20 Refreshing Homemade Ice Tea Recipes for Summer

Just when you thought summer couldn’t get any better, we’ve rounded up 20 refreshing homemade ice tea recipes to keep you cool and hydrated. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting a backyard BBQ, these easy-to-make delights are sure to impress. From classic sweet tea to exotic fruit-infused varieties, there’s a flavor for every palate. Dive in and discover your new favorite summer sip!

Classic Sweet Iced Tea

Whispering to the hum of the afternoon, there’s something deeply comforting about a glass of classic sweet iced tea, its amber hue catching the light just so, promising a sip that’s both refreshing and nostalgically sweet.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of water, because that’s how we start most good things
• a couple of family-size black tea bags, the kind that steep into something bold
• a cup of granulated sugar, for that signature Southern sweetness
• a splash of cold water, to cool things down
• a handful of ice cubes, because it’s not iced tea without the ice
• a slice of lemon or two, for those who like a little zing

Instructions

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. This is where the magic starts.
2. Once boiling, remove the pan from the heat and add the tea bags. Let them steep for about 15 minutes; patience here makes all the difference in flavor.
3. After steeping, gently squeeze the tea bags against the side of the pan with a spoon to extract every last bit of tea goodness, then discard the bags.
4. Stir in the cup of sugar until it’s completely dissolved, creating a sweet tea concentrate that’s the heart of this drink.
5. Add a splash of cold water to the concentrate to slightly dilute it, making it ready to serve.
6. Fill glasses to the brim with ice cubes, then pour the tea over the ice. The crackle of the ice meeting the tea is summer in a sound.
7. Garnish with a slice of lemon on the rim of each glass for a hint of brightness, if you like.

Brimming with the perfect balance of sweetness and tea, this classic drink is like liquid gold on a hot day. Serve it in mason jars for a touch of rustic charm, or with a sprig of mint for an extra layer of freshness.

Peach Iced Tea with Fresh Mint

Basking in the late summer warmth, there’s nothing quite like the sweet, tangy embrace of peach iced tea, especially when it’s kissed with the freshness of mint. It’s a simple pleasure, really, one that turns an ordinary afternoon into a moment of quiet joy.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of water
• 2 ripe peaches, sliced (plus a couple more for garnish if you’re feeling fancy)
• 1/2 cup of sugar, because life’s sweet
• A handful of fresh mint leaves, because freshness is key
• A splash of lemon juice, for that little zing
• Ice cubes, as much as your heart desires

Instructions

1. Start by bringing the 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Patience is a virtue here.
2. Once boiling, remove the pan from heat and add the sliced peaches, sugar, and mint leaves. Let them steep for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully.
3. Strain the mixture into a pitcher, pressing gently on the peaches and mint to extract every last bit of flavor. Tip: Use the back of a spoon for this; it’s surprisingly effective.
4. Stir in the splash of lemon juice. This little addition brightens the whole drink, trust me.
5. Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until it’s thoroughly chilled, about 2 hours. Impatience won’t serve you well here.
6. Serve over ice, garnished with extra peach slices and a mint leaf or two. Presentation matters, even if it’s just for yourself.

Just like that, you’ve got a pitcher of peach iced tea that’s as refreshing as a summer breeze. The peaches lend a velvety sweetness, while the mint adds a crisp, clean finish. Try serving it in mason jars for a touch of rustic charm, or share it with someone special—because some joys are too good not to share.

Lemon Ginger Iced Tea

Lemon ginger iced tea is like a quiet afternoon captured in a glass, where the sharpness of ginger meets the soothing whisper of lemon, creating a dance of flavors that’s both invigorating and calming.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of water
• a couple of lemons, juiced (about 1/2 cup)
• a thumb-sized piece of ginger, thinly sliced
• a splash of honey (about 2 tbsp)
• a handful of ice cubes
• a few sprigs of mint for garnish

Instructions

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.
2. Once boiling, add the sliced ginger, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to infuse the water with ginger’s spicy warmth.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and honey until the honey dissolves completely, creating a sweet and tangy base.
4. Strain the mixture into a pitcher to remove the ginger slices, ensuring a smooth tea.
5. Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until it’s thoroughly chilled.
6. Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the chilled tea over the ice, and garnish with a sprig of mint for a refreshing finish.

