Apple Butter Iced Tea is a cool and refreshing twist on your usual iced tea, with a hint of sweet apple butter swirling through every sip. It’s like fall in a glass—smooth, fruity, and lightly spiced, making it perfect for a sunny day with a little cozy comfort mixed in. The apple butter adds an unexpected richness that sets this drink apart from your regular iced tea.
I love making this iced tea because it’s so simple but feels special. Just brewing strong black tea and adding a spoonful of apple butter makes the whole drink feel a little warmer and heartier, even when you’re enjoying it chilled. I like to stir it well to let the apple butter spread its flavor fully. It’s a great way to enjoy apple butter when you want something cool and not just on toast.
When I serve Apple Butter Iced Tea, I usually add a couple of ice cubes and sometimes a slice of fresh apple or a cinnamon stick to make it look nice and add a little extra flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser in the summertime or anytime you want something that combines the sunny taste of iced tea with a gentle fall vibe. Give it a try—you might find it becoming your new favorite drink!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Tea: Assam and Darjeeling teas bring a strong, smooth base for this iced tea. You can use any black tea you like, or even green tea for a lighter flavor.
Apple Butter: This is the star ingredient that adds a rich apple sweetness and warmth. If you can’t find apple butter, try using homemade apple sauce mixed with a pinch of cinnamon and sugar.
Sweetener: Honey and maple syrup both work great to enhance the apple flavors. If you prefer, you can skip this if your apple butter is sweet enough, or use agave syrup for a vegan option.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon gives a cozy spice note. You can swap it with pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg for a slightly different twist.
How Do I Get the Apple Butter to Mix Smoothly in the Iced Tea?
Apple butter is thick and may want to clump up. Here’s my tip:
- After steeping your tea, stir in the apple butter while the tea is still warm. This helps it dissolve more easily.
- If needed, whisk it gently or use a small blender to fully blend the apple butter into the tea before chilling.
- Make sure to stir again before serving, as some settling can happen when it cools.
Doing this makes sure every sip has that lovely apple flavor evenly mixed throughout your refreshing iced tea!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan – perfect for boiling water and steeping your tea evenly.
- Heatproof pitcher or large jar – great for mixing and chilling the iced tea in the fridge.
- Spoon or whisk – helps dissolve the apple butter smoothly into the warm tea.
- Measuring spoons – for adding the right amount of apple butter, sweetener, and spices.
- Glasses – to serve your iced tea nicely, and hold plenty of ice.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try green tea instead of black for a lighter, more delicate flavor that pairs well with apple butter.
- Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the sweetness and add a fresh kick.
- Mix in a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a spiced fall twist alongside cinnamon.
- For a creamy touch, stir in a little vanilla almond milk or oat milk before serving.
How to Make Apple Butter Iced Tea
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags (such as Assam or Darjeeling)
- 2 tablespoons apple butter
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Ice cubes
- 1 apple, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh mint sprigs (for garnish)
- Cinnamon sticks (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to chill the tea in the refrigerator. The chilling step helps the flavors meld and makes the tea refreshingly cool.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brew the Tea:
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan or kettle. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the black tea bags. Let them steep for about 5 minutes to make a strong tea base.
2. Add Apple Butter and Sweetener:
Remove the tea bags. While the tea is still warm, stir in the apple butter until it dissolves completely. Add honey or maple syrup to taste, and sprinkle in cinnamon if you like. Stir everything well to combine the flavors.
3. Chill the Tea:
Allow the tea to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour so it becomes nice and cold.
4. Serve and Garnish:
Fill a glass with ice cubes and add a few thin apple slices for a fresh, pretty touch. Pour the chilled apple butter iced tea over the ice. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a cinnamon stick if desired. Stir gently before drinking to mix the flavors well. Enjoy your refreshing and lightly spiced apple butter iced tea!
Can I Use Decaffeinated Tea for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use decaffeinated black tea if you prefer to avoid caffeine. The flavor will still be rich and delicious, just without the caffeine kick.
How Long Can I Store Apple Butter Iced Tea?
Store any leftover iced tea in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving since some settling may occur.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the tea and mix in the apple butter a few hours or even a day ahead. Just chill it well and add ice and garnishes right before serving.
What Can I Use Instead of Apple Butter?
If you don’t have apple butter, try using homemade applesauce mixed with a pinch of cinnamon and a little sweetener. It won’t be as thick but still adds great apple flavor!
