As the temperature rises and summer arrives, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing glass of iced tea to quench your thirst. But why settle for just any old boring flavor when you can try something new and exciting? From fruity twists to herbal infusions, we’ve got 20 delicious iced tea recipes to spice up your summer.
From classic sweet tea to innovative flavors like peach mint and pomegranate lavender, our collection has something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of bright citrusy flavors or rich, spicy notes, we’ve got the perfect recipe to cool you down on even the hottest days. So go ahead, brew up a pitcher, and get ready to sip your way through the summer in style!
Classic Sweet Iced Tea
This refreshing drink is a Southern staple that’s perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 black tea bags (such as Luzianne or Lipton)
– 1 cup granulated white sugar
– Ice cubes
– Lemon slices or wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the quart of water to a boil.
2. Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Let steep for 3-5 minutes, or until the tea reaches your desired strength.
3. While the tea is steeping, dissolve the sugar in a cup of hot water.
4. Once the tea has steeped, remove the tea bags and stir in the sugar mixture until dissolved.
5. Chill the tea in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve over ice cubes and garnish with lemon slices or wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (just chill time!)
Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Classic Sweet Iced Tea!
Peach Iced Tea with Fresh Mint
Beat the heat with this refreshing twist on classic iced tea, infused with sweet peaches and cooling mint.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 black tea bags (brewed to your liking)
– 2 ripe peaches, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brew the tea according to package instructions and let it cool.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the cooled tea, diced peaches, and fresh mint leaves.
3. Stir gently to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together for at least 30 minutes.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness with honey or sugar if desired.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving over ice.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready when you are.
Lemon Ginger Iced Tea
This refreshing tea combines the citrusy zing of lemon with the spicy warmth of ginger, making it a perfect drink for warm weather. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can enjoy this delightful brew in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
– 4 tea bags (black or green tea)
– Ice cubes
– Optional: honey or sugar to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the quart of water to a boil.
2. Add the lemon juice, ginger slices, and tea bags.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Remove from heat and let steep for an additional 10-15 minutes.
5. Strain the tea into a large pitcher or jug to remove the solids.
6. Chill the tea in the refrigerator before serving over ice.
7. Add honey or sugar to taste, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Enjoy your refreshing Lemon Ginger Iced Tea!
Strawberry Basil Iced Tea
This unique tea blend combines the sweetness of strawberries with the bright, herbaceous flavor of basil, creating a refreshing and revitalizing drink perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1 tablespoon black tea leaves (or to taste)
– Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the sliced strawberries and let them steep for 5-7 minutes, or until they have lost their shape and the liquid has taken on a sweet flavor.
3. Remove the strawberries from the pot with a slotted spoon and discard the solids.
4. Add the fresh basil leaves to the tea and let it steep for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Strain the tea into a large pitcher or individual glasses.
6. Add the black tea leaves and let them steep according to package instructions.
7. Taste and adjust sweetness as desired with honey or sugar.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Raspberry Hibiscus Iced Tea
Refresh your senses with this sweet and tangy tea infused with the flavors of raspberries and hibiscus flowers.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
– 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Combine water, raspberries, and hibiscus flowers in a large pitcher.
2. Let the mixture steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Strain the tea into a separate container using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Discard solids.
4. If desired, add honey to taste and stir until dissolved.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the chilled tea over the ice.
6. Stir gently and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 1 quart (4 cups)
Green Tea with Honey and Lime
Elevate your daily tea routine with this soothing and revitalizing blend of green tea, honey, and lime. Perfect for any time of day, this recipe is a great way to recharge and rejuvenate.
Ingredients:
– 1 teaspoon loose-leaf green tea
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Juice of 1/2 lime (about 1 tablespoon)
– Water
Instructions:
1. Bring water to a boil.
2. Add the green tea leaves and let steep for 3-5 minutes, or until desired strength is reached.
3. Strain the tea into a cup.
4. Add honey and stir until dissolved.
5. Squeeze in the lime juice.
6. Stir gently to combine.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Tips:
– Adjust the amount of honey and lime to your taste preferences.
– Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
– This recipe makes one serving, but can be easily doubled or tripled for a larger batch.