This iced tea carries a crisp texture with a bold ginger kick softened by the lemon’s acidity and the honey’s sweetness. Try serving it with a slice of lemon frozen in ice cubes for an elegant touch that slowly releases more flavor as it melts.

Strawberry Basil Iced Tea

Zephyrs of summer breeze seem to carry the promise of refreshment, and nothing answers that call quite like a glass of Strawberry Basil Iced Tea. It’s a dance of sweet and herbaceous, a sip that feels like a slow afternoon under the shade.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of water
• a handful of fresh strawberries, about 1 cup sliced
• a couple of fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• a splash of lemon juice
• 4 black tea bags
• a tray of ice cubes

Instructions

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.
2. Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and add the 4 black tea bags. Let them steep for 5 minutes for a robust flavor.
3. While the tea steeps, slice the strawberries and gently muddle them with the basil leaves in a large pitcher to release their juices.
4. After the tea has steeped, discard the tea bags and stir in the sugar until fully dissolved. Tip: Swirling the tea helps the sugar melt faster without needing extra heat.
5. Pour the warm tea over the muddled strawberries and basil in the pitcher. Add a splash of lemon juice for a bright note.
6. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to infuse the flavors. Tip: Chilling it overnight deepens the strawberry and basil essence.
7. Before serving, fill glasses with ice cubes and strain the tea over the ice to catch any strawberry bits or basil leaves. Tip: For a prettier presentation, add a fresh strawberry slice and a basil leaf to each glass.

The tea carries a velvety texture from the strawberries, with the basil adding a whisper of complexity. Serve it in mason jars with striped paper straws for a touch of whimsy at your next picnic.

Raspberry Hibiscus Iced Tea

On a quiet afternoon like this, there’s something deeply comforting about crafting a drink that’s both vibrant and soothing. Raspberry Hibiscus Iced Tea, with its blush hue and tangy sweetness, feels like a gentle embrace from summer itself.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of water
• a handful of dried hibiscus flowers
• a cup of fresh raspberries
• a splash of lemon juice
• a couple of tablespoons of honey
• a few ice cubes

Instructions

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.
2. Once boiling, remove from heat and add a handful of dried hibiscus flowers. Let steep for 10 minutes to extract the vibrant color and tangy flavor.
3. While the tea steeps, muddle a cup of fresh raspberries in a pitcher to release their juices.
4. Strain the hibiscus tea into the pitcher with the raspberries, pressing on the flowers to get all the flavorful liquid.
5. Stir in a splash of lemon juice and a couple of tablespoons of honey until the honey dissolves completely.
6. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least an hour to chill thoroughly.
7. Serve over a few ice cubes in tall glasses, garnishing with fresh raspberries or a hibiscus flower if you’re feeling fancy.

Now, the tea is a beautiful deep pink, with a perfect balance of tart and sweet. It’s wonderfully refreshing on its own, but for an extra special touch, try adding a sprig of mint or a slice of lime to each glass.

Green Tea with Honey and Lime

Venturing into the quiet of the morning, there’s something deeply comforting about wrapping your hands around a warm mug of green tea, especially when it’s gently sweetened with honey and brightened with a squeeze of lime. It’s a simple pleasure, yet one that feels like a small act of self-care.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water
• 1 green tea bag
• A tablespoon of honey, or more if you like it sweeter
• A splash of fresh lime juice, about half a lime’s worth
• A couple of ice cubes, if you’re in the mood for it iced

Instructions

1. Bring the cup of water to a boil in a small pot or kettle, then let it sit for a minute to cool slightly to about 175°F, which is the perfect temperature for green tea to avoid bitterness.
2. Place the green tea bag in your favorite mug and pour the hot water over it. Let it steep for 3 minutes for the ideal strength—any longer and it might get too strong.
3. While the tea is still warm, stir in the tablespoon of honey until it’s fully dissolved. This is the best time to add sweeteners, as they blend more easily in warm liquids.
4. Add the splash of fresh lime juice to the tea and give it a gentle stir to combine all the flavors beautifully.
5. If you’re feeling like a chilled version, drop a couple of ice cubes into the tea after it’s cooled a bit more, turning it into a refreshing iced green tea with honey and lime.

