Apple Cider Iced Tea is a fun fall-inspired iced tea recipe. Black tea is paired with apple cider and served over ice for a chilled drink. This fall tea recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Don’t wait; try this apple cider tea today.

apple cider iced tea in a glass with a shot of the glass with a straw in it and diced fresh apples with ice cubes

This tea is a drink that can be enjoyed at your favorite events, such as a chili cook-off, tailgating before the game, or sipping on your front porch on a cool fall day.

Apple Cider Iced Tea glasses on table with apples and cinnamon sticks around glasses and a red and white striped straw in each mason glass

I love a good fall drink! If you do too, try my caramel apple margarita, slow cooker hot chocolate, or even mulled apple cider.

Apple Cider Iced Teas on table in mason jars with apples and cinnamon sticks spread over the table and fresh diced apples in the glasses

What Is Apple Cider Iced Tea

This tea is exactly how it sounds. It is an iced tea base with an apple cider pairing for a sweet and tart twist to a traditional iced tea. You will brew tea and add the right amount of cold apple cider.

You might also want to try my easy raspberry tea and strawberry tea recipes on the site. Both are sweet, fruity teas.

apple cider iced tea in a glass with an overhead look of glass with a straw in it and diced fresh apples with ice cubes

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Iced Tea

This hydrating recipe with a tasty twist will help you get your liquid intake for the day.
You can serve this for special occasions or keep it in the fridge for weekly sipping.
Easy to make and quick to customize to fit your preferred flavor preferences.
A healthy drink that will help give you a boost of antioxidants and help hydrate, and the tea has some nutrient benefits as well.
This is a light tea; you can add less or more apple cider to adjust the sweetness you would like.

Ingredients

Hot Water: You will want filtered water to brew your tea.

Apple Cider: Mix your favorite cold apple cider with the tea—cold pressed, unfiltered, etc.

Tea Bags: I used black tea as the base for this iced tea, but you can easily substitute a different type of tea.

Apple: Slice and use the apple to garnish the tea if you would like.

Ice: You can’t have iced tea without ice!

small pitcher of apple cider iced tea on table with apples and cinnamon sticks around it, and jars and cutting board in the background

Variations and Substitutes

Here are a few ways you can change the flavor of this tea recipe. Feel free to make it as is or customize it to match your preferences.

You can use any tea you would like. Replace your black tea with chai, caffeine-free, green, etc. Brew the tea as directed.
You can use sparkling cider instead of classic cider to add a bubbly texture to the drink. The biggest thing is to serve immediately once you add the sparkling cider to the tea.
Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, and even star anise to the hot water and tea bags to spice up the tea. Remove the spices before you pour and serve.
Slice up some lemons or even oranges and place them in the pitcher with the tea to add a citrus twist and a pretty presentation value.
To make the drink an adult beverage, add a splash of rum, bourbon, or your other favorite alcohol.
Swap the apple cider with cranberry or pomegranate juice for a total flavor variation.

table setting with apple cider teas in glasses with straws. Tea bags, a variety of apples, cinnamon sticks and pitcher of tea all on table

Storing

Refrigerate the tea in a pitcher or sealed container for up to 4 days. Stir the drink between servings, as it can separate a bit. Store without ice, as the ice will melt and water down the tea.

mason jar with an apple tea sitting on it on a wooden coaster and other glasses and apples spread over the table with a sprinkle of cinnamon on table

Helpful Tips for Making Apple Cider Tea

Brew your tea as directed. Using too hot water can cause your tea to become bitter.

Allow your tea to steep for the correct amount of time. If you remove it from the water too quickly, you can nave a very light tea.

cider tea in a pitcher with cinnamon sticks and whole apples around it showing this is an apple cider iced tea

If you want to start with a sweeter tea base, add sugar, maple syrup, or even honey to sweeten the tea before adding the cider.

Quality ingredients are imperative for the best flavor of the iced tea.

You can make a regular batch or double or triple the recipe to serve a crowd. Just measure correctly to ensure the right ratio of flavors.

Apple Cider Iced Teas on table in two glasses, a large pitcher, with tea bags, cinnamon sticks and apples all over table

FAQs

Can I make apple cider iced tea ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this up to a day ahead of time. Just mix and store in the fridge. Then, before you will serve, stir well and serve over ice.

Apple Cider Iced Tea on table with a wooden cutting board under it and a straw sticking out the side

What type of tea works best for apple cider iced tea?

I find that black tea works best for making iced tea as it has a bolder flavor. But you can also use green tea or your favorite herbal tea for a lighter flavor.

apple cider and tea in glasses on table with a sprinkle of cinnamon on table and apples

How can I adjust the sweetness of the iced tea?

Adding more apple cider to the mixture will sweeten up the tea. Using less apple cider helps to make this tea less sweet. You could also sweeten it with a simple or maple syrup for an even sweeter tea.