Apple Butter Iced Tea is a refreshing twist on a classic drink, mixing the smooth, spicy sweetness of apple butter with cool, crisp iced tea. It’s a drink that feels like fall in a glass, with hints of cinnamon and apple that make it both comforting and fun to sip. The flavors come together in a way that’s surprisingly simple but really tasty.
I love this iced tea because it’s not overly sweet but still has that cozy warmth from the apple butter. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of apple butter beyond toast or baking. Whenever I make it, I stir the apple butter in while the tea is still warm so it blends perfectly, then let it chill. Watching it cool down makes me look forward to that first, cool sip even more.
This drink is perfect on a sunny, crisp afternoon or as a sweet little pick-me-up anytime. I like to serve it over ice with a thin slice of apple or a cinnamon stick for a little extra charm. It’s one of those drinks that surprises people because it’s both simple and special at the same time, making it a new favorite to keep coming back to.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Tea: This provides the base and a slightly strong, earthy flavor. If you prefer a lighter taste, green or white tea works well too. Herbal teas like chamomile can make it caffeine-free and gentle.
Apple Butter: The star of the drink! It adds a rich apple flavor with spices already mixed in. If you don’t have apple butter, try using homemade applesauce with a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a similar effect.
Sweetener: I like honey or maple syrup to adjust sweetness naturally. You can skip sweeteners altogether if your apple butter is already sweet or use simple syrup as an easy mix-in.
Cinnamon: Adds warm spice notes to complement the apple butter. Ground cinnamon is simple, but you can stir in a small cinnamon stick during steeping for a subtler touch.
How Do You Make Apple Butter Blend Smoothly into the Tea?
Mixing apple butter into warm tea can be tricky because it’s thick. Here’s how to get it smooth:
- Whisk apple butter vigorously into warm (not boiling) tea immediately after steeping.
- If it looks clumpy, keep stirring or use a small blender for a few seconds before chilling.
- The warmth helps dissolve the apple butter evenly, so don’t wait until the tea is cold.
Once smooth, chill the tea in the fridge, then pour over ice when serving. This keeps the flavors balanced and refreshing.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or kettle – to boil water for steeping the tea.
- Tea strainer or tea bags – makes removing tea leaves easy and mess-free.
- Whisk or spoon – helps blend apple butter smoothly into the warm tea.
- Pitcher – perfect for cooling and storing the iced tea in the fridge.
- Glasses – use tall glasses to show off the ice and garnishes.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try green tea instead of black for a lighter, fresher flavor that pairs well with apple.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for a bright, tart kick that balances the sweetness.
- Mix in a cinnamon stick or a star anise pod while steeping for extra warm spice notes.
- Top with a splash of sparkling water before serving to add a fun, fizzy twist.
How to Make Apple Butter Iced Tea?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags (or your favorite tea)
- 2 tablespoons apple butter
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Ice cubes
- Apple slices, for garnish
- Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus extra time to chill the tea—around 1 to 2 hours in the fridge. You’ll boil water, steep the tea, blend in apple butter, then let it cool down before serving over ice. It’s a simple process with a refreshing payoff!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brewing the Tea:
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Take it off the heat and add the tea bags. Let the tea steep for 5 to 7 minutes, depending on how strong you want your tea to be. Then, remove the tea bags.
2. Mixing in Apple Butter and Sweetener:
While the tea is still warm, whisk in the 2 tablespoons of apple butter until it dissolves well. If you like it sweeter, add 1 or 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup, stirring until smooth. For a cozy fall note, mix in ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon if you want.
3. Cooling and Serving:
Let the tea cool down to room temperature, then pour it into a pitcher and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the cold apple butter iced tea over them. Garnish with fresh apple slices and a sprig of mint. Give it a gentle stir and enjoy!
Can I Use Green or Herbal Tea Instead of Black Tea?
Absolutely! Green or herbal teas like chamomile work well and create a lighter, caffeine-free version. Just adjust the steeping time based on your tea type.
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Butter Iced Tea?
Store leftovers in an airtight pitcher or container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving, as flavors may settle.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the tea and mix in the apple butter a few hours ahead, then chill it in the fridge. It tastes refreshing when served cold over ice.
What If I Don’t Have Apple Butter?
You can substitute with unsweetened applesauce and add a pinch of cinnamon and a little honey for sweetness. Blend well to get a smooth texture in your iced tea.
