Apple Butter Iced Tea is a cool and refreshing drink with a hint of sweet, spiced apple flavor. It combines the smooth taste of iced tea with the rich, cozy notes of apple butter, making it a perfect treat on a warm day or anytime you want a little fall comfort in a glass.
I love how this tea brings together something familiar like apple butter in a new, fun way. It’s super easy to make, and I like to add a few ice cubes and a slice of fresh apple on top to make it feel a little extra special. It’s the kind of drink that tastes like a warm hug, even when it’s chilled.
This iced tea is a great choice for sharing with friends at a picnic or just enjoying quietly on your porch. If you like your tea on the sweeter side, a touch of honey or maple syrup can be a nice touch. I’ve found that the flavors get better the longer it sits, so making it ahead of time is a smart move for busy days.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Tea: Assam or English Breakfast teas work well here for their strong, full flavor. If you prefer something lighter, try green tea or a fruity herbal tea instead.
Apple Butter: This adds rich apple flavor and spices. If you don’t have apple butter, you can use apple sauce with a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s a nice way to keep the flavor balanced and sweet.
Sweeteners: Honey and maple syrup both blend smoothly into warm tea. Use what you have or prefer. For a vegan option, stick with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Lemon and Apple Slices: Fresh lemon brightens the tea, and apple slices add nice texture and more fruitiness. You can swap lemon with lime for a slightly different citrus twist.
How Do You Get Apple Butter to Blend Smoothly Into Tea?
Mixing apple butter into tea can be tricky because it’s thick. Here’s a simple way to get a smooth blend:
- Stir the apple butter into the tea while it’s still warm so it dissolves easier.
- Add a little honey or maple syrup to help thin the mixture and add sweetness.
- Use a whisk or spoon to keep stirring until the apple butter is fully incorporated.
- If there are still lumps, briefly pour the tea into a blender or use an immersion blender to smooth it out, then chill as usual.
This helps keep the flavors mixed well and ensures that each cool sip tastes balanced and delicious.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan – great for boiling water and steeping tea evenly.
- Wooden or silicone spoon – perfect for stirring in apple butter without scratching your pan.
- Pitcher – ideal for cooling and serving your iced tea all in one place.
- Fine mesh strainer (optional) – helps remove any apple butter bits for a smoother drink.
- Tall glasses – to hold plenty of ice and your refreshing iced tea.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chai tea bags instead of black tea for a spicy, warming twist that pairs well with apple butter.
- Add a cinnamon stick or star anise while steeping to boost the cozy fall flavor.
- Swap fresh lemon slices with orange slices for a sweeter citrus note.
- Stir in a splash of sparkling water before serving for a fizzy, fun variation.
How to Make Apple Butter Iced Tea?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags (such as Assam or English Breakfast)
- 2 tablespoons apple butter
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, to taste
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (plus extra slices for garnish)
- 1 small apple, thinly sliced or peeled into strips
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint and thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and steep the tea, plus at least 2 hours in the refrigerator to chill. Overall, plan for around 2 hours and 15 minutes to have your refreshing Apple Butter Iced Tea ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Steep the Tea:
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a pot. Remove from heat and add the black tea bags. Let them steep for 5-7 minutes for a rich flavor. Then, remove the tea bags carefully.
2. Add Apple Butter and Sweetener:
While the tea is still warm, stir in the apple butter and honey or maple syrup. Keep stirring until the apple butter is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth and even.
3. Add Fruit and Cool Down:
Add the lemon slices and apple slices to the tea for fresh flavor. Allow the tea to cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes before moving on.
4. Chill the Tea:
Transfer the tea to a pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours so it becomes cold and refreshing.
5. Serve Your Apple Butter Iced Tea:
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes and pour the chilled tea over them. Garnish with a slice of lemon, a sprig of mint, and a thyme sprig if you like. Stir gently and enjoy the crisp, sweet, and spiced flavors!
Enjoy this refreshing fall drink alongside our chewy and sweet Salted Caramel Apple Bars. For cozy mornings, you’ll love the decadent Pumpkin Pie French Toast. And if you’re craving a spiced bake, try our flavorful Spiced Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Glaze.
Can I Use Tea Bags Other Than Black Tea?
Yes! While black tea gives a strong base, you can use green tea, chai, or herbal teas for different flavor profiles. Just adjust steeping time as needed to avoid bitterness.
How Do I Make Sure the Apple Butter Mixes Well?
Stir the apple butter into the warm tea so it dissolves smoothly. If lumps remain, whisk vigorously or use a blender for a silky texture before chilling.
Can I Prepare This Iced Tea in Advance?
Absolutely! The tea actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours. Make it the night before and keep it refrigerated until serving.
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Butter Iced Tea?
Store leftovers in a sealed pitcher or container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before serving as flavors may settle.