Orange Rosemary Iced Tea Recipe
A refreshing and sophisticated iced tea with citrusy orange and earthy rosemary. This homemade drink is perfect for hydration, impressing guests, or everyday sipping.
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Citrus zester
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Strainer or sieve
- Large pitcher
- Mason jars or glasses
Ingredients
- 6 cups water divided
- 4 –5 black tea bags or 3 tbsp loose leaf black tea
- 3 –4 fresh rosemary sprigs about 4 inches each
- 2 large oranges zest + juice
- 2 –3 tbsp honey or maple syrup to taste
- Ice cubes as needed
- Fresh orange slices for garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a saucepan.
- Remove from heat and add black tea bags or loose tea.
- Steep for exactly 5 minutes, then remove the tea bags.
- Bruise rosemary sprigs by rolling between palms or lightly pressing with a knife.
- Add bruised rosemary to the hot tea and let steep for 10–15 minutes.
- Zest 1 orange (about 2 tbsp), avoiding the bitter white pith.
- Juice both oranges and set aside.
- Remove rosemary from tea, then stir in honey or maple syrup while still warm.
- Add orange zest and juice to the tea.
- Add remaining 2 cups of cold water.
- Refrigerate the tea for at least 2 hours to chill and infuse.
- To serve, fill glasses with ice, pour chilled tea, and garnish with fresh orange slices and rosemary sprigs.
Notes
Use ripe, juicy oranges for best flavor (navel or blood oranges recommended).
Fresh rosemary is essential for aroma and taste—do not substitute dried.
Steeping too long will make the tea bitter; time carefully.
Try flavor variations with mint, lime, sparkling water, or sea salt.
Store tea in the fridge for up to 5 days. Tea cubes can be frozen for future use.