Touchdown Tea

This fall-flavored iced tea is made with brewed black tea, apple cider, and maple syrup for a cooling drink to welcome the transition between summer and fall. Serve it for game day to wash down seven-layer dip and pigs in a blanket, or sip it as an afternoon pick-me-up that’s just sweet enough and totally refreshing. Here are some tips on how to make it.

The tea:
You can use any tea bags you like to brew the iced tea for this recipe. Black tea like English Breakfast, Earl Grey, or good-old Lipton will all work well. If you prefer your iced tea caffeine-free, opt for a decaf black tea or swap in your favorite herbal blend.

The cider:
This drink gets its refreshing apple flavor from chilled apple cider. If you like some bubbles, sparkling cider will work too. Or for an adults-only drink, feel free to use the hard stuff.

The sweetener:
Maple syrup is a natural flavor pairing with the apple cider and fresh apples garnishing this drink. Plus, it dissolves easily into your tea without a trace of gritty undissolved sugar. Just be sure to use pure maple syrup—the real thing, not pancake syrup—for a warmer, more nuanced flavor.

Made this recipe? Let us know what you think in the comments below!