Description
A warm, spicy, and comforting homemade chai apple cider infused with star anise and black tea. This one-pot recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, offering a cozy autumn flavor profile that is cheaper and easier to make than coffee shop drinks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) 100% pure apple juice
- 2 cups (480ml) water
- 3–4 whole star anise pods
- 4–5 black tea bags (Assam or Ceylon)
- 1 large cinnamon stick (or 1 tsp ground cinnamon)
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom (or crushed whole pods)
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Honey or maple syrup to taste
- Milk, oat milk, or cream (optional)
Instructions
- Pour the apple juice and water into a large pot. Add the star anise, cinnamon stick, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black peppercorns. Stir to submerge the spices.
- Turn heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once bubbling, reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes to allow spices to release their oils. Do not boil vigorously.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Add the black tea bags and let them steep for 5 minutes (or 7-8 minutes for stronger tea).
- Place a mesh strainer over a large bowl or jug. Pour the liquid through the strainer to remove all spices and tea bags.
- Stir in the vanilla extract. Taste the cider and add honey or maple syrup if additional sweetness is desired.
- Ladle the hot cider into mugs. Garnish with an apple slice or cinnamon stick if desired. Add milk or cream if using, and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not boil the tea bags, as this releases tannins and makes the drink bitter. Always remove from heat before steeping. Whole spices provide a cleaner flavor and easier cleanup than ground spices. The base (juice + spices) can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Do not freeze with tea added, as it may become bitter upon thawing.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 22
Keywords: chai apple cider, autumn recipe, star anise, hot cider, gluten-free drink, vegan beverage, cozy fall drinks, one-pot recipe