Offering a delicate balance of sweet and tart, this tea is wonderfully smooth with a hint of citrusy zing. Try serving it in a clear glass to admire its light golden hue, or with a thin slice of lime on the rim for an extra touch of elegance.

Blueberry Lavender Iced Tea

How soothing it is to find a moment of calm in the simple act of brewing tea, especially when it’s as fragrant and vibrant as this Blueberry Lavender Iced Tea. It’s a gentle reminder of summer’s fleeting beauty, captured in a glass.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of fresh blueberries, because nothing beats the real deal
• 4 cups of water, for that perfect brew
• 1/4 cup of dried lavender flowers, for a floral whisper
• A splash of lemon juice, to brighten things up
• 1/2 cup of honey, for a touch of sweetness
• A couple of ice cubes, to chill

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the blueberries, water, and lavender. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes, until the blueberries burst and release their juices.
2. Remove from heat and let the mixture steep for another 10 minutes. This patience allows the lavender to infuse fully, creating a deeper flavor.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher, pressing on the solids to extract all the lovely juice. Discard the solids.
4. Stir in the honey and lemon juice until the honey dissolves completely. Tip: Adjust the sweetness or tartness to your liking by adding more honey or lemon.
5. Let the tea cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours. Chilling it properly ensures a refreshing sip every time.
6. Serve over ice cubes in tall glasses. For an extra touch, garnish with a few fresh blueberries or a sprig of lavender.

Might you find the texture silky, with the berries’ natural pectin giving it a slight body, while the lavender offers a subtle, aromatic complexity. It’s delightful served with a shortbread cookie on the side, or even poured over a bowl of fresh fruit for a grown-up fruit salad.

Pomegranate Mint Iced Tea

Gently, the afternoon sun filters through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow that seems to beckon for something refreshing. There’s a quiet joy in crafting a drink that’s both vibrant and soothing, a blend of tart pomegranate and cool mint that feels like a whisper of summer.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of water, because every good tea starts with a solid base
• a couple of pomegranates, for that deep, ruby hue and tangy sweetness
• a handful of fresh mint leaves, because nothing says refreshment like mint
• a splash of honey, to smooth out the tartness just right
• ice cubes, as many as your heart desires, for that crisp chill

Instructions

1. Begin by boiling the 4 cups of water in a medium saucepan over high heat. Once it reaches a rolling boil, remove it from the heat to cool slightly, about 2 minutes. This prevents the mint from turning bitter.
2. While the water cools, juice the pomegranates until you have about 1 cup of fresh juice. Tip: Roll the pomegranates on the counter before cutting to loosen the seeds for easier juicing.
3. Add the mint leaves to the warm water, gently pressing them with the back of a spoon to release their oils. Let steep for 5 minutes, no longer, to keep the flavor bright.
4. Strain the mint leaves from the water, then stir in the pomegranate juice and honey until the honey dissolves completely. Tip: Adjust the honey based on the sweetness of your pomegranates.
5. Chill the tea in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or pour over ice for immediate enjoyment. Tip: For an extra touch, freeze pomegranate seeds in ice cubes for a pretty and flavorful addition.

Bright and effervescent, this iced tea carries the boldness of pomegranate softened by the mint’s cool embrace. Serve it in tall glasses with a sprig of mint or a few pomegranate seeds floating on top, a visual and flavorful feast that turns any moment into a celebration.

