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Apple cinnamon iced tea party drink station with glass pitcher, ice-filled glasses, and fresh apple garnish on wooden table

Apple Cinnamon Iced Tea (Hot & Iced)

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups water (use only 2 cups for the iced version to brew stronger)
  • 4 black tea bags (or equivalent loose-leaf black tea)
  • 1 large apple, thinly sliced
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 cup honey, or to taste (can substitute sugar or maple syrup)
  • Ice cubes (for the iced version)
  • Additional apple slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)
  • Pinch of ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

For the Hot Version:

  • Brew the tea. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, remove from heat, add the 4 tea bags, and let steep for 5 minutes.
  • Add flavors. Remove and discard the tea bags. Return the pot to the stove over low heat. Add the thinly sliced apple, cinnamon sticks, and grated ginger to the hot tea. Simmer on low for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  • Sweeten. Remove from heat. While the tea is still warm, stir in the honey. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
  • Serve. Pour into mugs. Garnish with a fresh apple slice and a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.

For the Iced Version:

  • Follow the same steps above, but use only 2 cups of water instead of 4. This makes the tea extra strong so it doesn't get watered down by the ice.
  • After sweetening, allow the tea to cool to room temperature. Then transfer to the fridge and chill for at least 30 minutes.
  • Fill glasses generously with ice cubes. Pour the chilled tea over the ice.
  • Garnish with fresh apple slices fanned over the top of the glass and a pinch of ground cinnamon. Serve with a straw and enjoy!

Notes

  • Make ahead: This tea keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a covered pitcher. The flavor deepens the longer it sits.
  • Apple varieties: Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala are ideal for natural sweetness. Use Granny Smith for a tarter flavor.
  • Cinnamon: Always use whole cinnamon sticks for brewing - not ground. Reserve ground cinnamon for garnish only.
  • Caffeine-free option: Replace black tea with rooibos or any herbal tea of your choice.
  • For a sparkling version: Top chilled tea halfway in the glass, then fill the rest with sparkling water or ginger beer.
  • For a creamy hot version: Stir in a splash of milk or top with whipped cream before serving.