Homemade Orange Rosemary Iced Tea
Homemade Orange Rosemary Iced Tea is a refreshing summer beverage combining zesty fresh oranges and aromatic rosemary with robust black tea. This easy-to-make, naturally sweetened iced tea is perfect for hot days, offering a bright citrus flavor balanced with herbal depth, ideal for brunches, gatherings, or casual refreshment.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Steeping
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan (if using agave nectar)
Tea Base
- 4 Black tea bags
- 4 cups Filtered water
- 2–3 Fresh rosemary sprigs
Citrus and Sweetener
- 1 cup Fresh orange juice (from about 2–3 oranges)
- 1 teaspoon Orange zest (from 1 orange)
- 2 tablespoons Honey or agave nectar (adjust to taste)
Serving
- Ice cubes as needed
- Fresh orange slices for garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
- Step 1: Brew the Tea
Start by boiling filtered water and steep your black tea bags along with fresh rosemary sprigs for about 5 to 7 minutes to extract robust and aromatic flavors for the iced tea base.
- Step 2: Add Citrus and Sweeten
Once the tea has cooled slightly, stir in freshly squeezed orange juice and orange zest to add bright, fragrant notes. Gently sweeten the mixture with honey or your preferred natural sweetener, adjusting to your taste.
- Step 3: Chill Thoroughly
Transfer the tea into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the tea to reach the perfect cold temperature.
- Step 4: Serve Over Ice
Fill tall glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled orange rosemary iced tea over them. Garnish each glass with fresh orange slices and rosemary sprigs for a visually appealing and aromatic presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh oranges and rosemary for the brightest flavor and aroma.
- Avoid overbrewing the tea to prevent bitterness; steep for no longer than 7 minutes.
- Add sweetener gradually, tasting as you go to maintain balance with the herbal notes.
- Allow the tea to cool completely before chilling in the refrigerator to keep clarity and avoid cloudiness.
- For decorative flair, use ice cubes with frozen orange peel or rosemary leaves inside.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: orange iced tea, rosemary iced tea, citrus herbal drink, summer beverage, refreshing tea, homemade iced tea