Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Apple Tea Recipe – Cinnamon & Cardamom Infused Indian Summer Drink

Introduction

Okay, let’s be real – sometimes you just need a cozy, comforting drink. Especially when the Indian summer heat is blazing, but you still crave something warm and inviting (or wonderfully chilled!). I stumbled upon this Apple Tea recipe a few years ago, and it’s become my go-to. It’s a beautiful blend of familiar apple goodness with the warm hug of cinnamon and cardamom – spices that just feel like home, don’t they? It’s surprisingly easy to make, and honestly, it feels like a little bit of self-care in a mug.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average apple tea. We’re taking inspiration from traditional Indian beverage-making, infusing the sweetness of apples with the aromatic power of masala spices. It’s refreshing, subtly spiced, and incredibly soothing. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the health benefits of apples and spices in a unique and delicious way. It’s perfect for a quiet afternoon, a light brunch, or even a comforting evening drink.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful Apple Tea:

• 1 medium-sized apple (about 150-200g)
• 1 teaspoon tea powder (black tea works best!)
• 2 teaspoons honey (or to taste)
• ½ cup (120ml) water (divided into ¼ cup + ¼ cup)
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder
• ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder
• Few ice cubes

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Choosing the right apple makes a big difference. I love using Royal Gala or Fuji apples for their natural sweetness and slightly tart flavour. But honestly, any apple you enjoy eating will work beautifully.

Now, about those spices… Cinnamon and cardamom aren’t just delicious; they’re also deeply rooted in Ayurveda. Cinnamon is warming and helps with digestion, while cardamom is known for its calming properties. In India, these spices are frequently used in chai and other warming beverages, especially during the monsoon or winter months. They add a beautiful complexity to the tea.

Don’t be afraid to adjust the honey to your liking. I prefer a milder sweetness, but if you have a sweet tooth, feel free to add more!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get brewing!

1. First, chop your apple into smaller pieces. Don’t worry about peeling it – the skin adds extra nutrients and a lovely colour!
2. Place the chopped apple in a saucepan with ¼ cup (60ml) of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the apple is beautifully soft – about 8-10 minutes.
3. Once the apple is cooked, carefully transfer it to a blender. Add the water it cooked in (this is full of flavour!). Blend until you have a super smooth puree.
4. Now, strain the puree using a muslin cloth or a fine-mesh sieve. This step is important for a silky-smooth tea. Set the lovely apple juice aside.
5. In a separate pan, combine your tea powder, cinnamon powder, and cardamom powder with the remaining ¼ cup (60ml) of water. Simmer this for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the tea and spices to infuse.
6. Strain the tea decoction to remove the tea leaves and spices.
7. Now for the magic! Gently mix the apple juice with the tea decoction. Stir in the honey until it’s dissolved. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
8. Finally, add a few ice cubes and serve chilled. Garnish with a thin slice of apple or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if you’re feeling fancy!

Expert Tips

Want to make this tea perfect? Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

• Tea Strength: Don’t over-boil the tea decoction, or it can become bitter. 3-5 minutes is usually just right.
• Smooth Puree: Straining the apple puree is key! It removes any bits of apple skin or pulp, giving you a beautifully smooth tea.
• Apple Variety: Experiment with different apples! Each variety will give the tea a slightly different flavour profile.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ways to customize it:

• Vegan Adaptation: My friend, Priya, is vegan and loves this tea! She simply swaps the honey for maple syrup. It works beautifully.
• Spice Level: If you like a little kick, add a tiny pinch of ground ginger or black pepper to the tea decoction.
• Festival Adaptation: During Diwali, my family loves to serve this tea warm with a sprinkle of nutmeg. It’s incredibly comforting on a cool evening.

Serving Suggestions

This Apple Tea is wonderful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

• Light snacks like biscuits or namak pare.
• A slice of apple cake or pie.
• A simple breakfast of toast and fruit.

Storage Instructions

This tea is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftover apple juice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The tea decoction is also best used immediately, but can be stored for a few hours. Just remember that the flavours might mellow slightly over time.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

1. Can I use a different type of apple for this tea?

Absolutely! While I recommend Royal Gala or Fuji, feel free to use any apple you enjoy. Granny Smith will give a tarter flavour, while Honeycrisp will be extra sweet.

2. What is the best way to strain the apple puree?

A muslin cloth is ideal, but a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth will also work. The goal is to remove all the pulp for a smooth texture.

3. Can this tea be made ahead of time?

You can make the apple puree and tea decoction ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Then, simply combine them when you’re ready to serve.

4. Is it possible to make a concentrated version of this tea to dilute later?

Yes! You can reduce the amount of water used in both the apple puree and tea decoction to create a concentrate. Store it in the refrigerator and dilute with water to your desired strength when you’re ready to drink.

5. What are the health benefits of cinnamon and cardamom in tea?

Cinnamon is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while cardamom aids digestion and can help freshen breath. Both spices add a lovely warmth and flavour to the tea!