If you’re looking for a cup of pure cozy comfort, Cinnamon Apple Tea is about to become your new favorite. Combining sweet, fragrant apples, warm cinnamon sticks, and a whisper of rooibos, this gently spiced herbal tea warms you all the way down — perfect for crisp mornings, late nights, or any moment that deserves a soothing treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soul-Warming Aroma: The gentle fragrance of simmering apples, cinnamon, and cloves will transport you straight to a cozy autumn kitchen, no matter what time of year it is.
- Naturally Caffeine-Free: Thanks to rooibos tea, you get all the flavor with none of the jitters—making it perfect for evenings or sharing with kids.
- Easy and Crowd-Pleasing: With just a few wholesome ingredients and very little hands-on time, you’ll have a tea that feels extra-special for gatherings or a quiet night in.
- Endlessly Customizable: Sweeten it to your liking, adjust the spice, or make it as rich or delicate as you please. Cinnamon Apple Tea happily adapts to your mood!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I adore about Cinnamon Apple Tea is that every ingredient serves a deliciously specific purpose—there’s nothing fussy, just simple, accessible goodness that creates an unforgettable cup with layers of flavor and comfort.
- Filtered water: Start with the cleanest water possible since it’s the backbone of your tea—good water equals good tea.
- Unfiltered fresh pressed apple cider or apple juice: The unfiltered variety gives the tea a robust, pure apple flavor and a subtle cloudiness that’s almost velvety.
- Ceylon cinnamon sticks: Fragrant, naturally sweet, and never harsh—Ceylon cinnamon gently infuses the tea with warmth and complexity.
- Whole cloves: Just a teaspoon adds a deep, spicy backdrop that plays perfectly off the apples without taking over.
- Star anise: This star-shaped spice brings a light licorice note, making each sip intriguing and aromatic.
- Rooibos tea bags: Herbal and ever-so-slightly nutty, rooibos blends beautifully with apples and cinnamon, making your tea smooth and caffeine-free.
- Apple slices (optional, for serving): Thinly sliced apples add a touch of fresh flavor and a gorgeous finishing look.
- Maple syrup or sweetener of choice: A swirl of maple syrup enhances the apple and spice flavors with natural sweetness and a hint of caramel depth.
Variations
The beauty of Cinnamon Apple Tea is how totally easy it is to make your own—swap in what you love or use whatever you have on hand. Whether you’re after something a little lighter, spicier, or crave a specific flavor profile, this tea is endlessly adaptable.
- Spiced Cranberry Twist: Add a handful of fresh or dried cranberries to the simmering pot for a beautiful tart note and an extra pop of color.
- Chai-Inspired Blend: Toss in a few green cardamom pods and a thin slice of ginger along with the other spices for a bolder, chai-like experience.
- Black Tea Substitute: Swap rooibos for black tea bags for a caffeinated version—that afternoon slump doesn’t stand a chance!
- Sugar-Free & Keto: Use a sugar-free sweetener or simply skip the added sweetness for a bright, naturally flavorful tea.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Tea
Step 1: Simmer Spices, Water & Apple Cider
Combine your filtered water, unfiltered apple cider (or juice), cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise in a medium saucepan. Bring this mixture up to a gentle simmer over medium heat—then reduce the heat, cover, and let everything mingle and infuse for about 10 minutes. The aroma will tempt everyone to peek into the kitchen!
Step 2: Steep the Rooibos Tea
Turn off the heat and nestle in your rooibos tea bags. Cover again and let the tea steep for a full 5 minutes—this infuses the blend with that signature smooth, nutty flavor from the rooibos, while keeping the tea naturally caffeine-free and richly hued.
Step 3: Strain & Sweeten
Remove the tea bags and strain out the spices (a fine mesh sieve works wonders for this). Sweeten your Cinnamon Apple Tea to taste, adding maple syrup or your favorite sweetener a teaspoon at a time—remember, the apple cider already brings natural sweetness, so a little goes a long way.
Step 4: Serve & Garnish
Ladle the tea into your favorite mugs. Float in a few thin apple slices and, if you’re feeling extra special, pop in an extra cinnamon stick or star anise to garnish. Sip, savor, and let the simple joy of Cinnamon Apple Tea fill up your day.
