About the Recipe
Ingredients
The Apple Base:
2 large apples, chopped (no need to peel)
1 bag of black tea (English Breakfast works well too)
4 cups of cold water
The Spices: (use whole spices for best flavor)
1 cinnamon stick (or 2 for extra spice)
3-4 whole cloves
2-3 star anise (optional, it adds a lovely licorice taste)
1-2 thin slices of fresh ginger (optional, for a little warmth)
The Sweetener: (adjust to taste)
1-2 tablespoons maple syrup, honey or brown sugar
A tiny pinch of salt (optional, to enhance all the flavors)
For Serving:
A fresh cinnamon stick for each mug
A thin slice of apple or a twist of orange peel or one star anise for garnish
Preparation
In a medium sized pot, combine the chopped apples, water, tea bag, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise and ginger (if using).
Place the pot over high heat and bring it to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing. The longer it simmers, the stronger the flavor.
After simmering, the apples will be very soft. Turn off the heat. Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to gently mash the apples in the pot to release any remaining juices.
Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a heat-proof pitcher or directly into your mugs. Press on the apple solids to get all the flavorful liquid. Then throw away the solids.
Stir in your chosen sweetener (maple syrup is amazing here) and that tiny pinch of salt. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Pour into your favorite mugs. Garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick, apple slice, orange peel or star anise. Enjoy the warmth!
Cozy Variations & Add-ins:
Creamy Version: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a spoon of whipped cream on top for a real treat.
Citrus Twist: Add a strip of orange peel to the simmering pot for a bright , citrusy note.
Chai-Spiced: Add a few black peppercorns and a cardamom pod to the simmering mix for a more complex spice profile.
"Baked Apple" Flavor: Add a tiny drop of vanilla extract to the finished tea - it gives that warm, baked dessert flavor perfectly.