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Delightful Orange Rosemary Iced Tea

Featured in Drinks for Every Season.

This refreshing iced tea highlights the zing of oranges combined with rosemary's herbal aroma and the light taste of green tea. Start by making a fragrant syrup with rosemary and honey, then mix it with brewed green tea, fresh orange juice, and a splash of lemon. Let the drink chill for a few hours before serving it over ice for maximum flavor. It’s a perfect non-alcoholic choice for summer parties or just relaxing at home. This recipe serves 4 and can be prepped ahead to save time.
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Updated on Thu, 27 Feb 2025 23:01:41 GMT
A chilled glass filled with vibrant orange tea and garnished with orange slices. Pin it
A chilled glass filled with vibrant orange tea and garnished with orange slices. | quickierecipe.com

A sophisticated citrus and herb-infused green tea that brings garden-fresh flavors to your glass. This aromatic blend combines bright orange, fragrant rosemary, and premium green tea for a naturally sweet and complex beverage that surpasses any commercial varieties.

This refreshing tea blend first debuted at an outdoor garden party where guests were captivated by its unique aroma. The sophisticated combination of herbs and citrus created such an elegant impression that many assumed it was a craft cocktail.

Key Ingredients

  • Green Tea: Premium sencha or dragon well varieties provide the ideal smooth base
  • Oranges: Select juicy, fragrant fruit at peak ripeness
  • Rosemary: Fresh sprigs with vibrant aroma
  • Honey: Raw, unfiltered for natural sweetness
  • Ginger: Fresh root with smooth, firm texture
  • Lemons: Meyer or standard varieties for bright acidity

Preparation Method

Herbal Infusion:
Heat water with sliced ginger and rosemary until just boiling. Remove from heat and stir in honey until dissolved. Chill thoroughly in glass container.
Tea Base:
Steep green tea according to package directions, being careful not to over-brew. Cool completely before chilling.
Assembly:
Strain cooled herb infusion into serving pitcher. Add chilled tea and fresh citrus juices. Combine gently. Serve over ice with rosemary and orange garnish.
A glass of orange juice with ice and a sprig of mint on the side. Pin it
A glass of orange juice with ice and a sprig of mint on the side. | quickierecipe.com

The ginger adds an unexpected depth that appeals to both tea enthusiasts and skeptics alike. Its subtle warmth transforms this into a sophisticated beverage that feels special.

Timing Tips

Success lies in patient preparation. Allow proper steeping time for the herbs while carefully monitoring the tea to achieve ideal flavor balance.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with light appetizers like herbed cheese crostini or fresh fruit. The balanced flavors complement both sweet and savory dishes.

Variations

Experiment with white or oolong tea bases, fresh herbs like mint, or alternative sweeteners such as maple syrup to create unique flavor profiles.

Storage

Keep refrigerated in glass containers up to two days. Store without ice and refresh with citrus when serving.

Two glasses of orange juice with ice and a sprig of rosemary on top. Pin it
Two glasses of orange juice with ice and a sprig of rosemary on top. | quickierecipe.com

This refined recipe represents years of testing various tea combinations. The careful blend of citrus, herbs and premium tea creates an elevated beverage perfect for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this iced tea in advance?
Absolutely! You can make it a day before and keep it chilled until it's time to serve.
→ How long can I store this iced tea?
It stays fresh for up to 3 days as long as you keep it in a sealed container in the fridge.
→ Can I use dried rosemary in this recipe?
Yes, though fresh rosemary is recommended for the best taste, you can swap it with 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary per sprig.
→ Is it possible to make this recipe without added sugar?
You bet! Simply substitute honey with a sweetener of your choice, like stevia or monk fruit. Adjust to your liking.
→ What kind of green tea should I use?
Any standard green tea works, but varieties like Sencha or Gunpowder tea add a special, smooth touch.

Citrus Herb Iced Tea

Cool off with this easy orange rosemary iced tea that blends fresh oranges, fragrant rosemary, and smooth green tea. Perfect as a summer refreshment.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
250 Minutes
Total Time
260 Minutes
By: Meryem

Category: Beverages

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: International

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Fresh Produce

01 4 medium oranges, juiced (about 1 cup)
02 1 medium-sized lemon
03 2cm chunk of freshly peeled ginger
04 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary

→ For Serving

05 Ice cubes

→ Base Ingredients

06 300ml of freshly boiled green tea (made as per tea package instructions)
07 300ml plain water
08 3 tablespoons of honey

Instructions

Step 01

Put some water, peeled ginger, and rosemary sprigs into a pot. Let it boil and then turn off the stove. Stir in honey until it melts, then leave the mix to cool down with the herbs inside. Cover it and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours.

Step 02

Follow the tea pack's directions to make 300ml of green tea. Chill the tea in the fridge for 4 hours or more.

Step 03

Juice your oranges and lemon. Take the rosemary and ginger out of the infused water. Mix the ginger-rosemary water, citrus juices, and cold green tea in a big container. Add more honey if you'd like it sweeter.

Step 04

Put some ice in each glass and pour the tea blend over. Serve right away while it's still nice and cold.

Notes

  1. This is the perfect homemade iced tea for a fresh, alcohol-free drink at parties.
  2. You can make it a full day ahead of serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big mixing container or jar
  • A pot for heating
  • Citrus juicer