- Why is it bitter?
- You steeped the tea too long (releasing tannins) or got the white pith of the orange peel in it.
- Best tea to use?
- Quality Earl Grey or Ceylon tea.
Spiced Apple-Orange Black Tea
Tea is more than just hot water. Here, we balance the tannic depth of black tea with fresh fruit sweetness. Hot water opens the fruit's cells, releasing natural flavors into the brew, creating a vitamin-rich 'punch' without the alcohol.
Ingredients
2
cups
Water
2
bags
Black Tea
1
whole
Apple
1
whole
Orange (Organic)
1
stick
Cinnamon
3
whole
Cloves
1
tbsp
Honey
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Kettle or Pot
- Tea Strainer
- Heatproof Pitcher
Instructions
1
✓
Boil water with cinnamon and cloves for 2-3 minutes.
Tip: Hard spices need time and heat to release flavor, unlike delicate tea leaves.
2
✓
Remove from heat, add tea bags, and steep for exactly 3-5 minutes. Remove bags.
Tip: After 3 minutes you get caffeine; after 5 you get bitterness.
3
✓
Slice apple and orange thinly (peel on).
Tip: Orange peel oil (limonene) provides the aroma.
4
✓
Add fruit and honey to the hot tea. Let sit 2-3 minutes.
Tip: The hot liquid blanches the fruit, melding the flavors via osmosis.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 2 cups Water
- 2 bags Black Tea
- 1 whole Apple
- 1 whole Orange (Organic)
- 1 stick Cinnamon
- 3 whole Cloves
- 1 tbsp Honey