Spiced Chai Iced Tea

Kneeling here, with the morning light filtering through the curtains, I find myself lost in the thought of a drink that carries the warmth of spices and the coolness of ice—a perfect paradox for these lingering summer days.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of water
• a couple of chai tea bags
• a splash of vanilla extract
• a handful of ice cubes
• a drizzle of honey, to sweeten
• a pinch of ground cinnamon
• a slice of orange, for garnish

Instructions

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.
2. Once boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the chai tea bags. Let them steep for 5 minutes for a robust flavor.
3. After steeping, remove the tea bags and stir in a splash of vanilla extract and a drizzle of honey, adjusting the sweetness to your liking.
4. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.
5. Fill a glass to the brim with ice cubes and pour the chilled tea over the ice.
6. Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on top and garnish with a slice of orange for a citrusy note.

Pouring this spiced chai iced tea, the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla dances in the air, promising a sip that’s both refreshing and deeply comforting. The orange slice not only adds a pop of color but also a subtle zest that elevates the entire experience.

Pineapple Coconut Iced Tea

Lazing through the afternoon, the thought of a refreshing drink lingers in the air, much like the gentle sway of palm trees. This Pineapple Coconut Iced Tea is a tropical escape in a glass, blending the tangy sweetness of pineapple with the creamy whisper of coconut, all cooled by the crispness of tea.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of water
• 2 black tea bags
• A splash of pineapple juice, about 1/2 cup
• A couple of tablespoons of coconut milk, to your creaminess liking
• Ice cubes, as much as you fancy
• A drizzle of honey, just a teaspoon or so for sweetness

Instructions

1. Bring the 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.
2. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the 2 black tea bags. Let them steep for exactly 5 minutes for the perfect strength.
3. After steeping, discard the tea bags and stir in the splash of pineapple juice and drizzle of honey until fully dissolved.
4. Allow the tea mixture to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill thoroughly.
5. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled tea over, leaving a little space at the top.
6. Gently stir in a couple of tablespoons of coconut milk into each glass for that creamy texture.
7. Give it a light stir before sipping to enjoy the layers of flavor.

Each sip is a melody of flavors, the pineapple and coconut dancing together with the boldness of tea. Serve it with a slice of pineapple on the rim for an extra tropical touch, or enjoy it as is, letting the coolness wash over you.

Watermelon Cucumber Iced Tea

Lazy summer afternoons call for something refreshing, something that whispers of cool breezes and the shade of a leafy tree. This Watermelon Cucumber Iced Tea is just that—a gentle, hydrating embrace on a hot day.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of watermelon, cubed (about half a small watermelon)
• 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
• 4 black tea bags
• 4 cups of water, boiling
• A splash of honey, to sweeten
• A couple of mint leaves, for garnish
• Ice cubes, as much as you like

Instructions

1. Start by steeping the black tea bags in the boiling water for about 5 minutes. Tip: Don’t oversteep to avoid bitterness.
2. While the tea is brewing, blend the watermelon cubes until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh to remove the pulp, if you prefer a clearer drink.
3. Once the tea is ready, remove the bags and let it cool to room temperature. Tip: Cooling it quickly in the fridge can save time.
4. In a large pitcher, combine the cooled tea, watermelon juice, and sliced cucumber. Stir gently.
5. Add a splash of honey and stir until it’s fully dissolved. Tip: Adjust the sweetness based on the watermelon’s natural sugar.
6. Refrigerate the mixture for at least an hour to let the flavors meld.
7. Serve over ice, garnished with mint leaves for a fresh aroma.

Mellow and subtly sweet, this iced tea carries the crispness of cucumber and the juicy brightness of watermelon. Try serving it in hollowed-out watermelon halves for a playful, picnic-ready presentation.

