Description

A festive, make-ahead iced tea infused with crisp apples, warm cinnamon, and honey. This refreshing beverage honors Rosh Hashanah traditions without the artificial sugar rush, pairing perfectly with holiday meals.

Ingredients

Scale

8–10 black tea bags (e.g., Lipton or Typhoo)
8 cups water (divided: 4 cups for brewing, 4 cups for dilution/chilling)
3 large apples (mixed Granny Smith and Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup warm water (for dissolving honey)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 lemon, juiced
3–4 cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
Ice
Optional: 1-2 pieces star anise, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Remove from heat, add tea bags, and steep for 10-15 minutes to create a strong concentrate. Remove and discard tea bags without squeezing. Let cool to room temperature.
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup honey and 1/2 cup warm water. Stir vigorously until honey is completely dissolved. Stir in 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon to create a honey-cinnamon syrup.
Wash and thinly slice the apples (about 1/4 inch thick), leaving the skin on. Remove cores and seeds.
In a large pitcher, combine the cooled strong tea, honey-cinnamon syrup, and lemon juice. Stir well.
Add the sliced apples (and optional star anise or vanilla) to the pitcher. Stir gently to mix.
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to infuse.
To serve, fill glasses with ice. Pour the chilled tea over the ice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and an apple slice.

Notes

Brew the tea strong as it will be diluted by ice and apples. Use room temperature honey for easier mixing. Do not peel apples to retain flavor and color. The tea keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Beverage
Cuisine: Jewish

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 glass
Calories: 45
Sugar: 10
Sodium: 5
Carbohydrates: 12
Fiber: 0.5

Keywords: Rosh Hashanah, iced tea, honey apple tea, cinnamon tea, holiday drinks, make-ahead beverage, gluten-free, vegan, fall recipes