Jen
There are some drinks that are perfect for every occasion, and then there’s Orange Mint Iced Tea—a drink that takes a classic iced tea and elevates it with a burst of citrus and a refreshing hint of mint. It’s the kind of drink that’s perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon, bringing a little extra zest and cooling you down in the most delightful way.
I first came across orange and mint iced tea while browsing through a café menu one summer. I was instantly intrigued. I loved iced tea already, and both orange and mint were flavors I adored, so why not combine them? The moment I took that first sip, I was hooked. The combination of the bright citrusy orange and the cooling mint brought a whole new dimension to the tea, turning a simple drink into something special.
Since that day, I’ve experimented and perfected my own version of Orange Mint Iiced Tea, and now it’s a go-to recipe in my home. It’s simple to make, incredibly refreshing, and just a little fancy—perfect for entertaining or just treating yourself.
Why You’ll Love Orange Mint Iced Tea
- Citrusy and refreshing: The orange and mint combine for a flavor profile that’s sweet, tangy, and cooling all at once.
- Perfect for all occasions: Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, enjoying a lazy afternoon, or serving it at a family gathering, this tea fits the bill.
- Simple to make: You only need a few fresh ingredients, some tea, and a little bit of time to let it chill.
- Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, use different teas, and even add other fruits if you want to get creative.
Ingredients (Makes 1 gallon)
- 6 cups water
- 4 black tea bags (or green tea, if you prefer a lighter base)
- 1 large orange (or 2 small), thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup honey or sugar (optional, depending on how sweet you like it)
- 2 cups cold water
- Ice for serving
- Additional mint leaves and orange slices for garnish
Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan or kettle
- Fine mesh strainer (optional)
- Pitcher or large jar
- Wooden spoon or stirring stick
- Knife and cutting board
How to Make It
Step 1: Brew the Tea
Start by boiling 6 cups of water in a medium saucepan or kettle. Once the water is boiling, pour it over the tea bags in a heatproof pitcher or jug. Let the tea steep for about 5 to 7 minutes—the longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor will be. I usually go for around 7 minutes, as I like my tea to have a robust base to stand up to the sweetness of the orange and mint.
After the tea has steeped, remove the tea bags and set the pitcher aside to cool. It’s important to let the tea cool to room temperature before adding the fruit and mint, so it doesn’t cook them.
Step 2: Prepare the Orange and Mint
While the tea is cooling, slice the orange thinly, removing any seeds as you go. I like to keep the slices as thin as possible so that they infuse the tea more efficiently. You’ll also need to gently bruise the mint leaves. This is a key step because bruising releases the oils from the mint, giving you that lovely fresh mint flavor. To bruise the mint, just use the back of a spoon or your fingers to gently press down on the leaves in your hand.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Once your tea has cooled to room temperature, add the sliced orange and bruised mint leaves to the pitcher. Give it a stir, and if you like your tea on the sweeter side, now’s the time to add honey or sugar. I typically use honey for a natural sweetness, but you can go with sugar if you prefer. Stir until the sweetener is dissolved.
Add 2 cups of cold water to the pitcher, and stir again to combine. The additional cold water helps balance out the strength of the tea and enhances the citrus and mint flavors.
Step 4: Chill the Tea
Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2–3 hours, or overnight if you want the flavors to really meld together. The longer it chills, the more the flavors infuse. I usually make it in the morning and let it chill for a few hours, but if you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will do.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
When you’re ready to serve, fill a glass with ice and pour the chilled tea over the top. Add a few extra mint leaves or a slice of orange for a garnish. It makes for a beautiful, refreshing presentation.
Tips & Variations
- Sweetener options: You can use honey, agave syrup, or even stevia to sweeten the tea. Adjust according to your preferences.
- Citrus variations: Feel free to add a slice of lemon or lime to complement the orange. You can also experiment with other fruits, like berries or pineapple.
- Herbal twist: If you want a more herbal flavor, you can switch out the black tea for green tea or even herbal teas like chamomile or rooibos.
- Make it sparkling: Add a splash of sparkling water when serving for a fizzy version of this refreshing iced tea.
- Make it ahead: This tea stores well in the fridge for up to 3–4 days, so you can make a large batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
Why I Love This Orange Mint Iced Tea
This recipe has become one of my go-to drinks during the warmer months. It’s incredibly easy to make and adds just the right amount of zest and refreshment to any day. I love how the orange brings a burst of natural sweetness without being overpowering, while the mint provides a cooling, almost spa-like freshness that elevates the entire drink.
What’s even better is how customizable this recipe is. You can adjust the amount of sweetness, play around with the types of tea, and even experiment with different fruit or herbs. It’s the perfect base for endless variations.
It’s also a drink that feels fancy without being complicated. If you’re hosting a summer get-together, this is the kind of drink that will impress your guests but doesn’t require a lot of effort. It’s refreshing, pretty to look at, and tastes like a mini vacation in a glass.
Final Thoughts
Iced tea is always a winner when it comes to staying refreshed during those hot summer days, but when you add the citrusy pop of orange and the cooling note of mint, it transforms into something truly special. This Orange Mint Iced Tea has become a favorite in my household, and I’m sure it will be in yours too. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it on your own, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of summer.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag me in your photos on social media!