Earl Grey Citrus Iced Tea

Today, as the sun stretches its golden fingers across the sky, I find myself longing for the refreshing embrace of an Earl Grey Citrus Iced Tea. There’s something about the delicate dance of bergamot and citrus that whispers of lazy afternoons and the gentle clink of ice in a glass.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of water
• 2 Earl Grey tea bags
• A splash of fresh lemon juice
• A couple of orange slices, thinly cut
• A handful of ice cubes
• A drizzle of honey, if you like it sweet

Instructions

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the 2 Earl Grey tea bags. Let them steep for 5 minutes for the perfect strength.
3. While the tea is steeping, squeeze a splash of fresh lemon juice into a pitcher. Tip: Rolling the lemon on the counter before juicing can help extract more juice.
4. After the tea has steeped, remove the tea bags and pour the tea into the pitcher over the lemon juice.
5. Add a couple of thinly sliced orange rounds to the pitcher for a burst of citrus flavor.
6. Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least an hour to chill thoroughly. Tip: Chilling the tea before adding ice prevents it from becoming diluted too quickly.
7. Serve over a handful of ice cubes, and drizzle with honey if you prefer a sweeter touch. Tip: For an extra refreshing twist, freeze some of the tea in ice cube trays to use instead of regular ice cubes.

Offering a symphony of flavors, this Earl Grey Citrus Iced Tea is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. The bergamot’s floral notes harmonize with the bright citrus, creating a drink that’s as invigorating as a morning breeze. Serve it in a mason jar with a sprig of mint for a touch of greenery that elevates the experience.

Blackberry Sage Iced Tea

Zephyrs whisper through the kitchen window as I ponder the simplicity and elegance of crafting a refreshing drink, a blend of nature’s sweetness and herbal whispers, perfect for these lingering summer days.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of water, because every good tea starts with a solid base
• a handful of fresh blackberries, about 1 cup, for that juicy burst of flavor
• a couple of fresh sage leaves, because their earthy tone balances the sweetness
• a splash of honey, around 2 tbsp, to sweeten the deal just right
• ice cubes, as much as your heart desires, to chill everything to perfection

Instructions

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. This is your canvas.
2. Once boiling, add the fresh sage leaves and reduce the heat to low, letting them steep for about 5 minutes to infuse the water with their earthy essence. Tip: Bruising the sage leaves slightly before adding them can help release more flavor.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and add the blackberries, gently muddling them with a spoon to release their juices. Let this mixture sit for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry.
4. Strain the tea into a pitcher, pressing on the solids to extract every last drop of flavor, then stir in the honey until fully dissolved. Tip: Adjust the sweetness by adding honey gradually and tasting as you go.
5. Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the tea over, garnishing with a few extra blackberries or a sage leaf for a touch of elegance. Tip: For an extra chill, refrigerate the tea for an hour before serving, but it’s delightful right away too.

Perfectly balanced, this iced tea dances between the tartness of blackberries and the subtle, earthy undertones of sage, with a sweetness that doesn’t overpower. Serve it in mason jars with striped paper straws for a picnic, or enjoy it quietly on the porch as the sun dips low.

Matcha Mint Iced Tea

As the summer heat lingers into the evening, there’s something deeply soothing about preparing a drink that cools both the body and the mind. Matcha Mint Iced Tea, with its vibrant green hue and refreshing aroma, is like a gentle whisper of tranquility in a glass.

Ingredients

• A couple of teaspoons of matcha powder
• A handful of fresh mint leaves
• 2 cups of cold water
• A splash of honey or agave syrup
• Ice cubes, as many as you like
• A slice of lemon for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Start by placing the matcha powder in a large bowl. Sift it to avoid any lumps, ensuring a smooth tea.
2. Add a splash of cold water to the matcha. Whisk vigorously in a zigzag motion until the mixture is frothy and no clumps remain. This is your matcha base.
3. In a pitcher, muddle the fresh mint leaves gently to release their oils. You don’t want to tear them apart, just enough to get that minty fragrance going.
4. Pour the matcha base over the mint leaves in the pitcher. Add the remaining cold water and stir well.
5. Sweeten with honey or agave syrup to your liking, stirring until it’s fully dissolved. Tip: The sweetness should complement, not overpower, the matcha and mint.
6. Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the tea over the ice. Garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint if you’re feeling fancy.
7. Let it chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Cool and invigorating, this Matcha Mint Iced Tea dances on the palate with its earthy matcha notes and the bright, clean finish of mint. Serve it in a mason jar with a striped straw for a touch of whimsy, or enjoy it as is, letting the simplicity of its flavors speak for itself.

