Summer is here, and what better way to beat the heat than with a refreshing glass of homemade iced tea? With its calming effects, thirst-quenching properties, and endless flavor options, it’s no wonder why iced tea has become a staple in many households during the warmest months. In this article, we’ll explore 20 unique and delicious homemade ice tea recipes that will make your summer days even brighter.
From classic sweet tea to fruity twists like peach and strawberry, these recipes are sure to satisfy your thirst and leave you feeling revitalized. Whether you prefer your tea strong and bold or light and floral, there’s something for everyone in this collection of refreshing ice tea recipes.
Classic Sweet Iced Tea
A refreshing glass of sweet tea on a warm day – there’s nothing quite like it! This classic recipe is a staple in many Southern households, and for good reason. With just a few simple ingredients and some gentle brewing, you’ll be sipping on this sweet delight in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 black tea bags (such as Lipton or Luzianne)
– 1 cup granulated white sugar
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Start by boiling the quart of water.
2. Add the 4 tea bags to the boiling water and let it steep for 5-7 minutes, or until the tea reaches your desired strength.
3. Remove the tea bags from the pot and add the cup of sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
4. Let the tea cool to room temperature before refrigerating it.
5. Serve the tea over ice cubes and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Peach Iced Tea with Fresh Mint
Beat the heat with this sweet and refreshing peach iced tea infused with the cooling essence of fresh mint.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe peaches, diced
– 1 quart water
– 4 black tea bags
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Ice cubes
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 diced peaches, sugar, and fresh mint leaves. Stir well to combine.
4. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
5. Strain the tea into a large pitcher or individual glasses filled with ice cubes.
6. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including steeping time)
Lemon Ginger Iced Tea
Revive yourself with a glass of this zesty and invigorating tea, perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need a pick-me-up. This recipe combines the brightness of lemon and the warmth of ginger to create a refreshing and revitalizing drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 1 cup freshly brewed black tea (cooled)
– 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the cooled black tea, lemon juice, and ginger slices.
2. Stir well to combine and let it steep in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Strain the tea into individual glasses filled with ice cubes.
4. Add honey to taste, if desired.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None
Strawberry Basil Iced Tea
This sweet and savory tea combines the flavors of ripe strawberries and fragrant basil, perfect for a warm day or a summer gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 2 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea (or 1 tea bag)
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring the quart of water to a boil.
2. Add the sliced strawberries and basil leaves to the boiling water.
3. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 10 minutes.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher or jug. Discard the solids.
5. Add the loose-leaf tea (or tea bag) to the pitcher and let it steep for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove the tea leaves (or tea bag) and add honey to taste, if desired.
7. Chill the tea in the refrigerator before serving.
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Mango Green Iced Tea
This refreshing drink combines the sweetness of mango with the subtle flavor of green tea, perfect for warm weather or any time you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup strong brewed green tea (cooled)
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine cooled green tea and diced mango.
2. Stir in honey until dissolved.
3. Chill mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve over ice in tall glasses.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (all steps are chilled or room temperature)
Enjoy your Mango Green Iced Tea!
Raspberry Hibiscus Iced Tea
This sweet and tangy tea is perfect for warm weather. The combination of tart raspberries and floral hibiscus creates a unique flavor profile that’s sure to quench your thirst.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 cups fresh raspberries
– 2 tablespoons dried hibiscus flowers
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 6 tea bags (black or green tea)
– Lemon slices and ice cubes for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine water and dried hibiscus flowers. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
2. Remove the pot from heat and let it steep for another 30 minutes. Strain the tea into a separate container, discarding the solids.
3. In a blender or food processor, puree the fresh raspberries with 1 cup of water until smooth.
4. Add the raspberry puree to the hibiscus tea and stir to combine. Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
5. Steep the tea bags in the tea for 3-5 minutes, then remove them.
6. Chill the tea in the refrigerator before serving. Serve over ice with lemon slices, if desired.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Pomegranate Iced Tea with Lime
Brighten up your summer days with this refreshing and fruity pomegranate iced tea infused with a squeeze of lime juice.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 2 cups strong brewed black tea (cooled)
– 1 cup pomegranate juice
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– Ice cubes
– Lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine cooled black tea and pomegranate juice.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Add freshly squeezed lime juice and stir gently.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve over ice cubes and garnish with a lime wedge, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (pre-brewed tea and pomegranate juice)
Blueberry Lavender Iced Tea
This refreshing blend combines the sweetness of blueberries with the subtle elegance of lavender, creating a unique and rejuvenating tea experience. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a calm pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 tea bags (herbal black tea)
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds
– Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil, then remove from heat.