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Apple Tea
- Use Unfiltered Apple Cider for Depth: Choosing unfiltered cider or juice gives your tea a heartier apple flavor and that beautiful cloudy color—so much more character than clear juice!
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keep your mix at a gentle simmer rather than a full boil—this coaxes out maximum aroma and flavor from your spices without bitterness.
- Sweeten Slowly: Taste before sweetening, since apple cider really varies in sweetness; you might not need much at all!
- Garnish for Extra Elegance: A fresh cinnamon stick and apple slices aren’t just for looks—they infuse your mug with even more aroma and flavor as you sip.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Tea
Garnishes
Just a few simple garnishes instantly make your Cinnamon Apple Tea feel extra special: float a couple of thin apple slices—leave the peel on for color—or slide in a cinnamon stick or a star anise. They’re not just pretty; they’ll keep infusing the tea with flavor right in your mug!
Side Dishes
This tea makes a dreamy companion for cinnamon scones, honey oat cookies, or a flaky slice of apple pie. Even a simple shortbread or spiced muffin turns teatime into a celebration—warm, rich, and totally comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Cinnamon Apple Tea in clear glass mugs for a beautiful window into its warm color, or make a festive pitcher for gatherings with lots of apple slices and floating spices. For a winter party, tie cinnamon sticks to mugs with twine or add a splash of maple syrup just before serving for a fun tableside “sweeten as you wish” moment!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Cinnamon Apple Tea cool to room temperature, then pour into a sealed glass jar or pitcher and refrigerate. It will keep beautifully for up to three days, and the spices gently deepen over time.
Freezing
If you’d love to save some for later, simply freeze the cooled tea in an airtight container (leaving room for expansion). Thaw in the fridge overnight when you need a cozy treat, or freeze in ice cube trays to make refreshing iced Cinnamon Apple Tea anytime!
Reheating
To enjoy your tea warm, pour into a saucepan or microwave-safe mug and gently reheat until just steaming—avoid boiling, which can dull the fresh apple and spice flavors. Always give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the natural sweetness and spice.
FAQs
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Can I use black tea instead of rooibos?
Absolutely! If you’re craving a little caffeine, you can swap the rooibos tea bags for two black tea bags. Just be mindful of the steeping time—3 minutes for black tea to avoid bitterness.
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Is it necessary to use unfiltered apple cider?
Unfiltered apple cider gives the richest, heartiest flavor, but regular apple juice works if that’s what you have. The result will be slightly clearer and lighter, but still delicious!
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Can I prepare Cinnamon Apple Tea in advance for a party?
Definitely! You can make a big batch ahead and reheat it gently before serving. Add apple slices and cinnamon sticks just before serving to keep things bright and fragrant.
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Is Cinnamon Apple Tea good served cold?
It’s wonderful served over ice! Chill it well, pour over fresh apple slices and a sprig of mint, and enjoy a spiced apple refresher. A splash of sparkling water also makes it delightfully fizzy.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Cinnamon Apple Tea a try and let it become a comforting part of your cozy moments—alone, with friends, or whenever you need a mug of pure warmth. There’s nothing quite like steeping, sipping, and savoring simple joys. Enjoy every spiced, apple-kissed sip!
Print
Cinnamon Apple Tea Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm up with a delightful cup of Cinnamon Apple Tea, a cozy beverage perfect for chilly days. This tea combines the sweetness of apple cider with the warmth of cinnamon and other spices for a comforting drink you’ll love.
Ingredients
For the Tea:
- 2 cups/480ml filtered water
- 1/2 cup/120ml unfiltered fresh pressed apple cider or apple juice
- 2 Ceylon cinnamon sticks (plus more for serving if desired)
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 star anise
- 2 rooibos tea bags
- Apple slices for serving (optional)
- Maple syrup or sweetener of choice to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Tea: In a medium saucepan, combine water, apple cider or juice, and spices. Bring to a simmer, then cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Steep the Tea: Remove from heat, add tea bags, cover, and steep for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and strain spices.
- Sweeten and Serve: Stir in maple syrup or sweetener to taste. Serve in mugs with apple slices and a cinnamon stick for stirring.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Approximately 120 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
