat all week long.

To make apple tea

Combine a few cups of boiling water with one roughly chopped apple, a cinnamon stick, and 1/2 of a vanilla bean.

Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer over low heat for about 3-4 minutes.

Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to rest on the burner so that all of the flavorus meld.

Give the mixture a taste after about 10 minutes.

Finish it off with a bit of lemon juice and honey for a sweeter twist..

Spiced apple ginger

A lovely festive mocktail, the dipped crunchy rims make these extra special.

Just pour about 20ml of cloudy apple juice into a small plate or saucer. In a ramekin, mix a teaspoon of cinnamon with a similar amount of demerara sugar. Then simply dip the rims of four highball glasses first into the apple juice, then into the cinnamon sugar and set aside. 

To make the spiced apple ginger

1. In a large jug mix 400ml of ginger beer with 200ml of cloudy apple juice. 
2. Fill the glasses with ice cubes and pour in the cocktail.
3. Garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks.
4. Serve immediately. Enjoy!