Okay, I don’t know if everyone besides me has heard of this creation before, but holy cow are these things good. It’s basically sweet and spiced apple cider meets cold and refreshing black iced tea (but who says it has to be iced? 😉 ). When I researched this drink after getting it at Red Robin I found a lot of variations so I will provide three options to bring this deliciousness home. There are a ton of recipes, but seeing as Red Robin just recently released their version, there aren’t many copycats, so one of the recipes will be a direct copycat and the other two will be just as good variants so Y’all have options (who doesn’t love options?).
Just interested in the recipe? Skip straight to it.
Let’s talk taste. These all have a traditional black tea for the iced tea part of things and then they are lightly (but deliciously) spiced like apple cider. What you get is a lightly spiced iced tea with a hint of apple and a whole lot of goodness. Since I’ll be providing three ways to get this taste, there is a lot of fluctuation and experimentation you can do to get your perfect mix! Plus, you can control the sugar in some options more than others and use what is convenient for you.
Now, this copycat recipe was very easy to come up with because on Red Robin’s site they state what flavored syrups they use. So, this is pretty much the exact recipe they use.
How to Brew the Perfect Iced Tea
Brew for the Right Time at the Right Temperature
Lots of teas have specific brewing times and temperatures to make sure you get the perfect brew. Under-brewed tea will lack flavor and over-brewed can be bitter. It is very easy to under-brew or over-brew tea, so follow the direction’s of your tea for the perfect cup.
Remove the Tea Bag
After you have finished brewing for the time specified by your tea, remove the tea bag. Leaving the tea bag in the hot water while drinking/icing can cause the tea to over-brew and become bitter, which will be more evident in a cold tea compared to hot.
Add Baking Soda
If you are experiencing a strong bitter taste, try adding a pinch of baking soda (not baking powder). I actually add baking soda to all my iced tea because it gives them a smoother taste and eliminates a lot of bitterness (kind of like adding a pinch of salt to cruddy coffee). Only add a pinch though, you can accidentally add too much very easily and you’ll be able to taste the baking soda. Add a little at a time until you find a good amount for you (but seriously it’s a very small amount).
Use a Cold Brew Tea
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of brewing tea for iced tea and want an easier option, try a cold brew tea. It comes in a bag like regular tea but will brew and steep in cold water and comes out great with no bitterness.
The Red Robin Copycat Recipe
Harvest Apple Spiced Iced Tea (copycat Red Robin)
Lightly spiced iced tea with a hint of apple and a whole lot of Fall spirit.
This is the direct Red Robin Copycat. Below are two more options to get the same taste in different ways.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Honey Simple Syrup (like this one, but I’m sure regular honey in a smaller amount would work too)
- 2 oz Caramel Apple Butter Syrup (like this one)
- 2-3 bags black tea (follow the directions on the box for how many bags to use compared to water, they use this one)
- Ice
- Lemon wedge as optional garnish
Directions
1. Brew tea. In a mug/coffee cup/heat safe bowl brew your black tea following the tea’s instructions (see above for how to brew the perfect cup for iced tea). You will need at least 14 oz of hot water/brewed tea for the drinks (use as many tea bags as needed based on boxes instructions, I used two). I make my tea in a measuring cup with a spout for ease later.
2. Add simple syrups. After your tea has finished brewing, remove the tea bag(s) and discard. Add in the simple syrups to the brewed tea and mix to combine (can use regular honey to taste/sweetness preference in place of honey syrup).
3. Add ice and tea. Fill a new glass with ice and top off with the flavored tea (may have a bit extra), add more ice if wanted (or you can wait for the tea to come to room temperature before adding ice).
4. Enjoy! Add more sweetener if needed and drink up!
Recipe Alternatives
If you don’t want to fork out the money for the syrups there are a few other options to get you a great glass of iced tea.
Option One: Apple Juice and Aspen Spices
If you purchased the Aspen Mulling Spice from my Apple Cider Recipe, this would be a great recipe to use up any leftovers. Add 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of the apple cider mulling spice (add to your preference), and 1-2 oz of apple juice in replacement of the syrups. Add the spice mix and apple juice into the cup you want to brew the tea in. Add hot water and the tea bags to the same cup as your juice and brew for the time your tea box states. When finished brewing remove the tea bags and give everything a good stir. Fill a new glass with ice and pour the tea over it. Add honey if you would like the tea to be sweeter. Enjoy!
Option Two: Apple Cider
Instead of the syrups, add 2-3 oz of your favorite apple cider. In a coffee cup add the apple cider and the hot water for the tea. Add the tea bags to your cup and brew your black tea according to the box directions. Once the tea has finished brewing, add ice to a new glass and pour the tea over it. Add honey if you would like the tea to be sweeter. Enjoy!
That’s it! Three super simple ways to get an ah-mazing iced tea! Let me know below what you think and what version you tried.
For more delicious Fall drinks:
Witches Brew – A Halloween Cocktail
Spiced Pear + Bourbon Autumn Cocktail Recipe
A New Take On Dessert: Warm Shakes for the Cold Season
Thank you so much for stopping by and I hope you have a fantastic week!
*I am not affiliated with, sponsored by, or receiving any money from any of the companies talked about or linked to in this post. They were used as recommendations and suggestions only.*
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