Summer has officially arrived, and there’s nothing quite like a glass of cool, refreshing iced tea to beat the heat. But why settle for just any ordinary iced tea when you can try something new and exciting? In this article, we’ll be exploring 20 delicious and refreshing iced tea recipes that are sure to quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds.
From classic sweet tea to fruity and floral variations, these recipes offer a wide range of flavors to suit every palate. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet and soothing or bold and revitalizing, we’ve got you covered with our collection of unique and tasty iced tea recipes.
So grab your favorite mug and let’s dive into the world of iced teas!
Classic Sweet Iced Tea
A refreshing summer classic, this sweet iced tea recipe is perfect for hot days and gatherings with friends and family. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a deliciously sweet and tangy brew that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 black tea bags (such as Lipton or Arizona)
– 1 cup granulated white sugar
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Start by brewing the tea according to the package instructions. Typically, this means steeping the tea bags in boiling water for 3-5 minutes.
2. Once the tea has cooled, add the sugar and stir until it’s fully dissolved.
3. Chill the tea in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Serve the sweet iced tea over ice cubes and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None ( brewing time: 3-5 minutes)
Peach Iced Tea with Fresh Mint
This refreshing summer drink combines the sweetness of peaches with the cooling essence of fresh mint, perfect for hot days or a relaxing evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 2 ripe peaches, sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup freshly brewed tea (black or green)
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the sliced peaches and sugar. Let it steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Add the brewed tea to the peach mixture and stir until well combined.
3. Add the fresh mint leaves to the pitcher and muddle (gently press) them with a spoon or muddler to release their oils and flavor.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to settle.
5. Serve over ice and garnish with additional mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready when you are.
Lemon Ginger Iced Tea
This revitalizing drink combines the brightness of lemon with the spicy warmth of ginger, perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
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)
– Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the sliced ginger and tea bags. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes, or until the tea reaches your desired strength.
3. Remove the ginger and tea bags from the pot.
4. Stir in the lemon juice.
5. Chill the tea in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve the tea over ice and sweeten with honey or sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Raspberry Hibiscus Iced Tea
A refreshing twist on traditional iced tea, this Raspberry Hibiscus recipe combines the sweetness of raspberries with the floral notes of hibiscus for a unique and delicious flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 teaspoons loose-leaf hibiscus flowers
– 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil, then remove from heat.
2. Add the hibiscus flowers and let steep for 10 minutes.
3. Strain the tea into a large pitcher, discarding the solids.
4. Add the raspberries to the tea and let them infuse for at least 30 minutes, or until the flavor is desired.
5. Strain the tea again to remove the raspberries.
6. Sweeten with honey to taste, if desired.
7. Chill the tea in the refrigerator before serving over ice.
Cooking Time: None (steeping and infusion only)
Green Tea with Honey and Lime
This revitalizing tea blend combines the subtle bitterness of green tea with the sweetness of honey and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, creating a perfect morning pick-me-up or afternoon refreshment.
Ingredients:
– 1 teaspoon loose-leaf green tea
– 1 tablespoon pure honey
– Juice of 1/2 lime (about 1 tablespoon)
– Hot water
Instructions:
1. Heat water to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes.
2. Add the green tea leaves to the hot water and steep for 2-3 minutes, or until the desired strength is reached.
3. Strain the tea into a cup using a tea infuser or a piece of cheesecloth.
4. Add honey to the tea and stir until dissolved.
5. Squeeze in the lime juice and stir gently.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Enjoy your refreshing Green Tea with Honey and Lime!
Strawberry Basil Iced Tea
Combine the flavors of fresh strawberries and fragrant basil with this unique and refreshing iced tea recipe, perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh strawberry slices
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1 quart water
– 4 black tea bags (such as Earl Grey or English Breakfast)
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine strawberry slices and basil leaves.
2. Bring the water to a boil and add the tea bags. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes, then remove the tea bags.
