Spiced Apple Chai

Spiced Apple Chai is a delightful fusion of two autumnal favorites: spiced chai and apple cider. The robust, warming spices of chai—such as cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger—are beautifully complemented by the sweet and slightly tart flavor of fresh apple cider. This comforting drink is simmered to perfection, creating a deeply aromatic and satisfying beverage. It's an ideal alcohol-free choice for cold days, holiday gatherings, or simply a cozy evening at home.
Spiced Apple Chai

Preparation

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This beverage is classified as a non-alcoholic tea drink. It's a creative variation of traditional chai, falling into the category of warm, spiced beverages perfect for cozy moments. It can also be considered a mocktail or a specialty hot drink.

Serving

This is a hot, non-alcoholic drink served in a standard mug, offering about an 8.5 oz serving. The mug can be pre-warmed for an enhanced experience.
Serving size
~250 ml / 8.5 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Hot
Glass type
Mug
Glass treatment
Warmed up (optional)

Backstory

While not having a specific legendary origin, the Spiced Apple Chai is a modern creation born from café culture and the love for seasonal flavors. It represents the fusion of Indian chai traditions with Western autumn staples like apple cider. This drink gained popularity as a creative, non-alcoholic option that captures the essence of fall in a mug. It's a testament to how classic recipes can be adapted to create new, beloved traditions.
Origin
A modern fusion drink, likely originating in North American or European cafés in the late 20th or early 21st century, blending Indian and Western culinary traditions.

Spiced Apple Chai

The drink is commonly known as Spiced Apple Chai. Alternative names like Apple Chai or Spiced Apple Tea are also used, emphasizing either the fruit or the spice blend. These names all describe the same warm, comforting beverage.
Original name
Spiced Apple Chai
Alternative names
  • Apple Chai
  • Spiced Apple Tea

Characteristics overview

Spiced Apple Chai has a deeply aromatic profile of apple and chai spices, with a sweet, spicy, and slightly tart flavor. It offers a smooth texture and a long, warming aftertaste, making it a perfect cozy drink for autumn and winter.
Flavor
Spiced, sweet, fruity, tart, warming
Aroma
Cinnamon, apple, cardamom, ginger, cloves
Taste balance
Sweet, spicy
Aftertaste
Long, warming, spicy, sweet
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Opaque, warm brown, amber
Texture
Smooth, liquid, full-bodied
Seasonality
Warming, autumnal, wintery

Flavor intensity & Experience

This is a flavor-forward drink with high levels of sweetness, fruitiness, and spice. It is non-alcoholic, not carbonated, and has very low bitterness or sourness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The base ingredients are apple cider and chai tea, enhanced with whole spices like a cinnamon stick. Maple syrup can be added for extra sweetness.
  • Apple Cider180 ml / 6 oz
    Unfiltered apple juice can be used as a substitute.
  • Water60 ml / 2 oz
  • Chai tea bag1 bag
    Or 1 tablespoon of loose-leaf chai tea.
  • Cinnamon stick1 stick
    Also used for garnish.
  • Star anise1 pod(optional)
    Adds a subtle licorice-like aroma and flavor.
  • Maple syrup1-2 teaspoons(optional)
    To taste. Use maple syrup for a vegan option; honey or brown sugar also work.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

You'll need a small saucepan to heat and infuse the ingredients and a fine-mesh strainer if using loose-leaf tea.
  • Saucepan: for simmering the ingredients together.
  • Strainer: for removing loose-leaf tea and whole spices before serving.

Instructions

Simply simmer apple cider and spices, steep chai tea in the mixture, sweeten to taste, and serve hot with a garnish.
1. Combine the apple cider, water, cinnamon stick, and star anise (if using) in a small saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Do not let it come to a rolling boil.
3. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low. Add the chai tea bag or loose-leaf tea.
4. Let the tea steep in the warm liquid for 5-7 minutes, depending on your desired strength.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Discard the tea bag or strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer to remove loose tea leaves and whole spices.
6. Stir in maple syrup or your preferred sweetener until fully dissolved. Adjust to your desired taste.
7. Pour the hot Spiced Apple Chai into a pre-warmed mug.
8. Garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick and/or an apple slice before serving immediately.

Garnishing

Garnish with a cinnamon stick for a classic look and extra aroma, or add a fresh apple slice for a touch of freshness.
  • Cinnamon stick: Place one in the mug for aroma and visual appeal.
  • Apple slice: A thin slice of fresh apple floated on top or placed on the rim.

Dietary Information

This drink contains caffeine from the black tea base. It is naturally dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, and vegan when prepared without milk or honey.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This drink is relatively low in calories but contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates and natural sugars from the apple cider.
Calories
Approximately 100-140 kcal / 418-586 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 25-35 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 22-32 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is perfect for cozy autumn and winter occasions. It's an excellent choice for holiday gatherings, family get-togethers, or simply as a comforting treat on a chilly evening.
  • Autumn gatherings
  • Holiday parties
  • Cozy evenings
  • Afternoon treat

Pairing suggestions

This drink pairs wonderfully with baked goods like shortbread, gingerbread, and apple crumble. It also complements savory snacks like a cheese board or spiced nuts, making it a versatile choice for a snack time treat.
  • Shortbread cookies
  • Gingerbread
  • Apple pie or crumble
  • Cheese and crackers (especially cheddar or brie)
  • Spiced nuts

Spiced Apple Chai: Autumn's Embrace in a Mug

Spiced Apple Chai is a perfect non-alcoholic beverage for embracing the cozy feelings of autumn and winter. It masterfully combines the fragrant spices of Indian chai with the sweet, comforting taste of apple cider. The result is a warm, aromatic, and deeply satisfying drink that's easy to prepare. Whether enjoyed by a fireplace or at a holiday gathering, it's a delightful treat for all ages.

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