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Homemade Orange Rosemary Ice Tea

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This homemade orange and rosemary ice tea recipe brings together the bright flavors of fresh citrus with aromatic rosemary and green tea. The recipe starts with making a rosemary-infused syrup using fresh sprigs and honey, which is then combined with chilled green tea and freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice. The mixture needs to chill for at least 4 hours to develop its full flavor profile. Served over ice, this refreshing drink makes a perfect non-alcoholic option for summer gatherings or as a sophisticated alternative to regular iced tea. The recipe yields 4 servings and can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for entertaining.
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Updated on Sat, 15 Feb 2025 02:29:09 GMT
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A glass of orange juice with a slice of orange in it. pin it
A glass of orange juice with a slice of orange in it. | myhomemaderecipe.com

This elegant blend of green tea infused with citrus and aromatic rosemary creates a sophisticated, refreshing beverage that elevates any gathering. Fresh oranges and fragrant rosemary combine with delicate green tea to create a naturally sweet, complex drink that outshines any store-bought alternative.

Last summer, I served this at my sister's garden party and guests couldn't stop asking for the recipe. The combination of rosemary and orange created such an intriguing aroma that everyone assumed it was a specialty cocktail rather than a creative ice tea blend.

Essential Ingredients For Success

  • Green Tea: Select high-quality loose leaf or tea bags, preferably Japanese sencha or Chinese dragon well for their smooth, clean taste
  • Fresh Oranges: Choose ripe, heavy fruits with bright, unblemished skin for maximum juice yield and flavor
  • Fresh Rosemary: Look for bright green, aromatic sprigs with flexible stems
  • Raw Honey: Local, unfiltered honey adds complex sweetness and supports proper tea balance
  • Fresh Ginger: Select firm, smooth rhizomes with tight skin for optimal flavor
  • Fresh Lemons: Meyer lemons work beautifully here, but any fresh lemons will enhance the citrus notes

Crafting Your Perfect Brew

Prepare The Infusion:
First, combine water with fresh ginger and rosemary sprigs in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat immediately. Stir in honey while the water is still hot, allowing it to dissolve completely. Transfer to a glass container and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
Create The Tea Base:
Brew your green tea with precision, following package instructions carefully to avoid any bitterness. Remove tea leaves promptly and allow to cool completely before refrigerating. This patient approach ensures a clean, bright tea flavor.
Final Assembly:
Strain the chilled rosemary-ginger infusion into a large pitcher. Add your cooled green tea and freshly squeezed citrus juices. Stir gently to combine all elements into a harmonious blend. Serve over abundant ice, garnishing with fresh rosemary sprigs and orange slices.
A glass of orange juice with ice and a sprig of mint on the side. pin it
A glass of orange juice with ice and a sprig of mint on the side. | myhomemaderecipe.com

My family particularly loves the ginger in this recipe. My daughter, who typically avoids tea altogether, requests this blend regularly during summer months, saying the ginger adds a sophisticated spice that makes it feel 'grown-up.'

The Art Of Timing

Proper timing transforms this recipe from good to exceptional. The key lies in allowing the rosemary infusion adequate time to develop while preventing over-steeping. This patience rewards you with perfectly balanced flavors.

Enhance Your Experience

Consider serving this refreshing tea alongside light appetizers like goat cheese crostini or fresh fruit skewers. The herbal notes complement both sweet and savory accompaniments beautifully.

Make It Your Own

Transform this recipe by experimenting with different tea bases like white tea or oolong. Consider adding fresh mint leaves or substituting maple syrup for honey to create your signature version.

Keeping It Fresh

Store any leftover tea in a glass container for up to 48 hours. Avoid storing with ice to prevent dilution. When ready to serve again, add fresh ice and a squeeze of orange juice to revive the flavors.

Two glasses of orange juice with ice and a sprig of rosemary on top. pin it
Two glasses of orange juice with ice and a sprig of rosemary on top. | myhomemaderecipe.com

After years of experimenting with various ice tea combinations, this recipe stands out for its sophisticated flavor profile and versatility. The marriage of citrus, herbs, and tea creates something truly special that elevates any occasion from ordinary to memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this orange rosemary ice tea ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this ice tea up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it refrigerated until serving.
→ How long does the orange rosemary ice tea stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the ice tea stays fresh for up to 3 days.
→ Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
While fresh rosemary gives the best flavor, you can use dried rosemary. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary in place of each fresh sprig.
→ Is it possible to make this recipe sugar-free?
Yes, you can replace the honey with your preferred sugar-free sweetener. Adjust the amount to taste.
→ What type of green tea works best for this recipe?
Any basic green tea works well, but Japanese Sencha or Chinese Gunpowder tea are particularly good choices for their smooth flavor.

Orange Rosemary Ice Tea Recipe

A cool and refreshing homemade orange rosemary ice tea that combines fresh citrus, aromatic herbs, and green tea for the perfect summer drink.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
250 Minutes
Total Time
260 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Beverages

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: International

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Base Ingredients

01 300ml water
02 300ml green tea, prepared according to package instructions
03 3 tablespoons honey

→ Fresh Produce

04 3 fresh rosemary sprigs
05 2cm piece fresh ginger, peeled
06 4 medium oranges (about 1 cup juice)
07 1 medium lemon

→ For Serving

08 Ice cubes

Instructions

Step 01

Combine water with rosemary sprigs and peeled ginger in a pot. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat. Stir in the honey until dissolved and let it cool with the rosemary still in the pot. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Step 02

Brew the green tea following package instructions. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Step 03

Squeeze the oranges and lemon. Remove rosemary and ginger from the infused water. In a large container, combine the rosemary-infused water, chilled green tea, and citrus juices. Taste and add more honey if desired.

Step 04

Fill glasses with plenty of ice cubes and pour in the prepared ice tea. Serve immediately while cold and fresh.

Notes

  1. This refreshing homemade ice tea makes a beautiful non-alcoholic aperitif
  2. Can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot
  • Citrus juicer
  • Large container or jar for mixing