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Easy Orange Rosemary Iced Tea

Featured in Sip & Savor: Refreshing Homemade Drinks.

This homemade iced tea combines the zesty taste of oranges with aromatic rosemary and smooth green tea. Start by making a rosemary syrup using sprigs and honey, then mix it with chilled tea and freshly squeezed citrus juices. Cool the mix for at least 4 hours to deepen the flavors, and serve over plenty of ice. It’s an excellent non-alcoholic drink for gatherings or a refreshing break on a hot day. Makes 4 servings and can be prepped ahead for convenience.
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Updated on Fri, 07 Mar 2025 05:22:23 GMT
A chilled glass of tea with fresh orange slices and rosemary. Pin it
A chilled glass of tea with fresh orange slices and rosemary. | linacooks.com

This refreshing citrus and rosemary green tea combines bright citrus notes with aromatic herbs for an elegant summer beverage. Fresh oranges and rosemary sprigs infuse perfectly with premium green tea, creating a naturally sweet drink that's both sophisticated and simple.

This aromatic tea blend first came together during a summer garden party. The intriguing combination of citrus and herbs had guests mistaking it for a craft cocktail, leading to countless recipe requests.

Key Ingredients

  • Green Tea: Choose quality sencha or dragon well tea for clean, smooth flavor
  • Oranges: Select juicy, ripe fruit with bright, unblemished peel
  • Rosemary: Use fresh, aromatic sprigs
  • Honey: Raw, unfiltered honey adds natural sweetness
  • Ginger: Pick firm, fresh roots
  • Lemons: Fresh citrus brightens the blend

Preparation Method

Create the Base:
Combine water with sliced ginger and rosemary in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and stir in honey until dissolved. Chill completely.
Brew the Tea:
Prepare green tea according to package instructions, being careful not to over-steep. Cool completely.
Combine Components:
Strain the herb infusion into a pitcher. Add cooled tea and fresh citrus juices. 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. | linacooks.com

The ginger adds a subtle warmth that transforms this from standard iced tea into something special. Even those who typically avoid tea find themselves won over by this sophisticated blend.

Timing Tips

Success lies in proper timing. Allow the herb infusion adequate steeping time while being careful not to over-extract the tea. This attention to detail ensures perfectly balanced flavors.

Serving Suggestions

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

Variations

Try using different tea varieties or adding fresh herbs like mint. Maple syrup can substitute for honey to create a unique flavor profile.

Storage Tips

Keep refrigerated up to 48 hours in a sealed container. Store without ice and refresh with fresh 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. | linacooks.com

This refined combination of citrus, herbs and tea creates an elevated refreshment perfect for any occasion. The careful balance of flavors results in a truly memorable beverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this iced tea in advance?
Absolutely! Make it up to a day ahead and keep it chilled in the fridge.
→ How long can I store leftover tea?
If stored in a sealed container in the fridge, it tastes great for up to 3 days.
→ Is it okay to substitute dried rosemary for fresh?
Sure! Use about 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary instead of a fresh sprig, though the taste may be slightly different.
→ Can I make this recipe completely sugar-free?
Yes, swap out the honey for a sugar-free sweetener of your choice and adjust to taste.
→ What’s the best kind of green tea to use?
Any green tea will do, but Japanese Sencha or Chinese Gunpowder tea are great options for their smooth taste.

Orange Herb Iced Tea

This simple-to-make iced tea blends green tea, citrusy orange, and a hint of rosemary to create a refreshing summer drink everyone will enjoy.

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

Category: Beverages

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: International

Yield: 4 Servings

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

Ingredients

→ Base Ingredients

01 300ml of plain water
02 300ml of freshly brewed green tea (follow the instructions on the packaging)
03 3 tablespoons of honey

→ Fresh Produce

04 4 medium oranges (producing roughly 1 cup of juice)
05 3 sprigs of rosemary, fresh
06 1 lemon, medium-sized
07 A 2cm chunk of fresh ginger, skin removed

→ For Serving

08 Ice cubes

Instructions

Step 01

In a pot, add rosemary sprigs, peeled ginger, and water. Heat until boiling, then turn off the stove. Stir in the honey until it disappears into the mix. Leave it to cool while the rosemary stays in the liquid, then cover it up and chill it in the fridge for a minimum of 4 hours.

Step 02

Prepare the green tea exactly as the instructions on the label say. Once ready, pop it in the fridge and let it cool down for at least 4 hours.

Step 03

Juice the oranges and the lemon. Pick out the rosemary and ginger from the infused water. In a big container, mix the rosemary-infused liquid, cold green tea, and freshly squeezed citrus juices. Adjust by adding more honey if you think it needs it.

Step 04

Fill up glasses with lots of ice cubes, then pour the chilled iced tea on top. Serve right away to enjoy it fresh and cool.

Notes

  1. This homemade iced tea is a great non-alcoholic drink for any occasion.
  2. You can prep it up to a full day before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big pot
  • A juicer for the oranges and lemon
  • A large jar or container for mixing everything