Homemade Lemon Mint Iced Tea: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink Recipe
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a glass of perfectly chilled iced tea on a warm day. Forget sugary store-bought options; crafting your own lemon mint iced tea at home is not only incredibly easy but also allows you to control the ingredients for a truly refreshing and healthy beverage. This delightful recipe blends the bright tang of fresh lemons, the sweet notes of oranges, the invigorating coolness of mint, and a subtle whisper of cinnamon, creating a symphony of flavors that will awaken your senses. It’s the ideal companion for scorching summer afternoons or whenever you crave a cool, revitalizing pick-me-up. With just a few minutes of active preparation and some cooling time, you’ll have a delightful drink that’s sure to impress.
Why Choose Homemade Iced Tea?
Making your own iced tea offers a myriad of advantages over store-bought alternatives. Firstly, it’s significantly more budget-friendly. You can produce a large batch for a fraction of the cost, making it an economical choice for families or frequent drinkers. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, homemade iced tea can be customized entirely to your personal preference. You have complete control over the sweetness level, the strength of the tea, and the exact balance of flavors. On this blog, we love exploring different homemade iced tea variations; you can already find delightful recipes like our rhubarb iced tea, a vibrant orange iced tea, and an elegant rose lime iced tea with raspberries. The primary “disadvantage” of most iced tea recipes is the necessary cooling time – typically around two hours to achieve that perfectly chilled temperature. However, this waiting period is a small price to pay for the truly refreshing and flavorful drink you’ll ultimately enjoy.
The Fresh Flavor Profile of Lemon Mint Iced Tea
Our lemon mint iced tea stands out with its incredibly fresh and vibrant taste, thanks to the generous use of fresh fruit juices. We combine the zesty brightness of lemon juice with the sweet, tangy notes of orange juice, creating a robust citrus base. This fruity foundation is then expertly balanced with a touch of sweetness from honey and sugar, along with the warm, aromatic spice of cinnamon. The result is a harmonious blend that is neither too tart nor too sweet, with a delightful depth of flavor. Finally, the star of the show – fresh mint leaves – infuse the iced tea with an invigorating, cooling sensation that is absolutely essential for a truly refreshing summer drink.
So, if you’re craving a thirst-quenching, fresh, and perfectly balanced beverage, this homemade iced tea with lemon and mint is guaranteed to make a lasting impression!
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📖 Recipe Card: Homemade Lemon Mint Iced Tea
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
10 minutes
2 hours
2 hours
10 minutes
Drinks
American
6
glasses
78
kcal
Prevent your screen from going dark
Ingredients
-
2
oranges -
2
lemons -
4½
cups
Jasmine tea -
1
cinnamon stick -
1
tablespoon
honey -
1
sprig
fresh mint -
¼
cup
sugar -
ice cubes
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
US Customary
Instructions
-
Juice one lemon and one orange.2 oranges,
2 lemons -
Pour the orange juice and 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice into a jar. -
Add the tea, cinnamon, honey, sugar, and mint.4½ cups Jasmine tea,
1 cinnamon stick,
1 tablespoon honey,
1 sprig fresh mint,
¼ cup sugar -
Cut the other orange and lemon into small slices. Add them to the jar as well. -
Let it cool -
For serving: Add some ice cubes in a glass and pour the lemon mint iced tea on top.ice cubes
Notes
2. Tea Varieties: While this recipe specifically calls for Jasmine tea, which offers a light and floral aroma, feel free to experiment with other types. For a bolder flavor, consider using black tea. Green tea provides a slightly grassy and refreshing note, while white tea offers a delicate profile. Herbal or fruit teas can also be wonderful variations, often bringing their own sweetness, so you might need to adjust the amount of honey or sugar accordingly. The possibilities are endless!
3. Enhancement and Garnish: To elevate both the visual appeal and the flavor experience, add extra slices of lemon, orange, and fresh mint leaves directly into the iced tea glass when serving. Not only does this make for a stunning presentation, but it also infuses each sip with an added burst of fresh, vibrant taste. You could also include a few fresh berries or a slice of cucumber for an extra twist.
4. Sweetener Alternatives: If you’re looking for alternatives to sugar and honey, consider options like maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sugar substitute like stevia. Adjust the quantity to your preferred sweetness level, tasting as you go.
5. Serving Suggestions: This lemon mint iced tea is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with light summer meals, grilled dishes, or as a refreshing option for picnics and outdoor gatherings. Serve it in tall glasses with plenty of ice and enjoy the cooling sensation.
6. Storage:
- Refrigerator: To keep your homemade iced tea fresh, cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s best to use an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any odors from other foods in your fridge.
- Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze iced tea in a closed container without any garnish. If you’ve already added fruit or mint slices, strain them out before freezing. This ensures the iced tea maintains its best flavor and consistency. When freezing, remember to leave about ½ inch (1 cm) of space at the top of the container, as liquids expand when frozen. This frozen iced tea will last up to 2 months. Thaw it slowly in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition
Calories:
78
kcal
Carbohydrates:
21
g
Protein:
1
g
Fat:
0.2
g
Saturated Fat:
0.02
g
Polyunsaturated Fat:
0.1
g
Monounsaturated Fat:
0.02
g
Sodium:
6
mg
Fiber:
2
g
Sugar:
16
g
Vitamin A:
115
IU
Vitamin C:
42
mg
Iron:
0.4
mg
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More Ice Cold Drinks for Ultimate Refreshment
If you’ve fallen in love with the refreshing taste of our homemade lemon mint iced tea, you’ll be thrilled to explore more of our fantastic cold drink recipes. We believe that summer (or any season, really!) is the perfect time to enjoy a variety of delicious, cooling beverages. From fruity concoctions to creamy delights, we have something for every palate. These recipes are designed to be easy to follow, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your chilled creations.
- 27 Delicious Summer Drinks
- Blood Orange Iced Tea
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