Apple Peel Tea simmers gently with a cinnamon stick and apple peels, turning kitchen scraps into a subtly sweet, comforting brew. This light, warm drink is ready in just 25 minutes and supports wellness goals by making hydration feel like a treat. Stir in a little honey for a cozy sip that’s perfect for staying refreshed and mindful on your weight loss journey.
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Ingredients for Apple Peel Tea
For the tea
- Apple Peels – Make sure they’re thoroughly washed—organic apples are ideal here.
- Water – Just plain filtered water works perfectly.
- Cinnamon Stick – Optional, but it adds such a cozy, warming note to the tea.
For sweetness
- Honey – Adjust to taste, but it’s the perfect natural sweetener for this cozy drink.
Cook Time for Homemade Apple Peel Tea
I love that this cozy apple peel tea comes together so quickly. It’s the kind of gentle, warm cinnamon apple peel drink I can whip up after a busy morning at the farmers’ market.
Best of all, it uses bits we might otherwise toss—talk about a happy, no-waste moment in the kitchen!
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
If you love quick, satisfying sips like this, you might also enjoy my soothing lemon ginger tonic for another cozy option.
How to Make Spiced Apple Peel Tea
Making this steeped apple peel honey beverage feels like a hug in a mug. Let’s walk through it step-by-step.
Step 1: Combine Apple Peels and Water
In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups of apple peels and 4 cups of water. Use a spoon to gently stir the mixture, ensuring the peels are fully submerged.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Add 1 cinnamon stick to the saucepan for additional flavor, if desired.
Step 3: Simmer Gently
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, ensuring it does not boil vigorously.
Step 4: Steep to Infuse Flavor
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture steep for 15 minutes, allowing the apple flavors to fully infuse into the water.
Step 5: Strain the Tea
Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof pitcher or teapot, discarding the apple peels and cinnamon stick.
Step 6: Sweeten to Taste
Stir in 2 tablespoons of honey while the tea is still warm, adjusting the amount to achieve your preferred level of sweetness.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the tea warm in mugs, or let it cool and pour it over ice for a chilled beverage.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this sweet spiced apple peel infusion even more delightful. Here are my favorite ways to personalize it.
- Flavor Swap: Try a cardamom pod instead of cinnamon for a floral twist—it’s lovely with apple. If you enjoy cardamom, my cardamom lemonade is another refreshing choice.
- Diet Tweak: For a sugar-free version, skip the honey or use a touch of stevia. The natural apple sweetness often shines through on its own.
- Prep Fix: Always wash apples well, even if organic. A quick scrub under water ensures your tea is pure and clean.
- Storage Tip: Keep any leftover tea in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to three days. Gently reheat on the stove for a quick warm-up.
And if you’re looking for more ways to use up apples, my roundup of healthy apple snacks has plenty of inspiration.
Apple Peel Tea
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple peels from about 6-8 medium apples, washed thoroughly
- 4 cups water
- 1 stick cinnamon optional
- 2 tablespoons honey or to taste
Equipment
- saucepan
- Strainer
Method
- In a medium saucepan, combine the apple peels and water. Stir gently to ensure the peels are submerged.
- Add the cinnamon stick to the saucepan, if using, for extra flavor.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Do not boil vigorously.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the tea steep for 15 minutes, allowing the apple flavors to infuse into the water.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof pitcher or teapot, discarding the peels and cinnamon stick.
- Stir in the honey while the tea is still warm, adjusting the amount to your desired sweetness.
- Serve the apple peel tea warm in mugs, or let it cool and serve over ice for a refreshing drink.
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
This simple apple peel tea brings more than just warmth to your cup—it’s packed with subtle wellness perks that make sipping feel nourishing. I love knowing that something so easy can support my body gently, especially during busy days.
Apple peels are rich in fiber and antioxidants, which can aid digestion and offer a natural boost. When simmered into this homemade apple peel tea, those benefits steep right into your mug.
Many folks wonder, What are the benefits of apple peel tea? For me, it’s about feeling refreshed and grounded. The warmth alone is soothing, but there’s more happening beneath the surface.
