Warm Apple Tea is a light and delicious drink, made without added sugar, ideal for aiding digestion and staying warm. Enjoyed hot on cold winter days or warm in spring, it's made by boiling apple and orange peels with cinnamon, star anise, and fresh ginger.
Preparation is very simple and quick, and in just a few minutes you'll have a fragrant herbal tea to sip in the morning, as a snack, or immediately after meals.
The digestive apple herbal tea can be flavored to taste: you can choose the amount of cinnamon or ginger according to personal taste, add some cloves, add a pinch of powdered cardamom or boil apple juice directly instead of water.
What is Warm Apple Tea?
Apples and cinnamon have long been paired in European folk remedies and culinary practices—apples for their sweetness and mild acidity; cinnamon for its warming, antiseptic, and digestive qualities. Cinnamon came into the American colonies with European settlers, where it was prized not only for its flavor but also as a luxury spice and for medicinal uses in remedy books. Over time, as apples were abundant in North America and local herbalism grew, it became natural for people to brew warm drinks combining apples (fresh or dried), cinnamon sticks or powder, sometimes with additional spices.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, these apple-spice beverages were not always called “tea” in the sense of leaf tea, but functioned similarly: as warm infusions taken for comfort, digestion, or cold/winter relief. As commercial herbal teas grew in popularity mid‐20th century onward, apple-and-cinnamon flavored blends became common in grocery stores and tea brands, and home cooks adopted them as seasonal favorites—especially in autumn and winter—because of their cozy flavor, perceived health benefits, and simple, comforting aroma.
Pro Tips for The Best Apple Tea
- Don’t peel the apples—most of the aroma, color, and nutrients are in the skin, which enriches the infusion.
- Thin slices or small chunks release more juice and aroma while steeping, making the tea fuller in flavor.
- Gently simmer the ingredients instead of boiling hard. This extracts flavor slowly and prevents bitterness from spices.
- Keep the pot covered while steeping to trap the aromatic oils from the apples and spices, giving a more fragrant tea.
- Use a fine strainer or cheesecloth to remove apple bits and spices, ensuring a smooth, clear drink.
What is Apple Tea Good For?
The anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties of these ingredients make this herbal tea perfect for stomach and intestinal health.
What Are The Best Apples for Making Tea?
The best apples for making tea are naturally sweet and aromatic varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala, since they release plenty of flavor without needing extra sugar. If you prefer a more tart balance, Granny Smith or Pink Lady add a refreshing tang that pairs well with warm spices like cinnamon and clove.
How Can I Sweeten This Apple Tea?
If you want a sweet treat, you can add a teaspoon of honey, agave syrup or erythritol, a naturally derived sweetener with a low glycemic index and zero calories.
How Can I Serve This Apple Tea?
You can serve warm apple tea hot in a cozy mug with a cinnamon stick or apple slice for garnish, making it perfect for chilly evenings. It can also be cooled, strained, and served over ice as a refreshing spiced iced tea, ideal for warmer days.
Can I Make Warm Apple Tea Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make warm apple tea ahead of time. Prepare the infusion, let it cool, then store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 2–3 days. Simply reheat gently on the stove or enjoy it chilled as a refreshing iced version.
How to Store Any Leftovers
Store warm apple tea in a glass jar or airtight container in the refrigerator once it has cooled. It will stay fresh for 2–3 days, and you can reheat it gently on the stove or enjoy it cold over ice.
Ingredients
How to Make Warm Apple Tea
Wash and dry the apples, then peel them to obtain the peel.
Wash and dry the apples, then peel them to obtain the peel.
Put them in a saucepan and also add the orange peel without the bitter white part.
Put them in a saucepan and also add the orange peel without the bitter white part.
Add the cinnamon sticks.
Add the cinnamon sticks.
Add the star anise.
Add the star anise.
Also add the peeled pieces of ginger.
Also add the peeled pieces of ginger.
Pour water until the ingredients are covered.
Pour water until the ingredients are covered.
Bring on the fire and wait for it to boil.
Bring on the fire and wait for it to boil.
Boil for 5-10 minutes, then remove from heat and filter the herbal tea.
Boil for 5-10 minutes, then remove from heat and filter the herbal tea.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
;Resize,width=767;)
