Spiced Apple Chai Cooler
A Cozy, Refreshing Twist on Chai & Apple Cider
Fall in a Glass!
There’s something magical about warm spices, crisp apples, and a touch of sweetness—it’s the taste of fall in every sip! But why wait for autumn to roll around? My Spiced Apple Chai Cooler brings those cozy flavors to an iced, gluten-free drink that’s perfect any time of the year.
It’s a super easy recipe that combines freshly brewed chai tea with apple cider, a hint of maple syrup, and warm cinnamon. The result? A deliciously refreshing drink that has just the right amount of spice and sweetness.
Let’s get into it
Spiced Apple Chai Cooler
Ingredients
- 🍏 1 cup chilled apple cider (Martinelli’s Apple Cider)
- 🍵 1 cup brewed chai tea (cooled) (Tazo Chai Tea Bags)
- 🍁 1 tbsp maple syrup (Coombs Family Maple Syrup)
- 🍂 ½ tsp cinnamon (McCormick Ground Cinnamon)
- 🥄 ¼ tsp nutmeg (365 Organic Ground Nutmeg)
- ❄️ Ice cubes (Glacio Large Ice Cube Tray)
- 🍎 Apple slices & cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
Brew your chai tea.
Use a tea bag or loose leaf chai and steep it in hot water for 5 minutes.
Remove the tea bag or strain the tea leaves.
Let it cool in the fridge.
Mix it all together.
In a large mason jar or pitcher, combine chilled chai tea, apple cider, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Stir well until everything is mixed.
Serve it over ice.
Fill two glasses with ice cubes.
Pour the Spiced Apple Chai Cooler over the ice.
Garnish & enjoy
Add apple slices & a cinnamon stick for the final touch.
Notes
How Easy Is It to Make?
🔹 Difficulty Level: Super Easy!
🔹 Time Required: 10 minutes
🔹 Great For: A refreshing afternoon pick-me-up or a party drink
Kitchen Tools You'll Need
✅ Tea Infuser for Loose Leaf Chai– If you prefer using loose-leaf chai
✅ OXO Good Grips Measuring Spoons – For perfect spice measurements
✅ Bamboo Drink Stirrers – To mix the flavors well
** The Perfect Chai-Cider Fusion! **
If you love chai lattes and apple cider, this drink is your new go-to! It’s incredibly easy to make, bursting with warm spices and crisp apple flavor, and naturally gluten-free.
Looking for more cozy gluten-free drink ideas? Check out my other refreshing mocktails and tea-inspired beverages on The Wandering Quill!
If you wanted to enhance the Spiced Apple Chai Cooler in different ways depending on your preference—whether you want it creamier, tangier, spicier, or with an extra punch! Here are some customization ideas:
🍂 Creamy & Cozy Additions
- Oat milk or almond milk – Adds a smooth, latte-like feel
- Coconut milk – For a tropical, subtly sweet twist
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the warmth of the spices
🔥 Extra Spiced & Bold Flavors
- Star anise – Gives it a more complex, spiced aroma
- Cloves – A hint of deeper, earthy spice
- Cardamom – Adds a fragrant, slightly sweet floral touch
- Black peppercorns – Enhances the chai’s natural spice
🍯 Sweet & Flavorful Twists
- Caramel drizzle – A rich, dessert-like treat
- Brown sugar or maple sugar – A deeper, molasses-like sweetness
- Pumpkin purée – For an autumn-inspired chai-pumpkin fusion
🍎 Fruity Variations
- Pomegranate juice – Adds a tart contrast to the sweetness
- Pear nectar – A subtle, floral fruitiness
- Cranberry juice – A holiday-inspired twist with a tart punch
🍹 For an Adult Version
- Bourbon or spiced rum – A warm, boozy upgrade
- Apple brandy – Enhances the apple cider notes
- Vanilla vodka – Brings out the sweet and creamy flavors
