Hot Spiced Cider Tea – A Cozy Fall Drink
When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a warm mug of Hot Spiced Cider Tea. This comforting beverage combines the rich flavor of apple cider with freshly brewed black tea, aromatic spices, and bright citrus. It’s a delicious way to warm up on a crisp autumn afternoon or serve something special at your next holiday gathering.
Unlike traditional mulled apple cider, this recipe includes orange-pekoe tea, which adds depth and balances the natural sweetness of the cider. Cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, cardamom pods, and black peppercorns create a fragrant blend of warming spices, while fresh ginger adds a gentle kick.
Fresh orange and lemon peels bring a bright citrus aroma to the drink, and a splash of freshly squeezed orange juice rounds out the flavors. The result is a beautifully balanced beverage that’s sweet, lightly spiced, and refreshing without being overly heavy.
Making this homemade spiced cider tea is surprisingly simple. Start by lightly crushing the cinnamon sticks, peppercorns, cloves, and cardamom pods to release their aromatic oils. Add them to a saucepan with fresh ginger, orange peel, lemon peel, and water.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 10 minutes. Once the spices have infused the water, remove the saucepan from the heat and steep the orange-pekoe tea bags for three to four minutes.
Remove the tea bags, stir in the apple cider and fresh orange juice, and gently warm the mixture without allowing it to boil.
A fine-mesh stainless steel strainer is especially useful for removing the whole spices and citrus peels before serving.
This Hot Spiced Cider Tea recipe makes eight servings, making it ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas gatherings, or cozy evenings at home. Serve it in mugs with a cinnamon stick or fresh orange slice for a festive presentation.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet afternoon, this homemade spiced cider tea brings together the comforting flavors of apples, tea, and warming spices in every sip.
It was a perfect addition to my Thanksgiving buffet table; I served it from a crock pot. It was a great option to coffee and for those who do not drink alcohol; a wonderful alternative to sodas or water. It’s bit thinner in texture than cider alone; an all around hit!
SARAJANE G.
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Not the beverage you are looking for? Try these other great beverage recipes: Elderberry Kombucha Margarita, Crownberry Apple or Pear Wine.
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Hot Spiced Cider Tea
- Total Time: :20
- Yield: 8
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lightly crush the cinnamon, peppercorns, cloves, and cardamom pods in a mortar and pestle or on a cutting board with the bottom of a saucepan.
- Transfer to a medium saucepan, add the ginger, citrus peels. Put the crushed spices in a medium saucepan and add the water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer, partially covered, until aromatic, and the cinnamon stick opens a bit, about 10 minutes. Add the tea bags, immediately remove from the heat, and steep for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and strain out the solids.
- Add the cider and juice of 1 orange. Return the pan to a medium heat and warm, taking care not to let the tea boil. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: :05
- Cook Time: :15
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stove Top
- Diet: Diabetic