Apple Cider Chai

A warm, spiced beverage combining the sweet tartness of apple cider with the aromatic complexity of chai tea. Perfect for a cozy autumn or winter evening.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Servings: 4 mugs

Course: Beverage, Drink

Cuisine: American

Calories: 110

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Chai Base

4 cups Apple Cider (preferably unfiltered)
2 cups Water
4 black tea bags (or 2 tablespoons loose leaf) Strong Black Tea Assam or Darjeeling works well
4 Cinnamon Sticks
8 Whole Cloves
6 Green Cardamom Pods Lightly crushed
1 inch piece Fresh Ginger Thinly sliced
2 tablespoons Brown Sugar Adjust to taste

Optional Garnish

4 Apple slices
1/4 cup Milk or Cream Optional, for serving

Method

Instructions

Combine the apple cider, water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, crushed cardamom pods, and sliced ginger in a medium saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the spices infuse for 10 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the black tea bags (or loose leaf tea in an infuser) and the brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Steep the tea for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on desired strength. Taste the chai; if it's too strong, remove the tea bags immediately.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean measuring cup or pot to remove all the whole spices and tea grounds.
Gently reheat the apple cider chai if necessary. Distribute evenly into mugs. Serve hot, garnished with an apple slice or a small splash of milk/cream, if desired.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of whole black peppercorns to the spice mixture. Ensure you do not overboil the apple cider, as this can diminish its fresh flavor. This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.