The Duchess of Sussex has become the subject of online ridicule after unveiling what critics are calling an overpriced “boiled water” recipe, featured through her luxury lifestyle brand, As Ever.
The Recipe That Sparked Backlash
Meghan Markle, 44, shared a festive cooking video on Instagram, filmed in the kitchen of her Montecito home. Dressed in a sleek white outfit, she demonstrated how to make what she described as a cozy spiced cider drink using her As Ever Spiced Cider Mulling Spice Kit.
“For the holidays, I love having a really cozy, warm beverage that everyone can enjoy,” she began. “It’s so easy. All you do is boil some water, enough for eight to ten servings, and once it’s at a boil, turn it down.”
She then added a muslin tea bag filled with her brand’s $16 USD (around $24 AUD) spice mix, explaining how the aroma fills the home. “When people come into your house, they go, ‘Mmm, smells so good—what is that?’ and then you go, ‘Oh my gosh, let me offer you a drink.’”
To deepen the flavor, Meghan stirred in a spoonful of her $32 USD (about $48.95 AUD) As Ever honey, along with cinnamon sticks and lemongrass. “Honey adds a really special note,” she said, suggesting that fans could “add a spirit of choice to make it a little bit more grown-up,” though she insisted it was “the most soothing” on its own.
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Internet Users Label It ‘Potpourri Water’
The Duchess’s simple drink quickly drew criticism on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), where users mocked her for selling what many saw as little more than flavored hot water.
“I can get a box of apple cider packets at the $1.25 store that look better than hers,” one commenter said. “Why would I want to pay $16 plus shipping for something that doesn’t even list ingredients or where they’re sourced?”
Another joked, “She acts like she invented how to boil water. I even bought an electric kettle so it’s faster.”
Others pointed out that the recipe didn’t actually include any cider at all. “She deserves to be mocked because it’s quite literally just flavored boiled water,” one person wrote. “Wouldn’t you add the spices to apple cider or wine? Not water?”
Support From Fans
Despite the online mockery, some fans came to Meghan’s defense, praising her presentation and festive spirit. “I kind of hoped our Duchess would release a mulling spice kit—because the holidays aren’t complete without some spicy drinks!” one supporter wrote.
Another admirer added, “Meghan’s looking stunning as ever while making a Christmas treat. Love it!”
A Strategic Holiday Launch
The release of Meghan’s holiday recipe coincides with As Ever’s new festive collection and the upcoming debut of her Netflix Christmas special, With Love, Meghan, expected to premiere later this month.
Speaking at Fortune’s Most Powerful Women summit in Washington, D.C., the mother of two teased that the special would be “a really good one,” featuring her demonstrating creative gift-wrapping techniques—a nod to her early career teaching the skill.
While she didn’t confirm whether a third season of her lifestyle series is in development, reports suggest that her $100 million Netflix deal has since been scaled back to a more limited “first look” agreement.
For now, it seems Meghan’s latest festive offering—however simple—has once again managed to keep her firmly in the public spotlight.