According to prebiotics in apple peels, compounds found in the peel can help support a healthy gut. It’s a lovely little bonus in every sip.
This steeped apple peel honey beverage is also hydrating and low in calories, making it a wonderful choice if you’re mindful of your wellness routine. I often enjoy it in the afternoon instead of reaching for something sugary.
If you’re curious about other gentle, health-supporting drinks, my lemon chia fresca is another favorite. Or explore more ideas in my roundup of 25 healthy drink recipes for everyday sips.
A Lighter Version of Spiced Apple Peel Tea
If you’re looking to keep things even simpler or reduce sweetness, this spiced apple peel tea adapts beautifully. I’ve made it both ways depending on the day—sometimes I want that hint of honey, other times just the pure apple warmth.
For a truly sugar-free version, simply skip the honey altogether. The natural sweetness from the apple peels often shines through on its own, especially if you use sweeter apple varieties like Fuji or Gala.
You can also add a pinch of warming spices like nutmeg or clove along with the cinnamon. It deepens the flavor without adding a single calorie. I love how versatile this warm cinnamon apple peel drink can be.
If you enjoy exploring low-sugar options, you might also like my fruit-infused water for a refreshing twist. Or try my green tea lemonade for another light, flavorful sip.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
Over the years, I’ve shared this apple peel tea with friends and family who have different dietary needs, and I’ve learned a few simple tweaks along the way. It’s all about making little adjustments so everyone can enjoy a cozy cup.
For a sugar-free version that’s still gently sweet, try steeping a date or two along with the apple peels—it gives a subtle caramel note without refined sugar. Or use a touch of stevia if you prefer.
If you’re sugar-conscious or looking for diabetic-friendly options, remember that the natural sugars in apple peels are less concentrated than in the fruit itself. You can also shorten the steeping time to reduce sweetness intensity.
For even more control, skip added sweeteners entirely and let the apple and cinnamon speak for themselves. Sometimes I add a fresh mint leaf at the end for a bright, refreshing finish that feels special without any sugar.
How to Serve Apple Peel Tea
There’s something truly comforting about holding a warm mug of this homemade apple peel herbal tea—it feels like a quiet moment of kindness for yourself. I often make a pot in the late afternoon and savor it slowly while looking out at the garden.
I remember my grandmother would sometimes serve her version of this tea with a thin slice of apple floating on top. It felt so elegant, even though it was made from scraps. That memory inspired me to garnish mine with a cinnamon stick or a twist of lemon.
This apple peel tea pairs wonderfully with a simple oat cookie or a slice of nut bread. For something savory, try it alongside my healthy apple snacks roundup—the crisp, fresh flavors complement the warm tea beautifully.
If you’re serving it chilled, pour over ice and add a sprig of fresh mint. It’s so refreshing on a warm afternoon. And if you love exploring seasonal sips, my hibiscus tea recipe is another vibrant option for your collection.
However you choose to enjoy it, this tea is really about slowing down and savoring the moment. Whether it’s just for you or shared with someone you love, it’s a little ritual that feels like home.
Mistakes to Avoid
Over the years, I’ve learned that even the simplest recipes have little pitfalls. I remember the first time I made this apple peel tea, I boiled the peels vigorously and ended up with a bitter, cloudy brew. It was a gentle lesson in patience that I’m happy to share so you can skip the missteps.
One common mistake is using waxed or non-organic apple peels without a good wash. Pesticides or wax can seep into your tea, so I always give my peels a quick scrub under cool water first. This small step makes a big difference in the purity of your homemade apple peel tea.
Another misstep is over-boiling the peels. A gentle simmer is all you need to extract the sweet, subtle flavors. If the water rolls at a boil, it can release tannins that make the tea taste harsh. I keep mine at a soft bubble, just like when I make my lemon ginger tonic.
