Cold Brewed Apple Cinnamon Black Tea
This fall iced tea is flavored (and naturally sweetened!) with slices of crisp, orchard fresh apples and layered with the flavors of complex black loose leaf tea and cinnamon sticks. Brew a carafe of this seasonal apple cinnamon spice tea for cool fall afternoon hikes. This iced drink was perfect on a recent trip out to a corn maze, the caffeine from the black tea was just buzzy enough for a wander thru dried corn stalks as cold winds raked thru them.
I make this recipe and cold brew in my fridge overnight, enjoying the next day as an afternoon treat for myself.
Why Cold Brew Black Tea
Cold brewing black tea creates a smoother and less bitter tea, it also helps infuse flavors effortlessly. The best part of this technique? It’s almost completely hands off. Slice your apple, layer in a cinnamon stick and loose leaf black tea and let time do the work. Cold brewed iced tea without boiling water creates a smooth, flavor infused autumn beverage.
Ingredient Notes
- Loose Leaf Black Tea: Use loose leaf black tea (a favorite variety of mine is Assam) you can sub in black tea bags, with the measurements below I would use 3. But I strongly suggest you use loose leaf here.
- Cinnamon Sticks: 1 long stick is perfect here. I used the Saigon variety, the sticks are smaller, and not coiled. Saigon has an almost hot, spicy flavor that added the perfect amount of heat to this cold brewed beverage. But Ceylon cinnamon works just as well.
- Apples: Any variety will do, I used Liberty apples (a hybrid of McCouns) since I had a bushel full of freshly picked apples that needed to get used up!
Step-by-Step Recipe
So simple, so soothing to sip, the steps for this cold brew infusion are few.
Slice apple and layer into carafe. Make sure the apple chunks are small enough that you do not need to push them thru the opening of the container you are using.
Add black tea leaves and cinnamon stick, cover with water and let sit in fridge for at least 8 hours (I make mine in the evening and leave to brew overnight).
Ways To Serve
This simple apple infused cold brew can be served several ways. You can always drink it straight or mix it up, below are a few ways I enjoy it.
Serve over ice for a non-alcoholic beverage option.
Add more seasonal flare with a homemade garnish, my air-fryer apple chips add a nice touch.
Add sparkling water and mix up your own “sparkling cider”.
Or add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum for an adult drink. Serve alongside these Baked Apple Cider Donuts for a special fall treat.
This iced apple tea recipe is naturally sweetened with the juices from the apple, but you can add a drop of honey if you would like it a little sweeter.
Or you can deepen the spice and add a little sweetness with a teaspoon of my Cardamom Simple Syrup.
A Few Tips for a Successful Cold Brewed Tea
Don’t steep past the recommended time, or the tea turns bitter.
Use sticks rather than ground cinnamon to keep it clear.
Keep it in the fridge in a sealed jar, and use it within a few days.
Have a peck of orchard picked apples on hand?
Try these apple based recipes:
Stewed Apples with Bay Leaf and Honey
More Fall Drinks:
Cozy up and sip yourself into the season with these fall inspired beverages:
Cold Brewed Apple Cinnamon Black Tea
Equipment
- 1 17.5 ounce carafe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp loose leaf back tea Assam preferred
- 1 apple medium
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Slice apple thinly.
- Add apple, cinnamon stick and black tea to carafe.
- Cover with water.
- Let brew in refrigerator for at least 8 hours, but preferably overnight.
- To serve, strain first and serve.