Apple Cinnamon Tea is one of those comforting beverages that instantly transports you to a cozy autumn afternoon, no matter what season it is. The aroma of simmering apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen creates a sense of warmth and nostalgia, while the mix of black tea and fruit imparts a gentle lift and just the right hint of sweetness. Not only is this homemade tea incredibly easy to make, but it’s a naturally gluten-free treat that delivers both flavor and a feeling of pure, relaxing indulgence. Whether you’re craving a soothing cup to unwind or a beautiful drink to impress guests, this Apple Cinnamon Tea is about to become your new favorite ritual.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Water:
2 cups
Apple (thinly sliced):
1
Cinnamon Stick:
1
Black Tea Bag (or herbal tea bag of choice):
1
Honey or Maple Syrup (optional):
1 teaspoon
Lemon Juice (optional):
1 teaspoon
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Tea
Step 1: Simmer the Apple and Cinnamon
Start by grabbing a small saucepan and pouring in your water, adding the apple slices and cinnamon stick. Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium heat. This short simmer softens the apples and coaxes out their flavor, while the cinnamon infuses every sip with irresistible spiced warmth. The aroma at this stage is simply captivating—let yourself enjoy it!
Step 2: Infuse the Tea
Once the apples and cinnamon have softened and enriched the water, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. Next, add your tea bag directly into the saucepan and let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. This is when everything comes together—that familiar tea base intertwined with gentle spice and fruity notes.
Step 3: Remove and Sweeten
Fish out the tea bag and cinnamon stick, then give your tea a little taste. If you like it sweeter, now’s the time to add honey or maple syrup. A teaspoon is perfect, but feel free to add more or less based on your preferences. A drop of lemon juice can also be stirred in here for a lovely, bright finish.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
Pour your tea through a fine mesh strainer into mugs, making sure to separate out the apple slices and any bits of cinnamon. Take a moment to admire the golden, gently tinted color—you’ve just created the perfect cup of Apple Cinnamon Tea. If you like, garnish with a fresh apple slice or an extra cinnamon stick for a beautiful presentation.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Tea
Garnishes
Garnishing Apple Cinnamon Tea transforms it from simple to spectacular. Try adding a thin fan of fresh apple slices on the rim of the mug, or drop in a cinnamon stick for that extra cozy touch. A small lemon twist also looks gorgeous and underscores the bright notes in the tea. These easy additions aren’t just aesthetic—they add aroma and a taste of luxury with every sip.
Side Dishes
This tea’s comforting flavors pair beautifully with a lightly sweet snack or a buttery breakfast treat. Serve your mug of Apple Cinnamon Tea alongside a slice of warm coffee cake, a buttery scone, or even some homemade granola bars. The spiced notes of the tea will complement breakfast and tea-time classics, making your gathering feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Give your Apple Cinnamon Tea a cafe-worthy touch by serving it chilled in tall glasses over ice—refreshing on warm days! Or, try pouring the hot tea into clear glass mugs to let its golden color shine. For entertaining, set out a tea tray with little bowls of honey, lemon wedges, and whole spices so guests can customize their own cup. Everyone will love the interactive, elegant spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Apple Cinnamon Tea, simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a covered jar or bottle and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Be sure to strain out any apple slices or cinnamon sticks before storing to maintain the best flavor and clarity.
Freezing
Freezing is a wonderful option, especially if you’d like to prep a big batch for later! Once completely cooled and strained, pour the tea into ice cube trays or a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, you can add the cubes right into fresh tea for a beautifully chilled version that won’t get watered down.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your stored Apple Cinnamon Tea gently on the stovetop over low heat, or microwave it in a mug just until steaming. Stir well before sipping, as some of the natural fruit sediment might settle at the bottom. Add an extra swirl of honey or a fresh cinnamon stick to wake up those cozy flavors.
FAQs
Can I use green tea instead of black tea?
Absolutely! Green tea offers a lighter, more herbal profile that still tastes fantastic with the apple and cinnamon. Just be sure to steep it for a little less time—about 2 to 3 minutes—to avoid bitterness.
Is it possible to make Apple Cinnamon Tea without any caffeine?
Yes, simply swap the black tea bag for your favorite herbal or rooibos tea. You’ll still get all the flavor, aroma, and spice, but without the caffeine, making it perfect for evenings or sharing with kids.
Can I add other spices for variation?
Definitely! Ginger slices, whole cloves, or a dash of cardamom add their own warming twist to Apple Cinnamon Tea. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste for a blend that’s uniquely yours.
Can I prepare this Apple Cinnamon Tea in a slow cooker?
You can! Combine all the ingredients except for the tea bag, honey, and lemon in your slow cooker and let them simmer on low for 1–2 hours. Add the tea bag near the end of cooking, then finish as usual.
What type Beverage
For maximum flavor and sweetness, use a crisp, sweet apple such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. Tart varieties like Granny Smith can be used if you prefer a hint of tang or want less sweetness in your tea.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried making your own Apple Cinnamon Tea yet, now’s the perfect moment to start. This cozy, simple sip truly brings comfort and warmth to any day. So gather up your apples, cinnamon, and favorite mug—your new favorite tea is just 15 minutes away!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Tea Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy and flavorful apple cinnamon tea recipe that is perfect for a chilly day. This warm and fragrant drink combines the sweetness of apples with the warmth of cinnamon, creating a comforting beverage that can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Ingredients
Water:
2 cups
Apple (thinly sliced):
1
Cinnamon Stick:
1
Black Tea Bag (or herbal tea bag of choice):
1
Honey or Maple Syrup (optional):
1 teaspoon
Lemon Juice (optional):
1 teaspoon
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring the water, apple slices, and cinnamon stick to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Add the tea bag and steep for 3–5 minutes, depending on desired strength. Remove the tea bag and cinnamon stick.
- Stir in honey or maple syrup and lemon juice if using.
- Strain into mugs and serve hot, garnished with a fresh apple slice or an extra cinnamon stick if desired.
Notes
- Use a sweet, crisp apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best flavor.
- This tea can also be enjoyed cold—just chill and serve over ice.
- For a caffeine-free version, use herbal or rooibos tea.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
