Orange mint iced tea
Orange mint iced tea is a refreshing beverage combining zesty orange, warm cinnamon, sweet honey, and cool spearmint. This easy-to-make drink is perfect for warm days, offering a delightful taste experience.
Cook time 5 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1 orange1 cinnamon stick
1/3 cup honey
1 tbsp spearmint
Orange mint iced tea is a refreshing and revitalizing beverage that's perfect for a warm day. This delightful drink combines the citrusy zest of orange, the warm spiciness of cinnamon, the sweetness of honey, and the cool freshness of spearmint. Making this tea at home is easy and requires just a few simple ingredients to create a flavorful and aromatic experience.
Instructions:
- Wash the orange thoroughly under running water. Slice the orange into thin rounds, leaving the peel on for added flavor.
- Rinse the spearmint leaves if they’re fresh.
- In a large pot or kettle, bring 5 cups of water to a boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the cinnamon stick and orange slices to the pot. Let it boil for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors thoroughly.
4. Add Honey:
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the honey. Stir well until the honey has completely dissolved in the hot water.
- Turn off the heat and add the spearmint leaves to the pot. Allow the mixture to steep for an additional 10 minutes. The longer you let it steep, the more pronounced the flavors will be.
6. Strain the Mixture:
- After the mixture has steeped, use a fine mesh strainer to strain the liquid into a heat-safe pitcher, discarding the solid ingredients (orange slices, cinnamon stick, and spearmint leaves).
- Let the tea cool to room temperature first, then cover and place the pitcher in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour, or until the tea is thoroughly cold.
- To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled orange mint tea over the ice. Garnish with a fresh slice of orange and a sprig of mint if desired.
- Your refreshing Orange Mint Iced Tea is ready to be enjoyed! Perfect for a hot day or as a refreshing beverage anytime. Cheers!
With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious and refreshing orange mint iced tea that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're entertaining guests or just looking for a way to cool down, this homemade iced tea is sure to satisfy. Enjoy the blend of flavors and the cooling effect of mint with every sip.
Orange mint iced tea FAQ:
After preparing the iced tea, it should cool to room temperature and then be refrigerated for at least 1 hour until thoroughly cold.
You can use agave syrup, maple syrup, or any other liquid sweetener of your choice. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly.
Yes, you can use dried mint, but use about 1 to 2 teaspoons since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
Store any leftover tea in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Stir well before serving again, as flavors may settle.
You can increase or decrease the amount of honey to taste. Start with less, as you can always add more sweetness if desired.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients to get the best flavor. Freshly squeezed orange juice and freshly picked spearmint will make a noticeable difference.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less honey. You can also substitute honey with agave syrup or other sweeteners if preferred.
- To enhance the minty flavor, lightly bruise the mint leaves before adding them to the tea. This helps release their essential oils.
- For a stronger cinnamon taste, allow the cinnamon stick to steep longer in the tea. You can also break the stick into smaller pieces for a more intense flavor.
- Chill the tea in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving so it's nice and cold. Add ice cubes just before serving to keep it cool.
- Garnish each glass with a slice of orange and a sprig of mint for an appealing presentation.
Nutrition per serving
6 ServingsCalories 55kcal
Protein 0.29g
Carbohydrates 14g
Fiber 0.89g
Sugar 13g
Fat 0.04g