This cold, crisp apple iced tea is the perfect balance of bold black tea, sweet apple juice, and fresh mint. The lime juice adds just the right amount of tang to brighten everything up. I started making this on hot afternoons when plain iced tea felt boring and lemonade felt too sweet, and now it's my go-to summer drink. The best part? It takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, and most of that is just waiting for the tea to cool.
If you're looking for more refreshing drinks, try my Salted Caramel White Russian Cocktail for something frothy and fun, or make my Mango Tapioca Pudding when you want a creamy, cinnamon-spiced treat. These pair beautifully with my Italian Cream Soda if you're hosting a summer party.
Why You'll Love This apple iced tea
This apple iced tea is incredibly easy to make and requires just a handful of simple ingredients. You don't need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find items, just black tea, apple iced tea juice, mint, and lime. The whole process takes about 20 minutes, and most of that is hands-off cooling time.
The combination of flavors is what makes this refreshing tea drink so special. The bold black tea provides a strong base, the apple juice adds natural sweetness, the mint keeps everything fresh, and the lime juice cuts through it all with a bright, tangy note. It's not too sweet, not too tart, just perfectly balanced and incredibly thirst-quenching on a hot day.
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apple iced tea INGREDIANTS
Here's a breakdown of each ingredient and what it does.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
- Water: Forms the base for brewing the tea. Use filtered water if possible for the cleanest flavor.
- Loose black tea leaves or tea bag: Provides the bold, rich tea flavor that forms the foundation of this drink. Black tea has enough body to stand up to the apple juice and other flavors without getting lost.
- Mint leaves: Add a fresh, cooling element that makes this iced tea extra refreshing. Fresh mint is key here, dried mint won't give you the same bright flavor.
- Sugar: Sweetens the tea while it's hot, which helps it dissolve completely. You can adjust the amount based on your preference or swap it for honey, stevia, or monk fruit.
- Apple juice: Brings the signature apple iced tea flavor and adds natural sweetness. Use 100% apple juice for the best flavor, or try apple-flavored soda for a fizzy twist.
- Freshly squeezed lime juice: Adds brightness and acidity that balances the sweetness and keeps the drink from feeling heavy. Fresh lime juice tastes much better than bottled.
- Ice cubes: Chills the drink and keeps it refreshing. Use as much or as little as you like depending on how cold you want it.
How to Make Apple Iced Tea
Here's how to make this refreshing drink step by step.
Boil the tea mixture: Add the water, tea leaves (or tea bag), mint leaves, and sugar to a medium-sized saucepan. Place it over medium-high heat and bring everything to a boil. This infuses the tea with the mint flavor right from the start.
Simmer briefly: Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let the tea simmer for 1 minute. This extracts the full flavor from the tea leaves without making it bitter.
Strain and cool: Remove the pan from the heat and strain the tea through a tea strainer into a measuring cup or pitcher. Let it cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes. You can speed this up by placing it in the fridge if you're in a hurry.
Prep your glasses: Fill two tall glasses with ice cubes. Add 4 to 5 fresh mint leaves to each glass for extra freshness and a pretty presentation.
Build the drink: Pour ½ cup of apple iced tea juice (or apple soda) into each glass, followed by ½ cup of the cooled brewed tea. The tea will mix with the apple juice over the ice.
Add lime and stir: Pour 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lime juice into each glass. Give it a quick stir to combine all the flavors.
Garnish and serve: Top each glass with a few thin apple slices and a lemon wedge for garnish. Serve immediately while it's ice cold.
Substitutions and Swaps
You can easily customize this cold apple tea based on what you have.
Tea options: Swap black tea for green tea for a lighter, more delicate flavor, or use hibiscus tea for a tart, fruity twist.
Sweetener alternatives: Replace sugar with honey, agave nectar, stevia, or monk fruit. If using liquid sweeteners, add them after the tea cools slightly.
Apple juice swaps: Use apple cider for a deeper, more complex apple flavor, especially in the fall. Pear juice also works beautifully.
Make it fizzy: Use apple-flavored sparkling water or soda instead of regular apple juice for a bubbly version.
Adult version: Add a splash of vodka, white rum, or tequila for a refreshing cocktail version.
Spiced version: Add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground cinnamon while brewing the tea for a warm, spiced apple iced tea flavor.
Equipment
Here's what you'll use to make this recipe.
Medium-sized saucepan: For brewing the tea with the mint and sugar.
Tea strainer: Essential for straining out the tea leaves and mint after brewing. A fine-mesh strainer works perfectly.