Spiced Chai Iced Tea
Perfect for warm weather, this Spiced Chai Iced Tea is a delicious and invigorating twist on the classic Indian drink. With a blend of aromatic spices and sweet tea, it’s sure to quench your thirst.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart brewed black tea (cooled)
– 1 cup milk or non-dairy alternative
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 6-8 whole cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine brewed tea, milk or non-dairy alternative, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom to the pitcher. Let it steep in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Just before serving, stir well and add ice cubes to chill the tea further.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None (prep time: 10 minutes; chilling time: 4 hours)
Blueberry Lavender Iced Tea
Elevate your tea time with this unique and flavorful blend of blueberries and lavender.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a large pot.
2. Add the blueberries and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the berries have popped and the liquid has turned into a deep purple color.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher. Discard the solids.
4. Add the dried lavender buds to the tea and let it steep for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Remove the lavender buds by straining the tea again through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
6. Chill the tea in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
7. Serve the tea over ice and sweeten with honey, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (steeping time only)
Pomegranate Mint Iced Tea
Revitalize with a refreshing blend of sweet pomegranate and invigorating mint in this easy-to-make iced tea recipe. Perfect for hot summer days or as a soothing pick-me-up any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 1 cup fresh mint leaves
– 2 cups brewed black tea (cooled)
– 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
– Honey or sugar to taste (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine cooled black tea and pomegranate juice.
2. Add fresh mint leaves and let steep for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into another pitcher or jug to remove mint leaves.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving over ice cubes.
5. Add honey or sugar to taste, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (steeping time)
Yield: 1 quart (4 servings)
Passionfruit Iced Tea with Coconut Water
Stay cool and revitalized with this unique fusion of sweet passionfruit and refreshing coconut water, perfect for hot summer days. This easy-to-make iced tea is a delightful twist on traditional brews.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup strong brewed green tea
– 1/2 cup passionfruit puree or juice
– 1 cup coconut water
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brew the green tea according to package instructions.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the brewed tea, passionfruit puree or juice, and coconut water.
3. Stir well to combine.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Just before serving, add honey if desired.
6. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None, as this is an iced tea recipe!
Matcha Iced Tea Latte
Refresh with a Japanese-inspired twist on the classic latte. This Matcha Iced Tea Latte combines the creamy richness of milk with the bright, grassy flavor of matcha green tea.
Ingredients:
– 1 teaspoon matcha powder
– 2 cups cold-brewed green tea (or 1 cup strong-brewed green tea)
– 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream
– 1/4 cup half-and-half or milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes
– Whipped cream and matcha powder for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brew the green tea according to your preference.
2. In a large glass, combine the brewed tea, vanilla ice cream, and half-and-half or milk. Blend until smooth.
3. Add honey to taste and stir well.
4. Pour over ice cubes in a tall glass.
5. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of matcha powder for garnish (optional).
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Blackberry Sage Iced Tea
Savor the sweet and savory flavors of blackberries and sage in this refreshing summer drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon dried sage leaves
– 1 quart brewed black tea (cooled)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the cooled black tea and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the fresh or frozen blackberries to the tea mixture. Let it steep in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Remove the pitcher from the refrigerator and strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids.
4. Add the dried sage leaves to the tea mixture and stir well.
5. Chill the tea in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving over ice cubes.
Cooking Time: None
Servings: 4-6 servings
Tropical Pineapple Iced Tea
Escape to a tropical paradise with this refreshing twist on classic iced tea. This sweet and tangy brew is perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need a taste of sunshine.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 black tea bags (brewed strong)
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves and pineapple wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brew the tea according to package instructions.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the brewed tea, pineapple juice, and lime juice.
3. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve the Tropical Pineapple Iced Tea over ice cubes and garnish with fresh mint leaves and pineapple wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (includes brewing time)
Vanilla Rooibos Iced Tea
Transform the warm weather with a refreshing glass of Vanilla Rooibos Iced Tea. This soothing drink combines the smooth, caffeine-free flavor of Rooibos tea with sweet vanilla notes.
Ingredients:
– 1 teaspoon Rooibos tea leaves
– 1 cup boiling water
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Ice cubes
– Optional: sugar or honey to taste
Instructions:
1. Steep the Rooibos tea leaves in boiling water for 5-7 minutes, or according to package instructions.
2. Strain the tea into a large pitcher or jug.
3. Add the vanilla extract and stir well to combine.
4. Chill the tea in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve over ice cubes and add sugar or honey to taste, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (steeping time only)
Enjoy your delicious Vanilla Rooibos Iced Tea on a warm day!
