Chai Spiced Apple Spritzer is a refreshing and cozy drink that’s perfect for any time of year. It combines crisp apple juice with warm chai spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, all fizzed up with sparkling water for a bubbly twist. The mix of sweet, spicy, and fizzy makes it stand out as a delightful treat that’s both comforting and lively.
I love making this spritzer when I want something that feels like a warm hug but still cools me down. It’s an easy way to enjoy the flavors of fall without feeling heavy. Sometimes, I add a slice of fresh apple or a cinnamon stick to the glass for a little extra charm and a bit of natural garnish that smells wonderful.
This drink is great for sharing at gatherings or just relaxing after a long day. It’s one of those simple recipes I keep coming back to because it’s tasty and looks lovely in a clear glass. Whether you’re sitting with a book or chatting with friends, this Chai Spiced Apple Spritzer brings a little sparkle and spice to the moment.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple juice: Fresh or unsweetened apple juice works best for a crisp, natural flavor. For a twist, try pear or white grape juice—it keeps the sweetness light and bright.
Chai tea: Use your favorite chai blend, whether bagged or loose-leaf. If needed, black tea with added cinnamon and cardamom can work well. Cooling the tea fully is important to keep the spritzer crisp.
Sparkling water: Club soda or sparkling mineral water adds the bubbly fizz. If you want a bit of extra flavor, try vanilla or lemon-flavored sparkling water.
Spices: Cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and cardamom bring the chai spice warmth. If you don’t have all, just use cinnamon and ginger—they’re the most prominent flavors here.
How Do You Get the Perfect Spiced Rim on the Glass?
Rimming the glass adds extra flavor and makes your spritzer look special. Here’s how to do it easily:
- Moisten the glass rim by dipping it in water, apple juice, or honey diluted with water.
- Place your cinnamon and sugar or chai spice blend on a small plate.
- Gently dip the moistened rim into the spice mixture to coat evenly.
- Let it dry for a minute before filling the glass with ice and the drink.
This little step boosts flavor every time you take a sip and looks festive. Just don’t press too hard or the spices might clump up!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the spice and liquid amounts just right.
- Tea infuser or tea bags – for brewing your chai tea easily without loose leaves floating around.
- Mixing glass or pitcher – to combine the apple juice, chai tea, and spices before pouring.
- Long spoon or stirrer – helps mix the ingredients smoothly without spilling.
- Serving glasses – clear ones show off the pretty spice rim and bubbles.
- Small shallow dish – perfect for spreading the cinnamon or chai spice mix to rim the glasses.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a splash of ginger beer instead of sparkling water for a stronger ginger kick.
- Try pear juice instead of apple for a softer, more floral sweetness.
- Toss in a few fresh apple slices or a star anise pod for extra aroma and a pretty garnish.
- Mix in a little vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to deepen the warm spice profile.
How to Make Chai Spiced Apple Spritzer?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Drink:
- 1 cup apple juice (preferably fresh or unsweetened)
- ½ cup chai tea, brewed and cooled
- ½ cup sparkling water or club soda
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cardamom
- Ice cubes
For Garnish and Glass Rim:
- Cinnamon stick (for garnish)
- Ground cinnamon or chai spice mix (for rimming the glass)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing spritzer takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Most of the time is cooling brewed chai tea, so if you make your tea ahead or chill it quickly, this drink comes together in no time. Perfect for a quick treat or party refreshment!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brew and Cool Your Chai Tea:
Start by brewing a strong cup of chai tea with your favorite tea bags or loose leaves. Let it steep for 5 to 7 minutes to bring out those warm spices. Once brewed, remove the tea and set it aside to cool completely before using.
2. Prepare the Glass Rim:
Mix ground cinnamon with a pinch of sugar or chai spice in a small shallow dish. Moisten the rim of your serving glass with a little water or apple juice, then carefully dip it into the spice mixture so the rim is nicely coated. This adds a festive touch and extra flavor to every sip.
3. Mix the Spiced Apple Chai Base:
In a shaker or separate glass, combine the apple juice, cooled chai tea, honey or maple syrup (if you like a sweeter drink), plus the ground cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and cardamom. Stir well until all the spices are evenly mixed through the juice and tea.
4. Assemble the Spritzer:
Fill your prepared glass with ice cubes. Pour the spiced apple and chai mixture over the ice. Top it off with sparkling water or club soda to add a bubbly fizz. Give it a gentle stir to blend everything together.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Add a cinnamon stick to your glass for a lovely aroma and pretty presentation. Serve immediately while it’s cold and fizzy, and enjoy the cozy yet refreshing flavors of this chai spiced apple spritzer!
Can I Use Pre-Made Chai Concentrate Instead of Brewing Tea?
Yes! Using pre-made chai concentrate saves time. Just substitute the brewed chai tea with an equal amount of concentrate, and adjust the sweetness if needed since some concentrates are already sweetened.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Sparkling Water?
If you don’t have sparkling water, club soda or even seltzer works perfectly. For a different twist, try ginger ale or ginger beer to add some spicy sweetness.
How Should I Store Leftover Spritzer?
Since this spritzer is best served fizzy and fresh, store any leftover spiced apple and chai mixture (without sparkling water) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add sparkling water just before serving to keep the fizz.
Can I Make This Drink Vegan?
Absolutely! Use maple syrup instead of honey for sweetness to keep it vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
