Contemplating your next fireside sipper? Inspired by a hot apple cider, this spiced apple non-alcoholic martini amps up the flavor with traditional chai tea spices and a splash of lemon – shaken and served up straight, ice cold.
And the best part of it: it’s dead easy. I use posh chai tea bags – I love Tea Pigs – as a cheat’s infusion with the apple juice. It brings all the flavor without any need to trawl through your spice rack.
This mocktail has a comforting fragrance perfect for those days when you need to cosset yourself. It’s a warming, spiced hug in a glass.
This is what you’ll need to get started:
Ingredients
- 4 oz. (120 ml) spiced apple juice (see below)
- ¾ oz. (22.5 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Drip of honey to taste (optional)
- Cinnamon stick to garnish (optional)
For the spiced apple juice:
- 4 oz. (150 ml) apple juice
- 1 chai tea bag (fork out on a quality brand)
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger
- Citrus juicer
- Martini glass
Instructions
- Bring the apple juice to a boil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
- Once boiled, take off the heat and add the chai tea bag to the pan.
- Let the tea bag steep for 3-5 minutes.
- Discard the tea bag and leave the spiced juice to cool to room temperature.
- Once cool, add the spiced apple and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
- Throw in a handful of ice, and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is extremely cold (about 15-20 seconds).
- Strain the mixture into a martini glass.
- Garnish with lemon peel and/or a cinnamon stick.
Note: If you’d like to sweeten the drink further, add a drip of honey into the shaker along with the other mocktail ingredients.
Similar Mocktails
If you like Chai Town, check out:
- Tropical Bliss: Pineapple, Coconut and Cardamon Non-Alcoholic Martini
- Ginger Bomb: Spicy Ginger, Lemon and Cinnamon Non-Alcoholic Martini
Spiced Apple Non-Alcoholic Martini FAQ
Can I use any type of apple juice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of apple juice that you like. I like to use cloudy apple juice because I feel that it adds a little more character to the drink.
Can I use loose chai tea instead of a tea bag?
Yes, you can use loose chai tea. Simply place the loose tea in a tea infuser or cheesecloth and steep it in the apple juice as instructed.
Can I use a different type of tea instead of chai?
This recipe calls for a fragrant spiced tea to achieve its desired character. You can experiment with different types of aromatic teas but keep in mind that the flavor may be different from the original recipe.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the spiced apple juice ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to make the mocktail. Just be sure to allow it come to room temperature before adding it to the shaker.
Can I use a different type of glass instead of a martini glass?
The recipe calls for this drink to be served straight up without any ice. A martini glass works well for this presentation. However, you could serve in a rocks glass, with or without ice too.
Can I skip the garnish?
Yes, it’s not necessary to garnish the mocktail with the cinnamon stick or lemon peel. It looks pretty and has a nice aroma but is not integral to the recipe.
Did you make this? Tag me @mightymocktail or use the hashtag #mightymocktail!