If you’re looking for a cool, refreshing drink with a fruity twist, this Apple Iced Tea is perfect!
It’s lightly sweet, a little tangy, and super easy to make.
Plus, it’s way better than store-bought iced tea—no weird additives, just real ingredients.
You can make a big batch for the whole family or just enough for yourself.
Either way, this drink is a winner!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 4 cups water
- 2 black tea bags (or green tea for a lighter taste)
- 2 cups apple juice (100% pure, no added sugar)
- 1 apple (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for extra brightness)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint (for garnish, optional)
Tools:
- Medium saucepan
- Large heatproof pitcher
- Strainer
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
Pro Tips for the Best Apple Iced Tea
- Use fresh apple juice! It makes a huge difference in taste compared to concentrated juice.
- Steep your tea just right. Too long, and it gets bitter; too short, and it’s weak. Aim for 5 minutes.
- Chill it well. This tea tastes best super cold, so let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour.
- Try different apples. Honeycrisp will make it sweeter, while Granny Smith adds a tart kick.
- Make it fizzy. Swap half the apple juice for sparkling water for a fun twist!
How to Make Apple Iced Tea
Step 1: Boil Water & Brew the Tea
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat and add the black tea bags. Let them steep for 5 minutes, then remove the bags.
Step 2: Add Honey & Apple Juice
Stir in the honey while the tea is still warm so it dissolves completely. Pour in the apple juice and mix well.
Step 3: Cool & Chill
Let the tea cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a pitcher. Refrigerate for at least an hour until fully chilled.
Step 4: Serve Over Ice with Apple Slices
Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled tea over them. Add a few fresh apple slices and a sprig of mint for garnish.
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap black tea for green tea for a lighter, smoother taste.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly option.
- Make it sparkling by replacing half of the apple juice with club soda.
- Add cinnamon or ginger for a cozy, spiced version.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Brew the tea and mix in the honey and apple juice a day in advance to let the flavors blend.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days—just give it a good stir before serving!
Leftovers & Storage
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in a covered pitcher.
- Avoid storing with ice—it will dilute the flavor. Instead, add ice to glasses when serving.
Enjoy Your Apple Iced Tea!
This Apple Iced Tea is simple, refreshing, and full of flavor—perfect for hot days, family gatherings, or just because!
Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments.
Did you make any fun twists?
I’d love to hear! 🍎✨