3. Pour the hot tea over the strawberries and basil in the pitcher.
4. Stir well and let it infuse for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
5. Strain the tea into glasses filled with ice. Add honey to taste, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Mango Black Tea Cooler
Beat the heat with this unique blend of sweet mango and robust black tea, served over ice for a refreshing pick-me-up. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a revitalizing drink any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 2 cups strong brewed black tea, cooled
– 1 cup fresh lemon-lime soda
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the diced mango and cooled black tea.
2. Stir in the honey until dissolved.
3. Add the lemon-lime soda and stir gently to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve the Mango Black Tea Cooler over ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None – simply refrigerate and serve!
Lavender Earl Grey Iced Tea
Elevate your afternoon with this soothing and fragrant tea that combines the subtle sweetness of lavender with the citrusy charm of Earl Grey.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 Earl Grey tea bags
– 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Bring the quart of water to a boil.
2. Remove from heat and add the Earl Grey tea bags. Let steep for 5-7 minutes, or until the tea reaches your desired strength.
3. Strain the tea into a large pitcher to remove the tea bags.
4. Add the dried lavender buds to the tea and let it infuse for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Stir in honey to taste, if desired.
6. Chill the tea by placing the pitcher in the refrigerator or by adding ice cubes to the tea.
7. Serve the Lavender Earl Grey Iced Tea over ice and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pomegranate Green Tea Refresher
A refreshing and revitalizing drink that combines the antioxidant-rich properties of pomegranate with the calming effects of green tea. Perfect for a hot summer day or as a pick-me-up any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup strong brewed green tea
– 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Sliced fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brew 1 cup of strong green tea according to package instructions.
2. In a large glass, combine the brewed green tea and pomegranate juice.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of honey and stir until dissolved.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
5. Garnish with sliced fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready in just a few minutes.
Spiced Chai Iced Tea
This refreshing drink combines the warm spices of traditional chai tea with the coolness of iced tea, perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 black tea bags (such as Assam or Ceylon)
– 2 tablespoons loose-leaf black tea (such as Darjeeling or Keemun)
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
– Honey or sugar to taste
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the tea bags and loose-leaf tea, and let steep for 5 minutes.
3. Remove the tea bags and add the cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper. Let steep for an additional 10 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into a large pitcher or jug.
5. Add honey or sugar to taste, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
6. Serve over ice and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cucumber Mint Iced Tea
Beat the heat with this refreshing and flavorful tea recipe that combines the coolness of cucumber and the soothing charm of mint.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1/2 cucumber, sliced
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the fresh mint leaves and let it steep for 5-7 minutes, or until the tea reaches your desired strength.
3. Remove the pot from heat and add the sliced cucumber. Let it infuse for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the cucumber flavor to meld with the tea.
4. Strain the tea into a large pitcher or jug to remove the mint leaves and cucumber slices.
5. Add honey to taste, if desired.
6. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Cucumber Mint Iced Tea over the ice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Blueberry Lemon Iced Tea
This revitalizing tea combines the sweetness of blueberries with the tanginess of lemon, perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the blueberries and let them steep for 10-15 minutes, allowing their natural sweetness to infuse into the tea.
3. Strain the blueberries from the tea using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
4. Stir in the lemon juice until well combined.
5. If desired, add honey to taste and stir until dissolved.
6. Chill the tea in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
7. Serve over ice cubes and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Passionfruit White Tea
Experience the sweet and tangy flavors of passionfruit with this refreshing white tea recipe. This unique blend is perfect for a hot summer day or as a relaxing evening treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup white tea leaves
– 1/2 cup fresh passionfruit puree
– 1 cup water
– Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the water to a simmer.
2. Add the white tea leaves and let it steep for 3-5 minutes, or until the desired strength is reached.
3. Strain the tea into a large pitcher or individual cups.
4. Stir in the passionfruit puree until well combined.
5. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed by adding honey or sugar.
6. Serve immediately over ice, if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Vanilla Chamomile Iced Tea
This calming brew combines the sweetness of vanilla with the gentle charm of chamomile, perfect for a relaxing afternoon or evening.
