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Cracker Barrel Apple Tea

Helen T. Patterson
Cracker Barrel Apple Tea is a refreshing and flavorful drink that combines the smoothness of black tea, the sweetness of apple juice, and the tanginess of lemon.
This homemade version is simple to make and can be enjoyed both hot and cold, making it a versatile beverage for any season.
With the ability to adjust sweetness and experiment with spices or garnishes, this drink is a crowd-pleaser at gatherings or perfect for a cozy solo moment.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 70 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Pot (4 cups capacity for boiling water)
  • 1 Pitcher (for mixing the tea and apple juice, 2-3 quarts)
  • 1 Measuring Cup (for measuring liquids)
  • 1 Ladle or Spoon (for stirring)
  • 1 Lemon Squeezer (optional, for squeezing lemon juice)

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups Water
  • 2 Black Tea Bags
  • 2 cups Apple Juice 100% pure
  • 1/2 Lemon juiced
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar or to taste
  • Optional Garnishes: Apple slices lemon wedges, cinnamon stick

Instructions
 

Boil Water:

  • In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.

Steep Tea:

  • Once the water is boiling, remove the pot from the heat and add the 2 black tea bags.
    Let it steep for about 5 minutes (longer if you prefer a stronger tea flavor). Remove the tea bags and discard them.

Prepare the Apple Juice Mixture:

  • In a pitcher, combine 2 cups of apple juice with the juice of 1/2 lemon. Stir to combine.

Mix Tea and Apple Juice:

  • Pour the brewed tea into the pitcher with the apple juice and lemon mixture. Stir until well combined.

Sweeten the Tea:

  • Add 1/4 cup of sugar (or adjust to taste) and stir until completely dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.

Serve:

  • For hot tea, serve immediately.
    For iced tea, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving over ice.
    Optionally, garnish with apple slices, lemon wedges, or a cinnamon stick for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Sugar Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the sugar based on your taste preference. You can also use natural sweeteners like honey, agave, or stevia for a different sweetness profile.
  • Iced or Hot: This tea is versatile! You can enjoy it chilled during warmer months or as a comforting hot beverage when it’s cold outside.
  • Flavor Variations: Add spices like cinnamon or cloves to infuse more flavor. A pinch of ginger also works well to add warmth to the drink.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Keyword Cracker Barrel Apple Tea