2. Add the tea bags and let steep for 5 minutes.
3. Strain the tea into a large pitcher or jug. Discard the tea bags.
4. Add the blueberries and lavender buds to the tea. Let it infuse for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
5. Strain the solids from the tea, if desired.
6. Sweeten with honey or sugar, if preferred.
7. Serve chilled over ice, garnished with additional blueberries and a sprig of fresh lavender, if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (steeping) + 30 minutes (infusing)
Pineapple Coconut Iced Tea
This refreshing drink combines the sweetness of pineapple with the creaminess of coconut, perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup strong brewed tea (black or green)
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
– Fresh pineapple wedges and toasted coconut flakes for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brew a cup of strong tea according to package instructions.
2. In a large pitcher, combine brewed tea, pineapple juice, and coconut milk. Stir until well combined.
3. If desired, add honey to taste and stir until dissolved.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh pineapple wedges and toasted coconut flakes, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Spiced Chai Iced Tea
This refreshing Spiced Chai Iced Tea is a perfect blend of spices and tea, with a hint of sweetness. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 cup cold-brewed black tea (or strong brewed tea cooled to room temperature)
– 1/2 cup milk or non-dairy alternative (optional)
– Honey or sugar to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine loose-leaf black tea, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves.
2. Pour in the cold-brewed black tea and stir until the tea leaves are fully saturated.
3. Let it steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Strain the tea into a large glass or jug to remove the loose-leaf tea.
5. If desired, add milk or non-dairy alternative and sweeten with honey or sugar to taste.
6. Chill the tea in the refrigerator before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Watermelon Mint Iced Tea
Beat the heat with this sweet and refreshing tea that combines the flavors of watermelon, mint, and lemon. Perfect for a summer gathering or a relaxing afternoon at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup fresh watermelon chunks (about half a small melon)
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 lemon, sliced
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the water and watermelon chunks. Let it infuse in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Add the fresh mint leaves to the pitcher and stir well.
3. Strain the tea into another container to remove the solids.
4. Stir in the honey until dissolved.
5. Slice the lemon and add it to the tea for garnish.
6. Chill the tea further by adding ice cubes, if desired.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (infusion time)
Blackberry Sage Iced Tea
This unique blend of blackberries and sage creates a refreshing and flavorful iced tea perfect for warm weather. With its subtle herbal notes and sweet berry flavors, this tea is sure to quench your thirst.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 black tea bags (black tea or earl grey work well)
– 1 cup fresh blackberries
– 2 tablespoons dried sage leaves
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil and steep the tea bags for 5-7 minutes, or according to package instructions.
2. While the tea is brewing, muddle the blackberries in a separate bowl with a spoon or potato masher until they release their juice and pulp.
3. Once the tea has cooled slightly, add the blackberry mixture to the pot and stir well.
4. Add the dried sage leaves and let it steep for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Strain the tea into a large pitcher or individual glasses filled with ice. If desired, add honey to taste.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Passionfruit Iced Tea with Honey
This sweet and tangy tea is perfect for warm weather, combining the unique flavor of passionfruit with the soothing qualities of honey. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a refreshing drink that’s sure to become a summer favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup strong brewed black tea
– 1/2 cup passionfruit puree
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes
– Fresh passionfruit slices or mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brew the black tea according to package instructions and let it cool.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the cooled tea and passionfruit puree. Stir well to combine.
3. Add the honey and stir until dissolved.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve the tea over ice cubes and garnish with fresh passionfruit slices or mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Cucumber Lime Iced Tea
Beat the heat with this refreshing twist on traditional iced tea. This cucumber lime infused tea is perfect for a light and revitalizing beverage any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 cups brewed black tea, cooled
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves or lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the brewed tea and sliced cucumber. Let it infuse in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Strain the tea into a separate pitcher to remove the cucumber slices.
