Orange Blossom Iced Tea

Orange blossom iced tea brings a fragrant Middle Eastern accent to a simple chilled black tea. The tea is brewed slightly strong so it keeps its character once cooled and poured over ice, then lightly sweetened and finished with orange blossom water for a delicate floral aroma rather than heavy perfume. A slice of lemon sharpens the drink with clean citrus acidity, making it crisp, refreshing and easy to serve by the glass or from a chilled jug. The key is restraint: orange blossom water is powerful, so a small amount gives the tea its distinctive scented finish without overwhelming the tannic black tea base.
Cuisine style Middle Eastern-inspired refreshment
Cooking style Make-ahead friendly • Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Clean, refreshing finish: Chilled black tea, lemon and ice create a crisp drink with enough acidity to keep the sweetness balanced.
  • Delicate floral depth: Orange blossom water adds fragrance after the tea has cooled, so its aroma stays clear and fresh.
  • Easy to prepare ahead: The tea can be brewed and chilled in advance, then poured over fresh ice just before serving.

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Timing notes

  • Serve over fresh ice: Add the ice only when serving so the tea stays bright rather than diluted.
  • Cool before adding fragrance: Let the tea come to room temperature before stirring in the orange blossom water to preserve its delicate aroma.

Ingredient notes

  • Use a black tea with structure: A robust black tea holds its flavour better once chilled and served over ice.
  • Add orange blossom carefully: Orange blossom water is highly aromatic, so adjust it gradually to avoid an overly perfumed drink.
  • Balance with citrus: Lemon keeps the drink crisp; lime can be used when you want a sharper finish.

Make-ahead tips

  • Brew ahead: Prepare and chill the strained tea in a covered jug, then stir before serving.
  • Keep garnishes separate: Store the tea without ice or lemon, adding both only when ready to drink.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Bring the water to the boil in a small saucepan, then take off the heat. Add the black tea and leave to steep for 5 minutes so it brews strong.
  2. Stir in the caster sugar until fully dissolved. Strain the tea into a heatproof jug and leave to cool to room temperature.
  3. Stir in the orange blossom water, then chill the tea in the fridge until properly cold. Taste and add a touch more orange blossom water if you want it more floral.
  4. Fill a glass with the ice cubes and pour over the chilled tea. Add the lemon slice and serve straight away.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For the best flavour once cold, keep the steeping time to 5 minutes and avoid squeezing the tea as you strain, which can make it bitter.
  • Orange blossom water is potent, so start with the stated amount and adjust in tiny increments to taste.

Substitutions

  • Replace caster sugar with honey for a rounder sweetness.
  • Replace lemon with lime for a sharper citrus finish.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Store the strained, chilled tea (without ice or lemon) in a covered jug in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, then pour over fresh ice and add the lemon slice.

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Orange Blossom Iced Tea
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 1 glasses
  • Total time: 45min (10min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Beginner friendly One pot Kid friendly

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Equipment you'll need

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