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Apple Tea

Apple tea is a simple, warming beverage combining tart apple, warm spices, and natural sweetness for a comforting drink any time of day.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American
Calories: 85
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 4 medium apples Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala work best, cored and sliced
  • 6 cups water
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 2 star anise pods
  • 1 slice ginger about 1 inch, optional but recommended
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup or more to taste
  • 2 lemon slices optional for brightness
  • Pinch of sea salt

Equipment

  • Large pot or saucepan
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon or whisk
  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mugs for serving

Method
 

  1. Place 6 cups of cold, filtered water into a large pot or saucepan.
  2. Add the cinnamon sticks and whole cloves to the cold water.
  3. Heat the pot over medium-high heat and bring to a rolling boil.
  4. Carefully add the sliced apples and star anise pods to the boiling water.
  5. If using, add the ginger slice, lemon slices, and a pinch of sea salt.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low and maintain a gentle simmer for 12 to 15 minutes.
  7. Stir in the honey or maple syrup during the last minute of simmering.
  8. Remove the pot from heat and strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer into mugs.
  9. Serve immediately while hot and garnish with strained apple slices if desired.

Notes

Save the strained apple slices and serve them in the bottom of each mug for added texture and flavor.