Craving a cozy pick-me-up that tastes like autumn in a cup? Let me introduce you to Apple Cinnamon Tea—a soothing, gently sweet brew that captures the magic of orchard apples and warming spices. This quick homemade beverage is a hug in a mug: comforting, aromatic, and incredibly simple to whip up, whether you’re curled under a blanket or welcoming friends in from the cold. With just a handful of real ingredients, you’ll be savoring the best of both fruit and spice. Let’s make your kitchen smell amazing!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
For the tea:
- 2 cups water
- 1 medium apple (thinly sliced)
- 1 cinnamon stick (or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
- 1 black tea bag (or herbal tea of choice)
Optional:
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Tea
Step 1: Simmer the Flavors
Start by combining the water, freshly sliced apple, and your cinnamon stick (or ground cinnamon) in a small saucepan. Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium heat—this activates the cinnamon while allowing the apples to release their fragrant juices into the water. The kitchen will start to smell amazing almost immediately!
Step 2: Infuse and Steep
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let the mixture gurgle away for 5 to 7 minutes. This step gives the apple and cinnamon all the time they need to truly infuse the water. Next, add your tea bag right into the saucepan and let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes—longer if you like a bolder, richer Apple Cinnamon Tea.
Step 3: Strain and Sweeten
Remove the tea bag, then strain the tea into your favorite mug (catching the apples and cinnamon stick). This is a great moment to stir in a touch of honey for extra sweetness and a quick dash of lemon juice if you’d like a zippy, bright finish. Stir well and give it a taste; adjust as needed!
Step 4: Serve with Style
Pour the steaming Apple Cinnamon Tea into cups and, if you want to go the extra mile, garnish with an extra apple slice or a fresh cinnamon stick. Both add a pretty touch and a hint more aroma as you sip. Enjoy right away while it’s warm and fragrant!
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Tea
Garnishes
A beautiful garnish transforms your Apple Cinnamon Tea into a café-worthy treat. Float a thin apple slice on top for a touch of elegance, add a cinnamon stick for swirling, or sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on the surface. Any of these little extras make your presentation as cozy as the flavors themselves.
Side Dishes
This tea pairs perfectly with homemade scones, cinnamon toast, or a slice of apple pie for a truly autumn-inspired snack. Serve it during an afternoon tea, pair with oatmeal at breakfast, or enjoy alongside some butter cookies for a sweet pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve Apple Cinnamon Tea in clear glass mugs to really show off its gorgeous amber color? For a party, use a teapot and display apple slices and cinnamon sticks on the side so everyone can add their own flair. You could even pour the tea over ice for a summery twist, or top with whipped coconut cream for a decadent treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Apple Cinnamon Tea, let it cool to room temperature, then store in a glass jar or airtight pitcher in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often get even more delicious as they mingle overnight!
Freezing
You can freeze leftover tea in ice cube trays—these are wonderful for chilling future drinks without watering them down! Just freeze until solid, then transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Drop a couple into your next mug or iced tea for instant flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pour the refrigerated Apple Cinnamon Tea into a small saucepan and warm gently over low heat until just steaming. Avoid boiling, as this can dull the fresh flavors. A quick 1-2 minute microwave burst works, too; just be sure to stir before sipping.
FAQs
Can I use green tea or herbal tea instead of black tea?
Absolutely! Green tea can add a gentle grassy note, or use rooibos or even a fruity herbal blend for a caffeine-free version. The Apple Cinnamon Tea base is super flexible and takes on whatever tea you enjoy most.
What kind of apples work best?
Any firm, crisp apple with good flavor is lovely in this recipe. Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady all deliver a natural sweetness and beautiful color to your Apple Cinnamon Tea.
Is this recipe vegan?
As written, just skip the honey or replace it with maple syrup or agave for an entirely vegan Apple Cinnamon Tea. The plant-based options work beautifully and add their own special twist.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Yes, it’s easy to scale up for a crowd! Just use a larger saucepan and keep the proportions the same. Adjust simmering time slightly if making a big batch so that every cup is perfectly flavorful.
Can I make this as an iced tea?
Definitely! Prepare as directed, let it cool, and pour over ice for a refreshing summer version. The apple and cinnamon flavors stay vibrant and delicious, making this a year-round favorite.
Final Thoughts
Few things are as comforting or inviting as homemade Apple Cinnamon Tea. With its simple ingredients, embraceable aroma, and gentle spice, it’s just the thing for cozy mornings or inviting a friend to chat. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite ritual!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Tea Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Warm up with a cozy cup of homemade Apple Cinnamon Tea, a delightful blend of fresh apple slices, fragrant cinnamon, and soothing black tea. This spiced tea is perfect for chilly days or as a comforting evening drink.
Ingredients
For the tea:
- 2 cups water
- 1 medium apple (thinly sliced)
- 1 cinnamon stick (or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
- 1 black tea bag (or herbal tea of choice)
Optional:
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Tea Base: In a small saucepan, bring water, apple slices, and cinnamon to a boil. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Steep the Tea: Add the tea bag, steep for 3–5 minutes. Remove the tea bag.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the tea into a cup. Add honey and lemon juice if desired. Serve warm, garnished with apple or cinnamon.
Notes
- You can substitute black tea with green tea or rooibos.
- For a caffeine-free version, skip the tea bag for a spiced apple tisane.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
