How to Make Chai Infused Apple Cider

Picture this: you're curled up by the window on a crisp afternoon, watching the world drift past while wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of something freshly steeped. That something is chai infused apple cider — a drink that brings together the best of both worlds. The warming spices of traditional chai tea, including cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, blend beautifully with apple cider's natural sweetness to create a beverage that's perfect for sharing with friends and family.

If you've been searching for the perfect fall-inspired drink recipe that goes beyond basic pumpkin spice, you've found it. This chai infused apple cider recipe is simple enough for everyday sipping yet special enough to impress guests at your next autumn gathering.

What Makes Chai Infused Apple Cider So Special?

This isn't just another seasonal drink trend — it's a thoughtful combination that makes perfect sense. Apple cider brings a balanced tartness and sweetness that's completely unique, while chai spices add layers of warmth and complexity that transform ordinary cider into something extraordinary.

The beauty of this drink lies in how the flavors complement each other. Chai's traditional spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves create rich, warming notes, and when you combine them with fresh apple cider, you're creating a beverage that captures everything we love about fall in a single sip.

Think of it as your cozy fall ritual in a mug: the kind of drink that brings people together and makes every gathering feel more special.

The Simple Recipe That Changes Everything

Here's what you need to know: making chai infused apple cider is wonderfully straightforward (that means yes, YOU can do this!). The magic ratio is 1 teaspoon of loose leaf chai to 1 ounce of apple cider. That's it — no complicated measurements or lengthy ingredient lists.

Here's how to make it:

1. Choose your chai blend — loose leaf works best for this recipe since it allows the spices to fully infuse into the cider; any blend will do!

2. Measure your ingredients — use 1 teaspoon loose leaf chai per 1 ounce of apple cider

3. Combine and simmer — add both to a saucepan and let them simmer on the stovetop together for 15 minutes

4. Strain and serve — remove the tea leaves and pour into your favorite mug

The 15-minute simmering time is crucial here. It's long enough for the chai spices to fully release their flavors into the cider, creating that perfect balance of apple sweetness and warming spices that makes this drink so irresistible.

Perfect Additions to Make It Extra Special

Want to take your chai infused apple cider from good to absolutely unforgettable? Here are some delicious additions that'll have your friends asking for the recipe:

Honey sticks are our top recommendation — they add natural sweetness while giving everyone their own little stirring stick. Plus, there's something so satisfying about stirring your drink with a honey stick and watching it slowly dissolve.  We recommend 1 honey stick per every 16-32 oz cider, but adjust to personal preference.   

A splash of cream or your favorite milk transforms this into a chai cider latte that's incredibly cozy. Oat milk works beautifully here if you want something plant-based.  Add the cream to the beverage as you serve it  

A pinch of vanilla extract adds sweetness and depth that makes the whole drink feel more luxurious. (Personally I love a small dollop of vanilla bean paste for this.)

Tips for the Perfect Cup Every Time

Want to make sure your chai infused apple cider turns out perfect every single time? Here are some pro tips from our tea community:

Choose quality ingredients. Since this recipe is so simple, each component really matters. Look for fresh, unfiltered apple cider when possible — it has more flavor and character than the processed stuff.

Experiment with chai blends. Different chai teas will give you different flavor profiles.  It’s fun to explore the options.

Don't skimp on the steep time. Those 15 minutes of simmering will extract maximum flavor.  Don’t be tempted to rush it.

Taste and adjust. Some people love a stronger chai flavor — if that's you, try 1.5 teaspoons of chai per ounce of cider, and/or, simmer for up to 30 minutes.  It’s your beverage so adjust as needed.

Making It Perfect for Sharing

The beautiful thing about this recipe is how perfectly it scales up for gatherings. Planning a fall dinner party? A cozy movie night with friends? This drink is about to become your secret weapon for creating those warm, memorable moments.

For a crowd, just multiply the ratios (remember: 1 teaspoon chai per 1 ounce cider) and simmer everything together in a larger pot. Set up a little garnish station with honey sticks, cinnamon sticks, and cream so everyone can customize their cup exactly how they like it.

You can even prep this in slow cookers for larger groups — just follow the same ratios and let it stay warm on low heat. Your guests will be talking about this drink long after the evening ends.

The Perfect Addition to Your Fall Traditions

There's something magical about having a signature fall drink that becomes part of your seasonal traditions. Chai infused apple cider isn't just a beverage — it's the perfect backdrop for those cozy conversations with friends, family game nights, and quiet moments when you want to savor the season.

Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner, having friends over for a football game, or just want something special to sip while reading a good book, this drink brings that European café culture feeling right into your own home. It's the kind of simple luxury that makes ordinary moments feel special.

Ready to make chai infused apple cider part of your fall tradition? Head over to our chai tea collection to find the perfect blend for your cider, or explore our autumn tea collection for more autumn-inspired options. Your perfect cup — and the memories you'll make sharing it — are waiting.