Watermelon Cucumber Iced Tea
Beat the heat with this revitalizing and refreshing tea that combines the sweetness of watermelon with the cooling essence of cucumber. This unique blend is perfect for hot summer days or as a thirst-quenching pick-me-up any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 ripe watermelon, seeded and cubed (about 3 cups)
– 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced (about 2 cups)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the watermelon cubes and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the fruit is tender and slightly softened.
3. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher. Discard the solids.
4. Add the sliced cucumbers to the tea and let it steep in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Stir in the honey until dissolved.
6. Chill the tea completely before serving over ice with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes + chilling time
Earl Grey Citrus Iced Tea
Refresh your senses with this soothing and flavorful iced tea infused with the essence of Earl Grey and citrus.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 Earl Grey tea bags
– 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (or to taste)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (or to taste)
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brew the Earl Grey tea bags in boiling water for 5-7 minutes, or until the desired strength is reached.
2. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool to room temperature.
3. Add the orange and lemon juices to the cooled tea. Stir well to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, add honey to taste (if using).
6. Serve the Earl Grey Citrus Iced Tea over ice and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None
Cherry Limeade Iced Tea
This refreshing drink combines the sweetness of cherry flavor with a tangy hint of lime, perfect for warm weather or any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and thirst-quenching beverage that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 black tea bags
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– Ice cubes
– Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the tea bags and let steep for 3-5 minutes or until desired strength is reached.
3. Remove the tea bags and add the cherries, lime juice, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve the tea over ice and garnish with a lime wedge, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (steeping time only)
Ginger Peach Sparkling Iced Tea
Combine the warm spices of ginger with the sweet flavors of peaches and the fizziness of sparkling water to create a refreshing summer drink. This recipe is perfect for a hot day or as a unique twist on traditional iced tea.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart (4 cups) peach puree
– 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 cup brewed black tea, cooled
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 liters sparkling water
– Sliced peaches for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine peach puree, sliced ginger, and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
2. Add brewed black tea to the pitcher and stir to combine.
3. Chill mixture in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, add sparkling water to the pitcher and stir gently.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with sliced peaches if desired.
Cooking Time: None (all steps are cold preparation)
Cold Brew Jasmine Iced Tea
Elevate your afternoon with this revitalizing cold brew jasmine tea recipe, perfect for warm days or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup loose-leaf green tea (jasmine-flavored)
– 4 cups water
– Ice cubes
– Optional: honey or sugar to taste
Instructions:
1. Combine the loose-leaf jasmine tea and 4 cups of cold water in a large glass container.
2. Stir gently to distribute the tea leaves evenly, then cover the container with plastic wrap or a lid.
3. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight (12 hours) to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Strain the tea into a pitcher or individual glasses using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
5. Serve chilled over ice cubes and sweeten with honey or sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-12 hours
Apple Cinnamon Iced Tea
As the weather cools down, a warm cup of apple cinnamon iced tea is just what you need to brighten up your day. This recipe combines the sweetness of apples with the warmth of cinnamon and the crispness of brewed tea.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 green tea bags (or 2 black tea bags)
– 1 large apple, peeled and chopped (Granny Smith or other sweet variety works well)
– 1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brew the green tea (or black tea) in the quart of water according to package instructions.
2. Remove the tea bags and add the chopped apple and cinnamon stick pieces to the brewed tea.
3. Steep for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together to your liking.
4. Strain the tea into a large pitcher or individual glasses. Discard the solids.
5. Add honey to taste, if desired.
6. Serve over ice and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Stay cool and refreshed this summer with these 20 delicious iced tea recipes! From classic sweet tea to fruity twists like peach and raspberry, there’s something for everyone. Add some zing with lemon ginger or spicy kick with chai tea. Try unique flavors like blueberry lavender or passionfruit coconut water. And don’t forget about the classics: green tea with honey and lime, blackberry sage, and tropical pineapple tea. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, there’s an iced tea recipe to quench your thirst on a hot summer day.