Finally, don’t forget to strain the tea thoroughly. Those tiny bits of peel can settle at the bottom and become unpleasant to drink. I use a fine-mesh sieve, and sometimes even a cheesecloth for the clearest sip. For more tips on getting the most from simple ingredients, check out this guide on zero-waste fruit peel tea.
Ultimately, this simmered apple peel cinnamon tea is forgiving. Once you know these little tricks, you’ll find it’s one of the most reliable ways to turn scraps into something lovely.
How to Store Apple Peel Tea
My grandmother never wasted a thing, and she taught me that a good apple peel tea can be enjoyed beyond the day it’s made. She’d often pour any leftover tea into a glass jar and tuck it in the icebox for a cool treat later. That habit stuck with me, and now I always make a little extra.
For short-term storage, let your tea cool completely before pouring it into a clean, airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. I find the flavor of this steeped apple peel honey beverage actually deepens a bit when chilled.
If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a fantastic option. I pour the cooled tea into ice cube trays; later, I pop a few cubes into a glass for a quick iced tea. It’s a lovely way to preserve the taste of autumn apples. For another refreshing drink that stores beautifully, my celery apple juice is a crisp option.
When you’re ready to enjoy your stored tea, you can gently reheat it on the stove or simply pour it over ice. I sometimes add a fresh cinnamon stick or a slice of lemon to perk it up. It’s as easy as making a batch of my fruit-infused water for a quick, healthy sip.
Try This Apple Peel Tea Yourself
I truly hope you’ll give this apple peel tea recipe a try. There’s a special kind of satisfaction in creating something so soothing from what might have been tossed away. It reminds me of slow afternoons at my grandma’s table, where nothing was wasted and everything had purpose.
Whether you’re sipping it warm on a crisp morning or enjoying it chilled after a long day, this tea is a small ritual of care. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. And if you’re looking for more simple, wholesome drinks, you might enjoy exploring these favorites:
For a tangy, health-boosting option, my apple cider vinegar drink is a staple in my kitchen. If you love the grapefruit flavor, the grapefruit apple cider vinegar drink is wonderfully refreshing. For something with a tropical twist, the Brazilian mounjaro drink is a unique choice.
If tea is your comfort, my hibiscus tea recipe drink offers a vibrant color and tart flavor. And for a citrusy kick, the green tea lemonade drink recipe is perfect for afternoons. Finally, the lemon ginger tonic drink recipe is my go-to when I need a warming, soothing lift.
Happy brewing! I hope this warm cinnamon apple peel drink becomes a cherished part of your routine, just as it has in mine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of apple peel tea?
This homemade apple peel herbal tea is a gentle source of fiber and antioxidants from the peels. It can support digestion and hydration, making it a lovely, low-calorie addition to your day. I find it’s a comforting way to feel nourished.
What do boiling apple peels do?
Simmering apple peels gently in water helps release their natural pectin, vitamins, and subtle apple flavor into the liquid. It’s this process that transforms simple scraps into a flavorful, sweet spiced apple peel infusion. Just remember to keep it at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil.
Can you make tea out of apple peels?
Absolutely! Making tea from apple peels is a wonderful zero-waste practice. You just need fresh, clean peels, water, and a few minutes of simmering time. It’s the heart of this easy apple peel tea recipe and a tradition I love sharing.
Is apple peel good for health?
Yes, apple peels contain a concentration of nutrients like fiber and antioxidants. When steeped into tea, these compounds can offer gentle health perks. For a deeper dive, the article on prebiotics in apple peels explains the gut-health benefits beautifully.
More Cozy Drink Recipes You’ll Love
If this apple peel tea hit the spot, you might be craving more warm, comforting sips. Here are a few of my go-to recipes for quiet moments and cozy afternoons.
Cardamom Lemonade – A uniquely fragrant and soothing twist on classic lemonade that feels both exotic and familiar.
Lemon Chia Fresca – A refreshing and hydrating drink with a fun texture that’s perfect for a healthy boost.
Hibiscus Tea – A vibrant, tart tea that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, served hot or iced.
Green Tea Lemonade – The perfect balance of earthy and citrusy flavors for an invigorating pick-me-up.
