Cozy Apple Cinnamon Star Anise Tea with Honey

This delightful blend of apples, cinnamon, star anise, and honey will fill your home with the comforting aromas of the season and warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 1 medium apple, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 whole star anise
• 2-3 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)
• 4 black tea bags (optional, for a caffeinated version)

Instructions

1. Prepare the fruit and spices: Wash and slice the apple into thin wedges. No need to peel it – the skin adds extra flavor and nutrients!
2. Start the simmer: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
3. Infuse the flavors: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 15-20 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more intense the flavors will become.
4. Add tea (optional): If you’d like a caffeinated version, add the black tea bags during the last 3-5 minutes of simmering.
5. Sweeten to taste: Remove the pan from heat and stir in honey to your desired level of sweetness. Remember, you can always add more later!
6. Strain and serve: Using a fine-mesh strainer, pour the tea into mugs, leaving behind the apple slices and spices.

Serving Suggestion

Serve your aromatic tea hot in your favorite mugs. For an extra touch of coziness, garnish each mug with a fresh apple slice and a cinnamon stick stirrer. Find a comfortable spot, perhaps by a window to watch the falling leaves, and savor each sip of this comforting brew.

Tips and Variations

• Spice it up: For an extra kick, add a small piece of fresh ginger or a few whole cloves to the simmering mixture.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of milk or your favorite non-dairy alternative for a latte-like experience.
• Batch brew: Double or triple the recipe and store the leftover tea in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop when ready to enjoy again.

Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Feel free to adjust the ratios of ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Happy sipping!