Homemade Apple Tea Recipe with Figs

Enjoy a heartwarming family recipe for homemade apple tea with figs. This hot beverage brings comfort and Italian tradition to your table.

In every family, some recipes transcend generations, becoming cherished traditions that evoke warmth, comfort, and a sense of belonging.

One such recipe in my Italian family is an apple tea infused with figs.

Growing up, I remember the fragrant aroma wafting through our kitchen as my grandmother prepared this fruity tea.

A recent conversation with my sister-in-law’s mom, Maria, reminded me that whole barley is sometimes used to infuse the tea.

Maria was born in an Italian village near my parents’ hometown of Ripabottoni (Campobasso). You might remember that I documented Maria’s authentic recipe for caragnoli. If you’re interested, you can watch the video on how to make these Italian Christmas fritters.

Combining apples, figs, and the optional ingredient of whole barley creates a soothing hot beverage perfect for warm, cozy evenings. 

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• How to make
• Tips
• FAQ
• More apple recipes
• Recipe origins
• Recipe

Ingredients

• Apples: Any type of apple will bring a fresh, fruity touch to this tea, but tart varieties like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Fuji are especially nice. They add a natural sweetness and a lovely aroma.
• Figs: Dried figs add a delicious sweetness that makes each sip extra satisfying.
• Whole Barley (Optional): This adds a gentle, nutty flavor to the tea. While you won’t eat the barley, it gives the infusion more depth.
• Optional Add-Ins: For a cozier, more personalized flavor, you might try adding a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness, a squeeze of lemon for a bit of brightness, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth. These little touches make the tea even more inviting!

How to make

• Give your apples a good rinse under cool water to remove any dirt or residues. You will need 3-4 medium apples. Once they’re clean, slice the apples in half, remove the core, then slice the apples into quarters.
• Since you’ll be using whole dried figs, chopping them is unnecessary. As an option, you can chop off the tips. Depending on the size of the apples, I use 6-8 whole dried figs.
• In a medium pot, add your prepared apples, whole figs, and 2 tablespoons of whole barley (if using, place in tea filter bags). Pour in about 8 cups of water.
• Place the pot on the stove over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Aim for about 60-90 minutes.
• Once the infusion is ready, pour the tea through a mesh strainer into a serving pot or individual cups. This will remove the solids, leaving you with a smooth and flavorful beverage.

If desired, adjust to taste with a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of honey (or your favorite sweetener).

Tips

• Allowing the infusion to steep for a longer period enhances its fragrance and deepens the flavors. Feel free to adjust the simmering time based on your taste preference!
• After simmering, taste your infusion! If you find it needs a little extra sweetness, you can stir in a bit of honey or your favorite sweetener.
• Add a cinnamon stick or a few whole cloves during the simmering process for a warm, spicy kick. A slice of fresh ginger can also add a lovely zing!
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for a refreshing variation.

FAQ

More apple recipes

Recipe origins

I can still picture my grandmother springing into action the moment any of her grandchildren had a cough or felt a little under the weather.

Her “special” brew was a comforting mixture of apples and figs, simmered for one to one and a half hours, filling the kitchen with a delightful aroma.

To be honest, there were times I pretended to be sick just to enjoy this warm, soothing beverage. My love for this apple fig herbal tea likely sparked my obsession with apples.

As I mentioned earlier, my grandmother would whip up this tea for her family, and now I carry on that tradition for mine.

A few years ago, I remember walking into the kitchen to find my daughter standing over a pot of apples and figs simmering on the stove. Curious, I asked her if she was feeling alright, and she proudly told me she was making her great-grandmother’s special tea for a friend who was feeling a bit under the weather.

I couldn’t help but smile, knowing my grandmother would have been thrilled to see her great-granddaughter continuing this cherished tradition. My daughter’s friend affectionately called it “Candy Tea”. I thought that was just too cute not to share!

I hope you get a chance to try this recipe for apple fig herbal tea. Who knows? It just might become a beloved tradition in your family too!

★★★★★ If you have made this apple tisane, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!

Recipe

I originally published this post on November 7, 2014, and republished it on November 15, 2024, with an updated recipe, content, photos, and a video. Thanks for sharing.