Why You’ll Love This Holiday Spiced Tea Recipe
If you’re looking for a cozy drink that captures the essence of the holidays, you’ll absolutely love this Holiday Spiced Tea recipe. It’s the perfect blend of spices that warms you from the inside out.
I adore how the rich aroma fills my home, instantly creating a festive atmosphere. Each sip feels like a hug in a mug, making it ideal for chilly nights or holiday gatherings.
Plus, it’s super easy to prepare and share with friends and family. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make this spiced tea a yearly tradition in your holiday celebrations!
Ingredients of Holiday Spiced Tea
When it comes to crafting a delightful cup of tea that captures the holiday spirit, the ingredients are just as important as the process. This Holiday Spiced Tea is a magical blend of flavors that not only warms your body but also your heart.
Imagine cozying up with a steaming mug, surrounded by loved ones, and sharing stories as the rich scents of cinnamon and cardamom waft through the air. Sounds dreamy, right? Let’s plunge into what you’ll need to whip up this festive brew.
Ingredients for Holiday Spiced Tea:
- 2 (26 ounce) jars of orange breakfast drink mix
- 1 (3 ounce) jar of instant tea
- 1 (10 1/2 ounce) package of red cinnamon candies
- 1 (6 ounce) package of sweetened lemonade drink mix
- 1 cup of sugar
- 3 teaspoons of cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons of freshly ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons of ground cardamom
- 2 teaspoons of cloves
- 2 teaspoons of allspice
- Ribbon and a cinnamon stick for decoration
Now that we’ve our ingredients listed, let’s chat a bit about them. The beauty of this recipe is in its versatility—feel free to tweak the spices to your liking.
If you want more cinnamon, go for it. Prefer a little less sugar? You can adjust that too. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not add some ginger or even a touch of vanilla extract?
The red cinnamon candies not only add sweetness but also a lovely pop of color, making it a perfect gift. Just remember, the key here is to mix everything together well before packing it into those pretty airtight bottles.
Trust me, your friends and family will appreciate the effort when you gift them this delightful concoction. Now, are you ready to learn how to make this festive drink? Let’s get brewing.
How to Make Holiday Spiced Tea
Now that we’ve gathered all the warm and cozy ingredients for our Holiday Spiced Tea, it’s time to get our hands a little messy and create this delicious blend. First things first, grab a large mixing bowl, because trust me, you’re going to need some space for this.
Start by tossing in the 2 (26 ounce) jars of orange breakfast drink mix. Yes, it sounds like a lot, but this is where the magic begins. Then, add in the 1 (3 ounce) jar of instant tea. This little jar packs a punch and will give your tea that rich, robust flavor we all adore.
Next, let’s sprinkle in the fun stuff. Add the 1 (10 1/2 ounce) package of red cinnamon candies—don’t be shy; they’re the star of the show—and the 1 (6 ounce) package of sweetened lemonade drink mix for that tangy twist.
Now, it’s time to sweeten things up a bit with 1 cup of sugar. At this point, you might be thinking, “Whoa, that’s a lot of sugar,” but remember, this is a festive treat meant to be shared (or maybe not, if you’re feeling a bit greedy).
Now, toss in 3 teaspoons of cinnamon, 2 teaspoons of freshly ground nutmeg, 2 teaspoons of ground cardamom, 2 teaspoons of cloves, and 2 teaspoons of allspice. Ah, the aroma! It’s like being wrapped in a warm blanket of spice, isn’t it?
Once everything is in the bowl, it’s time to mix it up! Grab a whisk or a spoon and blend everything until it’s evenly combined. You want those spices and flavors to get to know each other, like old friends at a holiday gathering.
After you’ve mixed it all together, it’s time to package your delightful concoction. Find some pretty airtight bottles—something festive and fun—and carefully fill each one with your spiced tea blend.
To add a charming touch, tie a ribbon around the neck of each bottle and secure a cinnamon stick for that extra flair. Now, to serve this delightful brew, just add 1 tablespoon of your mix to 1 cup of boiling water. Stir it up, let it steep for a few minutes, and you’ll be sipping on holiday cheer in no time.
Just remember to save some for sharing, because this tea is bound to warm hearts and brighten spirits.
Holiday Spiced Tea Substitutions & Variations
While the traditional Holiday Spiced Tea recipe is a delightful blend of flavors, there’s plenty of room for creativity and personal touches.
For a fruity twist, try adding dried fruits like cranberries or orange peel. If you prefer a caffeine-free version, swap the instant tea with herbal tea or rooibos.
You can also adjust the spices; for instance, if you love ginger, add a bit of ground ginger. Experiment with sweeteners too—honey or maple syrup can offer a unique flavor.
Don’t hesitate to mix and match until you find your perfect festive blend! Happy brewing!
Additional Tips & Notes
Experimenting with different spices and ingredients can lead to a delightful Holiday Spiced Tea, but there are a few additional tips that can enhance your brewing experience.
First, try adjusting the sweetness to your taste—some may prefer it less sugary. If you want a stronger flavor, steep the tea longer.
I also recommend using fresh spices whenever possible; they make a noticeable difference! For an extra festive touch, consider adding a splash of orange or cranberry juice.
Finally, don’t forget to store any leftover mix in an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh for your next gathering!