Christmas Spiced Apple Cider Tea – A Cozy Holiday Drink

I created this Christmas Spiced Apple Cider Tea one chilly December evening when I was looking for a way to capture the warmth of holiday flavors in a cup.

My family and I had been talking about our favorite seasonal drinks, and while we loved traditional mulled cider, I wanted something lighter, with the same cozy spices and sweetness but less heavy.

After experimenting in the kitchen, this blend of apple cider, black tea, and holiday spices was born. I remember that first sip—it tasted like Christmas in a cup, and it quickly became a favorite for all of us.

This Christmas Spiced Apple Cider Tea is the perfect way to bring a little holiday magic into your day!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavors: Combines the classic holiday spices with apple and black tea, creating a drink that truly captures the spirit of Christmas.
• Beautiful Presentation: Garnish with a slice of orange, apple, or a cinnamon stick to create a stunning, festive look that enhances the holiday vibe.
• Great for Gifting: Make a batch and package it in a festive jar for a homemade holiday gift that friends and family will love, especially during cold winter days.
• Pairs Well with Holiday Treats: The spiced apple flavors complement holiday treats like gingerbread cookies, shortbread, or fruitcake, making it a lovely addition to dessert time.
• Alcohol-Free Winter Warmer: Perfect for those looking for a non-alcoholic but festive option, giving the cozy feeling of mulled wine or spiked cider without the alcohol.

Ingredients

Apple cider forms the base of this recipe, providing natural sweetness and a full-bodied apple flavor that’s both comforting and festive.

Choosing a fresh, high-quality cider is key for the best flavor, as it offers a balance of sweetness and tartness without any added sugars. You can use spiced or unspiced cider, depending on your preference for additional flavor depth.

The black tea adds a rich, slightly bitter note that balances the sweetness of the cider, making the drink feel more complex and satisfying. Strong black teas, like Assam or Ceylon, work particularly well, as they bring out the spices and create a sturdy base for the other ingredients.

The spices—cinnamon, cloves, and star anise—are essential to giving this tea its cozy holiday feel.

Whole spices are preferred for their more gradual, deep release of flavor as they simmer. Cinnamon provides warmth, cloves add a hint of sweetness and spice, and star anise introduces a subtle, aromatic licorice note. Together, they create a festive blend that fills the room with the scent of the season.

Adding a strip of orange peel brings brightness and a hint of citrus to the tea, balancing the warmth of the spices and the sweetness of the cider. Fresh orange peel is best, as it has the essential oils that give the drink a refreshing zing without overpowering the other flavors.

Finally, honey or maple syrup is optional for those who like a bit more sweetness. Either one enhances the flavors without masking them. Honey adds a light floral note, while maple syrup offers a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the apple and spices.

Ingredients for 2 servings:

• 2 cups apple cider
• 1 cup water
• 1 black tea bag (or 1 teaspoon loose black tea)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3-4 whole cloves
• 1 star anise (optional)
• A small piece of orange peel
• 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
• Cinnamon stick, star anise, or apple or orange slices (for garnish)

How To Make Christmas Spiced Apple Cider Tea

Instructions:

1. Heat the Cider and Water: In a medium pot, combine the apple cider and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2. Add the Spices: Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise (if using), and orange peel to the pot. Allow the spices to simmer in the cider mixture for about 5 minutes to release their flavors.
3. Steep the Tea: Add the black tea bag (or loose tea) to the pot and let it steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
4. Sweeten to Taste: Remove the tea bag and stir in honey or maple syrup if you’d like additional sweetness. Adjust the amount to your preference.
5. Strain and Serve: Strain the tea into mugs to remove the spices.
6. Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with a cinnamon stick, star anise, or a slice of apple or orange for a festive touch, and serve hot. Enjoy your Christmas Spiced Apple Cider Tea!

More Tips & Variations

• Add Cranberry for a Festive Twist: Toss a handful of fresh or frozen cranberries into the pot while simmering. They add a subtle tartness and a pop of color that makes the tea even more festive.
• Ginger Kick: Add a few slices of fresh ginger along with the spices for a warm, zesty flavor that complements the apple cider and spices beautifully.
• Alcoholic Version: For a spiked version, add a splash of bourbon, dark rum, or brandy once the tea is done simmering. It gives a cozy, warming effect that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
• Apple Butter Boost: Stir in a spoonful of apple butter while the cider simmers for an extra layer of apple flavor and a thicker, richer texture.
• Brown Sugar for a Caramel Note: Replace honey or maple syrup with a teaspoon of brown sugar, giving the tea a subtle caramel-like sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the apple and spices.