Measuring cup or pitcher: For holding the strained tea while it cools.
Tall glasses: For serving the finished iced tea. Use glasses that hold at least 12 ounces.
Spoon for stirring: Any regular spoon works for giving the drink a quick stir before serving.
Storing and Make-Ahead Tips
You can make the brewed tea base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just brew the tea with the mint and sugar, strain it, and let it cool completely before transferring it to a sealed container.
When you're ready to serve, simply pour the tea over ice, add the apple juice and lime, and garnish. This makes it easy to have apple iced tea ready whenever you want it.
The finished mixed drink is best enjoyed immediately while it's cold and fresh. If you need to store leftovers, keep them in the fridge for up to 1 day, though the ice will melt and dilute the flavor slightly.
Don't store the drink with ice in it, as it will get watery. Instead, keep the tea and apple iced tea juice mixture in a pitcher and add fresh ice when serving.
Serving Ideas
This refreshing apple iced tea is perfect for so many occasions.
Serve it at summer barbecues and picnics alongside grilled foods and fresh salads for a crowd-pleasing drink everyone will love.
Enjoy it as an afternoon pick-me-up when you need something cold and revitalizing but not too heavy or sugary.
Make a big pitcher for brunch and serve it with my Whipped Hot Chocolate for guests who want both non-alcoholic and cocktail options.
Pair it with light appetizers or my Salted Caramel White Russian Cocktail at holiday gatherings for a festive drink menu.
Serving Ideas
This refreshing apple iced tea is perfect for so many occasions.
Serve it at summer barbecues and picnics alongside grilled foods and fresh salads for a crowd-pleasing drink everyone will love.
Enjoy it as an afternoon pick-me-up when you need something cold and revitalizing but not too heavy or sugary.
Make a big pitcher for brunch and serve it with my Peach Lemonade for guests who want both non-alcoholic and cocktail options.
Pair it with light appetizers or my Gingerbread White Russian at holiday gatherings for a festive drink menu.
Expert Tips
Use fresh mint: Fresh mint makes a huge difference in flavor. Dried mint won't give you that bright, refreshing taste.
Don't oversteep the tea: Simmering for just 1 minute is enough. Longer brewing can make the tea bitter and astringent.
Cool the tea completely: If you add hot tea to the ice and apple juice, it will melt the ice too quickly and dilute the drink. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes first.
Adjust sweetness to taste: Start with 2 teaspoons of sugar and add more if needed. Remember that the apple juice also adds sweetness.
Use quality apple juice: 100% apple juice with no added sugar tastes much better than juice cocktails or blends.
Garnish generously: The apple slices and lemon wedges aren't just pretty, they add extra flavor as you drink.
FAQ
How to make iced apple tea?
To make iced apple tea, brew black tea with mint and sugar, let it cool, then pour it over ice with apple juice and fresh lime juice. Garnish with apple slices and mint leaves. The whole process takes about 20 minutes and creates a refreshing, fruity twist on regular iced tea.
Is apple iced tea healthy?
Apple iced tea can be a relatively healthy drink, especially if you use minimal sugar or a natural sweetener. At 77 calories per serving with 19g of carbs, it's lighter than most sodas and sweetened drinks. The black tea provides antioxidants, and the apple iced tea juice adds vitamins. Just watch the sugar content if you're trying to limit added sweeteners.
Is drinking apple tea good for you?
Drinking apple iced tea offers some health benefits. Black tea contains antioxidants that support heart health and may boost metabolism. The apple juice provides vitamin C and potassium. The mint can aid digestion and add a refreshing element. However, it does contain sugar, so enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Is apple tea a thing?
Yes, apple iced tea is definitely a thing! It's a popular beverage that combines tea (usually black or green) with apple juice or apple flavoring. You'll find versions of it in cafes, restaurants, and bottled in stores. It's especially popular in the summer as a refreshing alternative to regular iced tea or as a fall drink when apples are in season.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with apple iced tea
Apple Iced Tea
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring the water to a simmer in a medium saucepan.
- Add the tea leaves, mint leaves, and sugar to the simmering water.
- Allow the tea to simmer for about 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- Strain the tea into a measuring cup or pitcher and let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Fill two tall glasses with ice, adding 4-5 mint leaves to each.
- Pour ½ cup apple juice (or apple soda) into each glass, followed by ½ cup of the brewed tea.
- Stir 1 teaspoon of lime juice into each glass and garnish with apple slices and lemon wedges.
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