Stovetop Hot Chai-Spiced Apple Cider

Picture yourself cradling a warm mug of Stovetop Hot Chai-Spiced Apple Cider. This inviting alcohol-free drink embodies the essence of autumn with the perfect blend of traditional chai spices, black tea and the rich scent of apples. Mildly spiced, tangy and with no sugar.

Beyond the comforting blend of tea and spices, what truly sets this chai-inspired hot apple cider recipe apart is its alcohol-free quality. As a dietitian, I understand the importance of prioritizing our health, and it’s reassuring to know that alcohol-free options can be just as delightful. 

Plus, there’s something magical about the entire family gathering to sip a warm elixir. Not to mention, your home will be filled with the heavenly aroma of autumn. I promise!

And while you’re savouring the warmth of this easy apple cider, let’s not forget the other delightful autumn-inspired beverages waiting to be explored. Indulge in the comforting flavours of apple pie with this wholesome and easy-to-make Apple Pie Smoothie. Elevate your mornings with the beloved Starbucks classic, reimagined in a dairy-free, homemade version – Pumpkin Spice Iced Latte. Or, celebrate the seasonal beauty of beets with a vibrant and nourishing Beet Berry Smoothie Bowl.

What is apple cider?

Apple cider is a beverage made from freshly pressed apples. It is typically unfiltered and unpasteurized, which means it retains the natural flavours and nutrients found in apples. 

The apple cider-making process begins with gently crushing fresh apples to release their sweet, natural juice. However, it’s important to note that this pure apple mixture is preservative-free, contributing to its relatively short shelf life. Over time, the absence of preservatives allows the cider to undergo natural fermentation, evolving into either apple cider vinegar or developing alcoholic qualities, depending on the duration of fermentation.

However, traditional apple cider is primarily a fresh, non-alcoholic apple juice. It is a popular fall beverage known for its sweet and slightly tart taste, often enjoyed hot or cold.

Ingredients

Crafted with a symphony of wholesome ingredients, this Chai-Spiced Apple Cider blends the best of fall’s flavours. 

Here’s what you will need:

• Apple cider
• Black tea leaves
• Apple slices
• Crushed green cardamom
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Fennel seeds
• Fresh ginger
• Oat milk
• Optional sweetener

I opt for a stainless steel spice infuser to hold the whole spices; this way, I don’t have to worry about picking out the tiny spices or straining the mixture.

Instructions

Here’s what you need to do to pull off the most Delicious hot chai-infused apple cider.

Step 1 – Infusing apple cider with spices:

Allow this fragrant blend to come to a boil, then simmer gently for 5 minutes. Now, it’s time to turn off the heat, cover and let the apple cider steep for 5 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld and mingle.

Step 2 – Adding creamy oat milk:

Step 3 – Remove the chunks

To serve, use tongs to effortlessly retrieve and remove the tea bags, apple slices, and ginger slices, along with the stainless steel spice infuser. Pour into mugs and enjoy!

Step 3 – Adjusting the sweetness (optional):

Sweetness is a matter of personal preference. If you desire a sweeter brew, feel free to add your preferred sweetener at this stage. Stir gently to ensure it’s well incorporated.

You can find everything you need in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for a complete list of ingredient measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions.

Cooking method tip: Gentle simmering

To achieve a perfectly balanced and flavorful Chai-Spiced Apple Cider, it’s important to maintain a gentle simmer throughout the brewing process. Avoid bringing the mixture to a rolling boil, as this can result in over-extraction of the spices, potentially leading to a bitter or overpowering taste.

The trick is to keep a close eye on your cider as it simmers. When small bubbles begin to form around the edges of the pot and steam rises, dial down the heat to maintain this gentle simmer. This ensures that the flavours from the spices and tea leaves infuse gradually and harmoniously, resulting in a well-rounded and aromatic beverage.

Food safe storage

Store leftover spiced hot apple cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave for a warm and comforting sip. Beyond that, the taste may change, and fermentation may begin.

Relished this Hot Apple Cider Drink? Share your thoughts and rating – your feedback adds warmth to my day. If you’re on Instagram, snap a pic of your cider, tag us, and spread the coziness!