Apple Tea Recipe (Hot or Iced)

Water: The base liquid for brewing the tea.

Apple: Adds natural sweetness and a fruity flavor to the tea.

Black tea: Provides a rich, robust flavor that pairs well with the apple.

Honey: Sweetens the tea naturally; you can adjust the amount to your taste.

Cinnamon stick: Optional, but adds a warm, spicy note to the tea.

When slicing the apple, aim for thin, even slices to ensure they release their flavor efficiently into the water. Using a mandoline slicer can help achieve uniform slices, which will enhance the overall taste and presentation of your tea.

• water - Substitute with apple juice: Adds a more intense apple flavor to the tea.

• apple - Substitute with pear: Provides a similar sweetness and texture, but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• black tea - Substitute with green tea: Offers a lighter, more delicate flavor and different health benefits.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Adds a unique, rich sweetness that complements the apple flavor.

• cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Provides a warm, spicy note that pairs well with apple, though it is more potent so use sparingly.

• Allow the apple tea to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can dilute the tea and affect its flavor.
• Pour the cooled tea into an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a BPA-free plastic bottle. Make sure the container is clean and dry to avoid any contamination.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the tea within 3-5 days. The cold temperature will help preserve the flavors and freshness of the apple slices and cinnamon stick.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the tea. Pour the cooled tea into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the tea cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method allows you to thaw only the amount you need, maintaining the tea's quality.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen tea cubes in the refrigerator or at room temperature. For a quicker option, you can also place the cubes in a microwave-safe container and defrost them using the microwave's defrost setting.
• If you prefer your tea hot, reheat the thawed tea gently on the stove or in the microwave. Avoid boiling, as this can alter the delicate flavors of the black tea and honey.
• Always give the tea a good stir before serving to ensure the honey is evenly distributed, especially if it has settled during storage.
• For an extra burst of flavor, add a fresh cinnamon stick or a few new apple slices when reheating or serving the stored tea. This will enhance the aroma and taste, making it as delightful as when it was first brewed.

• Saucepan: Used to boil the water and simmer the apple slices and cinnamon stick.

• Knife: Essential for thinly slicing the apple.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the apple.

• Teapot: Used to hold the strained tea if serving hot.

• Pitcher: Used to hold the strained tea if serving iced.

• Strainer: Used to remove the apple slices and cinnamon stick from the tea.

• Stirring spoon: Used to stir in the honey for sweetness.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the water and honey accurately.

• Tongs: Useful for removing the tea bags from the hot water.

Pre-slice the apple: Slice the apple in advance and store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Use an electric kettle: Boil the water quickly using an electric kettle instead of a saucepan.

Steep in a teapot: Use a teapot with a built-in strainer to steep the tea bags and apple slices together, reducing the need for extra straining.

Batch brew: Make a larger batch and store in the fridge for quick iced tea later.

Microwave option: Heat the water in the microwave for a faster boil.