Greek Citrus Iced Tea
Why this recipe works
- Clean citrus balance: Orange softens the sharper lemon juice, giving the tea brightness without making it harsh.
- Fresh finish: Mint is added after brewing, so it keeps its cooling aroma rather than turning dull or stewed.
- Easy to prepare ahead: The tea can be chilled in advance and served over ice just before drinking, which keeps the flavour clear and undiluted.
Get the most out of this recipe
Timing notes
- Serve once properly cold: The tea tastes brightest when fully chilled before it hits the ice; serving it warm over ice can dilute the flavour quickly.
- Short active preparation: Most of the time is cooling and chilling, so the hands-on work is limited to brewing, juicing and stirring.
Ingredient notes
- Use a robust black tea: A stronger black tea holds up well to the citrus juice, honey and ice without tasting thin.
- Choose ripe citrus: Ripe oranges add natural sweetness, while a fresh lemon keeps the drink crisp and lively.
- Adjust the sweetness while warm: Honey dissolves most easily in hot tea, so taste and adjust before chilling if you prefer a sweeter finish.
Ingredient swaps
- For a vegan sweetener: Use agave syrup instead of honey for a similar gentle sweetness.
- For sharper citrus: Swap the orange for grapefruit if you want a more tart, slightly bitter edge.
Make-ahead tips
- Brew and chill in advance: Make the tea ahead and keep it covered in the fridge, then add ice only when serving.
- Strain for cleaner storage: For the clearest flavour, strain out the mint before storing so it does not dominate as the tea sits.
- Refresh before serving: If the chilled tea tastes muted, brighten it with a little extra lemon juice rather than more ice.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring the water to the boil in a saucepan, then remove from the heat. Add the black tea and leave to infuse for 6 minutes for a strong brew.
- Strain the tea into a jug and stir in the honey while the tea is still hot so it dissolves fully. Leave to cool for 5 minutes.
- Juice the orange and lemon, then stir the juice into the tea. Lightly bruise the mint leaves between your palms and add them to the jug.
- Chill the tea until cold, about 7 minutes in the freezer or longer in the fridge. Serve over ice cubes, dividing the mint between glasses.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For a cleaner citrus flavour, strain the tea again just before serving to remove the mint leaves.
- If serving to pregnant people, young children, older adults, or anyone immunocompromised, use freshly boiled water and clean equipment, and chill promptly.
Substitutions
- Replace honey with agave syrup for a vegan-friendly sweetener.
- Replace orange with grapefruit for a sharper, more grown-up citrus note.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Store the strained tea in a covered jug in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add ice cubes only when serving; if the tea tastes muted after chilling, brighten it with a little extra lemon juice.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 glasses
- Total time: 25min (10min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Greek
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