Description
A cozy, aromatic fall beverage made with real apple cider, fresh ginger, and traditional chai spices. Ready in just 15 minutes, this drink offers a customizable balance of tart apple and warm spice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups apple cider (refrigerated, fresh pressed)
- 2 cups water
- 1 large knob fresh ginger, sliced into coins
- 2 whole star anise
- 2 large cinnamon sticks (Ceylon preferred)
- 3 tablespoons loose leaf black tea (Assam or Earl Grey)
- 4–5 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 4–5 whole cloves
- Milk or cream (optional, for serving)
- Maple syrup or honey (to taste)
Instructions
- Slice the fresh ginger into thin coins and lightly crush the cardamom pods.
- Pour the apple cider and water into a large pot.
- Add the ginger, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cardamom pods, cloves, and black peppercorns to the pot.
- Turn heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes to allow spices to infuse.
- Add the black tea leaves, stir gently, and turn off the heat.
- Cover the pot and let steep for 3-5 minutes (do not boil the tea).
- Strain the cider through a fine-mesh strainer into mugs or a jug, discarding solids.
- Taste and adjust sweetness with maple syrup or honey if needed.
- Serve hot, optionally with steamed milk or cream.
Notes
Do not boil the tea leaves as it releases tannins and makes the drink bitter. Fresh ginger is essential for the best flavor. The cider can be made as a concentrate by using less water and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 24
- Carbohydrates: 28
Keywords: chai apple cider, fall drink, warm beverage, spiced cider, easy recipe, autumn drink, chai latte