Fresh Spring Iced Tea Recipe
A refreshing and easy-to-make iced tea blending black tea, fresh mint, lemon zest, and honey for a bright, crisp springtime beverage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 black tea bags (e.g., Twinings or Harney & Sons)
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- Zest from 1 large lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
- 2–3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup/agave nectar for vegan option)
- 6 cups filtered water
- Ice cubes for serving
- Optional: thinly sliced cucumber or fresh berries for garnish
Instructions
- Boil 6 cups (1.4 liters) of filtered water until it reaches a rolling boil (about 212°F / 100°C).
- Place 4 black tea bags into a large heatproof pitcher. Pour the hot water over the tea bags and steep for exactly 4 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags but leave the mint leaves and lemon zest in the hot tea. Let infuse for another 5 minutes while the tea cools slightly.
- Stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of honey while the tea is still warm until fully dissolved. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Once the tea is at room temperature, stir in 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice. Remove mint leaves and zest for a smoother drink or leave them in for stronger flavor.
- Refrigerate the tea for at least 1 hour before serving over plenty of ice cubes.
- Serve garnished with a sprig of fresh mint, a lemon wheel, or optional cucumber slices or fresh berries.
Notes
Do not steep tea bags longer than 4 minutes to avoid bitterness. Stir honey into warm tea to dissolve fully. Avoid zesting the white pith of the lemon to prevent bitterness. Tea can be prepared ahead and refrigerated up to 3 days. For caffeine-free version, use rooibos or herbal tea bags. For vegan option, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 8 fl oz
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 10
Keywords: iced tea, spring drink, refreshing beverage, black tea, mint tea, lemon tea, honey sweetened, summer drink, easy iced tea