Cinnamon Apple Tea

Turkish-style apple tea is a gentle fruit infusion, served hot and often enjoyed as a caffeine-free alternative to black tea. Here, firm sweet-tart apple is simmered with a cinnamon stick until the liquid takes on a mellow orchard sweetness and warm spice, then lightly sweetened to taste. Leaving the apple skin on can add a little colour and aroma, while a restrained simmer keeps the drink clear rather than pulpy. It is simple enough for an everyday evening drink, but fragrant enough to serve after a meal or alongside small sweets.
Recipe by JustRecipes Editorial Team
Content validated: August 2026 How we create recipes
Made this recipe? Rate it
Cuisine style Turkish-style fruit tea
Flavor profile Fruity • Gently sweet • Warmly spiced
Techniques Simmering • Infusing • Straining
Key equipment Saucepan • Sieve or strainer
Cooking style One-pot cooking • Make-ahead friendly • Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 30 minutes

Why this recipe works

  • Gentle spice: Simmering the apple with a cinnamon stick gives the drink warmth without overpowering the fruit.
  • Low-effort preparation: The active work is limited to cutting the apple, then the saucepan does most of the extraction.
  • Easy to adjust: The sweetness can be changed at the end, and pear can be used for a softer, more floral version.

Get the most out of this recipe

Ingredient notes

  • Choose the right apple: A firm sweet-tart apple gives the tea a clean fruit flavour and holds up well during simmering.
  • Control the cinnamon: Use a whole cinnamon stick for a rounded spice note; lightly cracking it will make the infusion more pronounced.
  • Sweeten at the end: Adding sugar after the apple has softened makes it easier to taste and adjust the final balance.

Timing notes

  • Let it stand briefly: Covering the pan for a short infusion after simmering helps the apple and cinnamon settle into the liquid.
  • Serve hot: The tea is most aromatic when served soon after straining, while the cinnamon is still fragrant.

Make-ahead tips

  • Make in advance: Cool the strained tea, then refrigerate it in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently: Warm it in a saucepan over low heat until steaming, without boiling, to keep the flavour clear and mellow.

Equipment you'll need

Saucepan Sieve / strainer
Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Pour the water into a saucepan. Core the apple, then cut it into small pieces (leave the skin on if you like).
  2. Add the apple pieces and cinnamon stick to the pan and bring to the boil. Reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 12 minutes, until the apple has softened and the liquid smells warmly spiced.
  3. Stir in the caster sugar and simmer for 1 minute to dissolve. Take off the heat, cover, and leave to infuse for 2 minutes.
  4. Strain into 2 heatproof glasses. Taste and add a little more caster sugar if you prefer it sweeter, then serve hot.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • Keep the simmer gentle so the tea stays clear and mellow rather than turning cloudy.
  • For a stronger cinnamon note, lightly crack the cinnamon stick before simmering.
  • If serving to young children or anyone sensitive to hot drinks, let it cool slightly before pouring into glasses.

Substitutions

  • Replace the caster sugar with honey for a rounder sweetness (note this would no longer be vegan).
  • Replace the apple with pear for a softer, more floral fruit note.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Cool, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat until steaming, without boiling, and strain again if needed.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 glasses
  • Total time: 20min (5min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Turkish
Beginner friendly One pot Kid friendly
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Equipment you'll need

Saucepan Sieve / strainer
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Caster sugar

1 cup ≈ 200 g
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Water

1 cup ≈ 240 ml
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