Orange Rosemary Iced Tea
This vibrant Orange Rosemary Iced Tea combines fresh-squeezed orange juice, aromatic rosemary sprigs, and quality black tea for a refreshing summer drink that balances sweet citrus notes with sophisticated herbal undertones—perfect for entertaining or everyday sipping.
Ingredients
- 6 cups water divided
- 4 black tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose-leaf black tea
- 3 large oranges 2 for juicing, 1 for garnish
- 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup adjust to taste
- 1 cinnamon stick optional
- Ice cubes
- Orange slices for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the tea base: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, remove from heat and add tea bags. Let steep for 5 minutes for a robust flavor without bitterness.
- Infuse the aromatics: While the tea is still hot, add 3 sprigs of rosemary (slightly bruised by rubbing between your palms to release oils) and the cinnamon stick if using. Cover and let steep for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add the citrus: Juice 2 oranges to yield approximately 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice. Remove tea bags and strain the tea mixture into a heat-resistant pitcher to remove rosemary leaves and cinnamon.
- Sweeten while warm: Add honey or maple syrup to the hot tea and stir until completely dissolved. This ensures even sweetness throughout the drink.
- Dilute and cool: Add the remaining 2 cups of cold water and the fresh orange juice to the pitcher. Stir well to combine all flavors.
- Chill thoroughly: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until completely cold. For faster cooling, add ice cubes directly to the pitcher, but note this will dilute the tea slightly.
- Serve with flair: Pour over ice-filled glasses, garnish with fresh orange slices and a small sprig of rosemary in each glass. For added visual appeal, slightly bruise the garnish rosemary to release its aromatic oils.
Notes
- For a stronger rosemary flavor, lightly crush the rosemary sprigs with a wooden spoon before adding them to the tea.
- This tea keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for batch preparation.
- For a sparkling version, replace 1-2 cups of cold water with seltzer water just before serving.
- The tea will become stronger as it sits, so you might want to under-steep if preparing well in advance.
- For an adult version, add a splash of vodka or white rum to individual servings.