Name: Spiced Apple Tea Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Water; 2 Black tea bags or 1 tbsp loose leaf black tea strong and robust, like Assam or Ceylon; 1 Apple, thinly sliced (or 1/4 cup dried apple); 2 Cinnamon sticks; 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg (or a small pinch of freshly grated nutmeg); 1 Star anise pod (optional); Maple syrup (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 121 reviews

Let’s cozy up together with this fragrant, soul-warming cuppa! Spiced Apple Tea combines juicy apples with comforting spices and the robust depth of black tea, creating a brew that’s as soothing as your favorite sweater on a crisp day. One sip and you’ll see why this isn’t just tea—it’s a warm embrace in a mug!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Naturally Cozy: Each mug of Spiced Apple Tea feels like autumn in liquid form, wrapping you up in its naturally sweet, spicy aroma.
Balanced Flavors: The blend of apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and robust black tea delivers the perfect dance of sweet and spice—never overpowering, always delicious.
Quick & Effortless: With only about ten minutes start to finish, you can treat yourself to this comfort any time a craving hits.
Totally Customizable: Make it just right for you—sweeten it, boost the spice, or swap in your favorite tea bag. There are so many ways to make it your own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Spiced Apple Tea is how simple the ingredients are. Each one brings something essential to the table—think juicy apple for a hint of natural sweetness, black tea for body, and warming spices for that irresistible seasonal vibe. Here’s the lineup:

Water: The base that lets all those lovely flavors infuse and mingle. Use filtered water if possible for the cleanest taste.
Black tea (2 bags or 1 tbsp loose leaf): Choose a strong, robust black tea like Assam or Ceylon for depth and a malty undertone that pairs beautifully with the spices.
Apple, thinly sliced (or 1/4 cup dried apple): Fresh apple adds a subtly sweet, fruity layer, while dried apple gives an even more concentrated flavor—either works, so use what you have!
Cinnamon sticks: The backbone of cozy spice, cinnamon infuses the tea with warmth and comfort in every sip.
Ground nutmeg (about 1/4 tsp or pinch of fresh): Nutmeg is the underappreciated hero here, adding complexity and a gently spicy finish that lingers.
Star anise pod (optional): For just a whisper of licorice-like depth. Skip it if you wish, but it’s delightful if you adore the extra layer of aroma.
Maple syrup (optional): A splash to sweeten, maple syrup bridges the fruit and spice flavors with caramelly richness—totally optional but never regretted.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Spiced Apple Tea? It’s endlessly adaptable! You can play with the ingredients to fit what’s in your pantry, your dietary needs, or just whatever flavor mood strikes. Here are some easy spins:

Caffeine-Free: Swap out black tea for rooibos or a caffeine-free herbal blend—still comforting, and perfect for cozy evenings.
Extra Fruity: Add sliced orange, dried cranberries, or a dash of pomegranate juice for a tart, vibrant twist.
Spice It Up: Toss in a few whole cloves, a slice of fresh ginger, or even a cracked cardamom pod for more depth and warmth.
Make It Vegan/Diet Friendly: Sweeten with agave nectar, coconut sugar, or leave it unsweetened if you prefer—this tea is delicious either way.

How to Make Spiced Apple Tea

Step 1: Simmer the Spices and Apples

Start by bringing your water to a gentle boil in a small saucepan. Add the apple slices (or dried apple), cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and that star anise pod if using. Reduce the heat and let it all simmer together for 5–7 minutes—your kitchen will start smelling incredible as the flavors infuse.

Step 2: Steep the Tea

Once your kitchen smells like a festive wonderland, drop in your black tea bags or loose tea. Let them steep right in the aromatic liquid for 3–5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. The tea soaks up all those beautiful apple and spice flavors, becoming the heart of the drink.

Step 3: Strain and Sweeten

Carefully remove the tea bags (or strain out the loose leaves) and the apple, cinnamon, and spices. Pour the tea into your favorite mugs. If you’re feeling it, add a splash of maple syrup or your sweetener of choice—then take a big, contented sip!

Pro Tips for Making Spiced Apple Tea

Choose the Right Apple: A tart apple like Granny Smith adds brightness and balances sweetness, while Gala or Fuji give a softer, sweeter profile—try both and see which you love most!
Simmer, Don’t Boil: Letting your spices and apples simmer gently (not boil) ensures their flavors infuse fully without turning the tea bitter or cloudy.
Adjust the Sweet: Always taste and sweeten at the end—apples vary in sweetness, and you might not need as much maple syrup as you think!
Serving Style: Serve Spiced Apple Tea immediately for the best flavor, but don’t fret—it can easily be reheated and tastes wonderful cold over ice, too!

How to Serve Spiced Apple Tea

Garnishes

Add a flourish with a few fresh apple slices or a cinnamon stick in each mug. A thin lemon wheel or star anise pod also looks charming bobbing in your tea, adding visual flair and a hint of extra aroma.

Side Dishes

This cozy tea pairs like a dream with buttery shortbread cookies, cinnamon rolls, or even a slice of spiced quick bread. Anything with a touch of sweetness or spice will complement the flavors in your Spiced Apple Tea beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, serve Spiced Apple Tea in clear glass mugs or a little teapot so everyone can appreciate its golden hue. Try an iced version in the summer, poured over plenty of ice cubes with extra apple slices for a refreshing twist, or enjoy as a festive mocktail with a dash of sparkling water and an orange wheel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Spiced Apple Tea, let it cool fully before transferring to a sealed jar or pitcher. Refrigerate for up to 3 days—just strain out any remaining spices and fruit to keep the flavor fresh and clear.

Freezing

Did you know you can freeze Spiced Apple Tea? Pour cooled tea into ice cube trays or freezer-safe jars and freeze. The cubes are perfect for quick iced tea or blending into smoothies for a fruity, spiced kick later on.

Reheating

When you’re ready for a warm-up, gently reheat the tea on the stovetop or in the microwave—just avoid boiling, as this can mellow the spice flavors. Stir well and adjust sweetness if needed before serving.

FAQs

Can I use green tea instead of black tea?

Absolutely! While black tea brings a robust, malty flavor, green tea will make the overall taste lighter and a bit grassier. Try not to over-steep green tea to keep it from becoming bitter—2–3 minutes is perfect.
What’s the best way to sweeten Spiced Apple Tea?

Maple syrup is my favorite for its cozy, caramel notes, but honey, agave, or even brown sugar work beautifully. Add your sweetener right at the end, tasting as you go—it’s easy to customize for you and your guests.
Can I make Spiced Apple Tea in advance for a party?

Definitely! You can brew a large batch a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Before your guests arrive, gently reheat on the stove or serve it as a chilled punch for a refreshing, festive option.
What apples are best for this recipe?

I love the tanginess of Granny Smith for a bright contrast, but Gala, Fuji, or even Honeycrisp all work beautifully. Use your favorite or mix things up for different flavor notes each time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug, you’ve found it in Spiced Apple Tea. Try it once and you’ll see just how easy, comforting, and versatile this simple ritual can be—your kitchen (and your heart) will thank you!