Autumn Spice Iced Tea Mocktail
This cozy iced tea mocktail brings together chai tea, apple cider, citrus, and classic fall spices. It’s a festive, alcohol-free drink that’s both comforting and refreshing—perfect for gatherings or solo sipping!
Equipment
- Large pitcher
- Small saucepan
- Teapot or kettle
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Ice cube tray
- Tall glasses
- Citrus juicer
- Peeler
- Muddler
Ingredients
- 3 cups brewed chai tea black, vanilla chai, or black tea
- 1 cup apple cider or unsweetened apple juice
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup cranberry juice
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey or brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin spice or chai spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1-2 inch fresh ginger sliced
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- 1/2 sparkling water or club soda, ginger ale, or pear juice
- apple, orange, and pear slices for garnish
- fresh rosemary sprig or cinnamon stick garnish
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Brew your chai tea strong, then let it cool off to room temp.
- In a small saucepan, simmer apple cider, orange juice, maple syrup, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, ginger, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice for about 10 minutes. Strain and let cool.
- In a pitcher, combine cooled tea with your spiced juice mix.
- Add cranberry juice and vanilla extract (if using). Stir.
- Fill glasses with ice and pour in the mocktail.
- Top each glass with sparkling water, ginger ale, club soda, or pear juice for fizz. Stir gently.
- Garnish with fruit slices, rosemary, cranberries, or a cinnamon stick. Serve chilled.
Notes
Use strong chai for bold flavor. Adjust spices or sweeteners to taste. Fresh fruit makes a pretty garnish. For creaminess, add oat milk or a swirl of pumpkin puree. Keeps in the fridge for a day.