Pineapple Coconut Iced Tea
A refreshing twist on traditional iced tea, this recipe combines the sweetness of pineapple with the creaminess of coconut for a unique and delicious drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 black tea bags
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil, then remove from heat and add the tea bags. Let steep for 5-7 minutes.
2. Remove the tea bags and add the pineapple juice and coconut milk. Stir well to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Just before serving, stir in honey if desired (adjust to taste).
5. Serve over ice cubes and garnish with a pineapple wedge or sprig of mint, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (steeping time)
Enjoy your Pineapple Coconut Iced Tea!
Cherry Limeade Iced Tea
Beat the heat with this sweet and tangy twist on classic iced tea. This recipe combines the fruity flavor of cherries with the zesty zip of lime, perfect for a summer gathering or a quick pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart brewed green tea, cooled
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 cup cherry syrup (or 1 cup pitted cherries and 1 tablespoon sugar)
– 1 liter water
– Ice cubes
– Lime wedges and cherry slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine cooled green tea, lime juice, and cherry syrup (or cherries and sugar). Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Add the liter of water to the pitcher and stir well.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve the Cherry Limeade Iced Tea over ice in tall glasses. Garnish with a lime wedge and cherry slice, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Orange Blossom Iced Tea
Quench your thirst with this refreshing twist on classic iced tea, infused with the sweet and tangy flavors of orange blossom water.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart (4 cups) water
– 2 tablespoons black tea leaves
– 2 tablespoons orange blossom water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– Ice cubes
– Fresh orange slices or mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a large pot.
2. Add the black tea leaves and remove from heat. Let steep for 5 minutes.
3. Strain the tea into a large pitcher or jug. Discard the tea leaves.
4. Stir in the orange blossom water and sugar until dissolved.
5. Chill the tea in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh orange slices or mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (steeping time) + chilling time
Watermelon Hibiscus Cooler
Beat the heat with this refreshing summer drink! This Watermelon Hibiscus Cooler is a perfect blend of sweet and tart, made with juicy watermelon and fragrant hibiscus.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon
– 1 cup fresh or dried hibiscus flowers (or 1/4 teaspoon hibiscus powder)
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine watermelon and hibiscus flowers (or powder). Blend until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solids.
3. Add water and honey (if using) to the mixture. Stir well.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve over ice and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready when you are.
Ginger Turmeric Iced Tea
This refreshing drink combines the spicy warmth of ginger with the earthy anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, creating a soothing and invigorating beverage perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup strong brewed green tea
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Brew the green tea according to package instructions.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the brewed tea, sliced ginger, and ground turmeric. Stir well to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, stir in honey if desired.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Ginger Turmeric Iced Tea over the ice.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None (prep time: 10 minutes, chill time: 30 minutes)
Apple Cinnamon Iced Tea
A refreshing twist on traditional iced tea, this Apple Cinnamon Iced Tea combines the warmth of cinnamon with the sweetness of apples.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 green tea bags
– 1/2 cup apple juice
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 cinnamon stick (about 2 inches long)
– Ice cubes
– Sliced apples for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the green tea bags and let steep for 5-7 minutes or until desired strength is reached.
3. Remove the tea bags and add the apple juice, honey, and cinnamon stick.
4. Stir until the honey is dissolved, then let cool to room temperature.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
6. Serve over ice and garnish with sliced apples if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (steeping time)
Summary
Discover the perfect cup with these 20 refreshing iced tea recipes! From classic sweet tea to fruity twists like peach and strawberry, there’s something for everyone. Try adding a hint of spice with ginger and turmeric or soothing with vanilla and chamomile. For a taste of the tropics, indulge in mango black tea cooler or pomegranate green tea refresher. With herbs like mint, basil, and lavender, you’ll never get bored with these unique flavor combinations. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing pick-me-up or a calming treat, this collection has got you covered.
