Ever wondered how they enjoy their tea in Türkiye? Walk into any hospitable Ankara home and the owners are certain to greet you with a tangy and sweet Turkish Apple tea! Given this brew tastes beautiful hot or iced, it's also the perfect tea for springtime.

Find our recipe and a little more backstory on this wonderful tea below.

What is Turkish Apple Tea?

Türkiye has a rich tea (çay) history that goes back centuries given its prominence within the greater history of the Silk Road trade route. In fact, Turkish Delight in our Silk Road tea box is a nod to this country's love for the humble loose leaf. 

Moreover, Turkish Apple tea is a special subset of Turkish tea culture. Known as Elma Çayı in Turkish, apple tea has traditional folk usage as a herbal treatment for an upset tummy. Like most Turkish teas, Turkish Apple comes traditionally served in tulip-shaped glasses called ince belli. 

Lastly, it's important to note that Turkish Apple tea isn't a true tea at all...it's a fruit tisane made from crystallised apple granules! This process gives the brew an extra sugary taste, which is why it's important to add zest (lemon) and spice (cinnamon) to balance out the flavours in Turkish Apple tea.

You'll need:

• 300 ml water
• 1–2 tbs (approx. 25 g) of Turkish Apple Tea 
• 1 apple
• 1 lemon
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• Optional: apple slices, honey or mint

Utensils:

• Saucepan
• Strainer
• Iced tea jug/flask (if you're making the iced recipe)
• 2 Turkish (tulip-shaped) glass cups
• Perfect cup measuring spoon

Turkish Apple Recipe (Hot)

1. Roughly slice one apple and lemon. Add to the saucepan alongside sugared Turkish Apple tea and cinnamon.
2. Pour the water into the saucepan and simmer (medium-low heat) on the stovetop for five minutes or until the sugared powder has softened/the apple has dissolved.
3. While the brew is simmering, gently squash the apple and lemon slices to release more flavour into the infusion.
4. Turn off the heat and take the saucepan off the stovetop. When cooled, carefully pour the brew into your Turkish glasses, using a strainer to catch any pulp or cinnamon.
5. Add in your choice of optional garnishes. Serve and enjoy!

Turkish Apple Recipe (Iced)

1. Roughly slice one apple and lemon. Add to the saucepan alongside sugared Turkish Apple tea and cinnamon.
2. Pour in 250ml into the saucepan and simmer (medium-low heat) on the stovetop for five minutes or until the sugared powder has softened/the apple has dissolved.
3. While the brew is simmering, gently squash the apple and lemon slices to release more flavour into the infusion.
4. Turn off the heat and take the saucepan off the stovetop. When cooled, carefully pour the brew into your jug or flask, using a strainer to catch any pulp or cinnamon.
5. Place the jug/flask in your fridge and leave it for at least 4 hours to ice. You can also speed up this process by adding ice.
6. Add in your choice of optional garnishes and ice if you wish. Serve and enjoy!