Orange Rosemary Iced Tea Recipe
Introduction
Orange Rosemary Iced Tea is a refreshing and aromatic beverage perfect for warm days. The combination of citrusy orange and fragrant rosemary adds a delightful twist to classic black tea.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags
- 1 large orange, sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- Honey or sugar to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a pot or kettle.
- Step 2: Remove from heat, add the black tea bags, orange slices, and rosemary sprigs.
- Step 3: Let the mixture steep for about 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Step 4: Remove the tea bags, orange slices, and rosemary. Stir in honey or sugar if desired while the tea is still warm.
- Step 5: Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour.
- Step 6: Serve over ice and garnish with additional orange slices or rosemary, if you like.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh rosemary for the best aroma; dried rosemary can be too overpowering.
- Try adding a splash of lemon juice for extra citrus brightness.
- Sweeten with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water to dissolve easily.
- For a caffeine-free version, substitute black tea with rooibos or herbal tea.
Storage
Store the iced tea in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving, and add fresh ice to keep it chilled. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh orange slices?
Fresh orange slices provide a subtle aroma and slight bitterness that bottled juice can’t replicate. However, bottled juice can be added for extra orange flavor if desired, but it may alter the tea’s balance.
Is fresh rosemary necessary, or can I use dried?
Fresh rosemary works best for this recipe because it imparts a fresh, vibrant flavor. Dried rosemary can be too strong and may create a bitter taste if steeped too long.
PrintOrange Rosemary Iced Tea Recipe
Refreshing Orange Rosemary Iced Tea combines the bright citrus flavor of fresh orange slices with the aromatic touch of rosemary, perfectly steeped in robust black tea and served chilled for a revitalizing beverage on warm days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- Ice cubes, as needed
- Optional: sweetener such as honey or sugar, to taste
Instructions
- Boil Water: Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil using a kettle or stovetop pot.
- Steep Tea and Flavorings: Place the black tea bags, orange slices, and rosemary sprigs into a heat-safe pitcher. Pour the boiling water over these ingredients and allow them to steep for 5 to 7 minutes, letting the flavors infuse deeply.
- Remove Tea Bags and Strain: Remove the tea bags carefully to avoid bitterness. Strain out orange slices and rosemary if you prefer a clearer tea or keep them for stronger flavor.
- Cool and Chill: Let the tea cool to room temperature, then transfer the pitcher to the refrigerator. Chill the tea for at least 1 to 2 hours until fully cold.
- Serve: Fill serving glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled orange rosemary tea over the ice. Optionally, garnish each glass with a fresh rosemary sprig or an orange slice for presentation and added aroma.
Notes
- You can adjust the steeping time depending on how strong you prefer your tea; longer steeping results in a more intense flavor.
- Sweeten the iced tea with honey, sugar, or a sugar substitute while the tea is still warm to ensure it dissolves properly.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs intensify the herbal notes; dried rosemary can be used but with a lighter flavor.
- This iced tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for optimum freshness.
- For a sparkling version, substitute half of the water with carbonated water after chilling.
Keywords: orange rosemary iced tea, refreshing iced tea, black tea, citrus tea, herbal iced tea, summer drink, chilled tea
