01 - Place water, apple juice if using, lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and ginger into a small saucepan.
02 - Heat over medium until simmering. Cover and let simmer gently for 10 minutes to infuse flavors.
03 - Remove from heat and strain the liquid into mugs, discarding solids.
04 - Stir in 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup per mug.
05 - Add a slice of fresh lemon, cinnamon stick, or star anise for garnish and serve hot.