3. Add the freshly squeezed lime juice and honey (if using). Stir until the honey is dissolved.
4. Chill the tea in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes.
5. Serve the Cucumber Lime Iced Tea over ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves or lime wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe requires no cooking time at all.
Cherry Vanilla Iced Tea
This delightful tea recipe combines the natural sweetness of cherries with the creamy flavor of vanilla, perfect for hot summer days or any time you need a refreshing pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 black tea bags (such as Earl Grey or English Breakfast)
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– Honey or sugar to taste (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil and add the tea bags. Let steep for 5 minutes.
2. Remove the tea bags and add the cherries. Allow them to steep for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until they have lost their shape.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed by adding honey or sugar.
Cooking Time: None (preparation time: approximately 20 minutes)
Matcha Green Iced Tea
Beat the heat with this revitalizing matcha green iced tea, perfect for a hot summer day or a relaxing afternoon pick-me-up. This recipe combines the rich flavor of matcha powder with the sweetness of honey and the zest of lemon.
Ingredients:
– 1 teaspoon matcha powder
– 2 cups cold water
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Juice of 1 lemon (about 1-2 tablespoons)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large glass, whisk together the matcha powder and cold water until well combined.
2. Add the honey and whisk until dissolved.
3. Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve over ice cubes and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cold-brewed tea.
Orange Blossom Iced Tea
Brighten up your day with this refreshing and flavorful orange blossom iced tea. This sweet and tangy brew is perfect for hot summer days or any time you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 black tea bags (or to taste)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the quart of water to a boil.
2. Add the tea bags and let steep for 5-7 minutes or until desired strength is reached.
3. Remove the tea bags and add the freshly squeezed orange juice, stirring well to combine.
4. Add the orange zest and honey (if using), stirring gently to distribute evenly.
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
6. Serve over ice and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Grapefruit Rosemary Iced Tea
This refreshing brew combines the tanginess of grapefruit with the earthy aroma of rosemary, perfect for a warm day or as a soothing pick-me-up any time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup loose-leaf black tea
– 1/2 cup fresh grapefruit juice (about 1 medium-sized fruit)
– 1 sprig of fresh rosemary leaves (about 1 tablespoon)
– 4 cups water, cold
– Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine cold water and tea leaves. Let steep for 5-7 minutes, or until desired strength is reached.
2. Strain the tea into a large pitcher or jug to remove the tea leaves.
3. Add grapefruit juice and rosemary sprig to the tea. Stir gently to combine.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
5. Serve chilled, sweetened with honey or sugar if desired.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cold-brewed tea recipe.
Earl Grey Iced Tea with Lavender
Escape the heat with this refreshing twist on traditional Earl Grey tea, infused with the subtle sweetness of lavender. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a calming pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Earl Grey tea leaves
– 4 cups water
– 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
– Honey or sugar (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Brew the Earl Grey tea according to package instructions, using 4 cups of boiling water.
2. Strain the tea into a large pitcher or jug, discarding the tea leaves.
3. Add the dried lavender buds to the tea and let it steep for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness with honey or sugar if desired.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the chilled Earl Grey tea with lavender over the ice.
6. Stir gently and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (steeping time)
Yield: 4-6 servings
Kiwi Mint Iced Tea
A sweet and tangy twist on traditional iced tea, this recipe combines the brightness of kiwi with the cooling essence of mint.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup strong brewed black tea (cooled)
– 1/2 cup fresh kiwi puree
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine cooled black tea and kiwi puree. Stir well to combine.
2. Add fresh mint leaves to the pitcher and muddle gently with a spoon to release their oils and flavor.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, stir in honey if desired (start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste).
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the kiwi mint tea over the ice.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes of prep time.
Summary
Stay cool this summer with these refreshing homemade ice tea recipes! From classic sweet tea to fruity and floral twists, there’s something for everyone. Try peach tea with fresh mint, lemon ginger tea, or strawberry basil tea for a taste of sunshine. Or, go tropical with mango green tea, pineapple coconut tea, or passionfruit tea with honey. With these 20 recipes, you’ll never get bored with your summer drink game. Whether you prefer sweet and sassy or light and citrusy, there’s an ice tea recipe here to quench your thirst.