Passionfruit Mango Iced Tea

Zephyrs whisper through the kitchen window as I ponder the simple joy of blending tropical flavors into a refreshing drink. Today, let’s craft a Passionfruit Mango Iced Tea, a melody of sweet and tart that dances on the palate.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of freshly brewed black tea, cooled
• 1 cup of mango puree, the riper the better
• A splash of passionfruit juice, about 1/4 cup
• A couple of tablespoons of honey, or to sweeten your day
• Ice cubes, as many as your heart desires
• A sprig of mint for that fresh finish

Instructions

1. Brew the black tea and let it cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes, to avoid diluting the flavors with too much ice later.
2. In a large pitcher, gently whisk together the cooled tea, mango puree, and passionfruit juice until well combined.
3. Sweeten the mixture with honey, stirring until it fully dissolves, about 1 minute. Tip: Warm the honey slightly if it’s too thick to mix in easily.
4. Fill glasses to the brim with ice cubes, then pour the tea mixture over the ice, leaving a little room at the top for garnish.
5. Garnish each glass with a sprig of mint for an aromatic touch. Tip: Lightly clap the mint between your hands before adding to release its oils.
6. Serve immediately, stirring gently before each sip to ensure the flavors are well distributed. Tip: For an extra chill, place the glasses in the freezer for 5 minutes before serving.

Silky mango swirls with the tangy passionfruit, creating a drink that’s as vibrant in color as it is in taste. Try serving it with a slice of lime on the rim for an added zing, or blend it with a bit more ice for a slushier version on those scorching summer days.

Vanilla Chamomile Iced Tea

Whispering to the quiet of the morning, there’s something undeniably soothing about blending the floral whispers of chamomile with the sweet, familiar embrace of vanilla in a glass of iced tea. It’s a drink that doesn’t just quench thirst but wraps you in a moment of calm, a gentle pause in the rush of the day.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of water, because that’s just enough to fill your favorite pitcher
• a couple of chamomile tea bags, or a handful of loose flowers if you’re feeling fancy
• a splash of vanilla extract, the kind that smells like your grandma’s kitchen
• a drizzle of honey, because life’s too short for sugar when you can have golden sweetness
• a handful of ice cubes, as many as it takes to hear that satisfying clink

Instructions

1. Bring the 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan over high heat, because we’re starting strong.
2. Once boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the chamomile tea bags or loose flowers. Let them steep for 5 minutes, no more, no less, for that perfect floral note. Tip: Cover the saucepan to keep all the warmth and aroma inside.
3. After steeping, remove the tea bags or strain the flowers. Stir in the splash of vanilla extract and the drizzle of honey until everything’s dissolved into a harmonious blend. Tip: Taste as you go with the honey; you can always add more but you can’t take it out.
4. Let the tea cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the fridge to chill for at least an hour. Patience is key here; good things come to those who wait.
5. Fill your glasses with the handful of ice cubes, then pour the chilled tea over the top. Tip: For an extra touch, garnish with a fresh chamomile flower or a vanilla bean pod on the rim.

The first sip is a revelation—cool, creamy, and with just the right balance of floral and sweet. Try serving it in mason jars with striped paper straws for a picnic, or sip it slowly from a crystal glass as the sun sets, letting the flavors linger like the last light of day.

Cherry Limeade Iced Tea

Amidst the quiet hum of the afternoon, there’s something deeply comforting about crafting a drink that marries the tartness of cherries with the zesty whisper of lime, all cradled in the familiar embrace of iced tea. It’s a simple pleasure, a moment of pause in the day’s rhythm.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of water, because every good tea starts here
• 4 black tea bags, for that deep, comforting base
• A generous 1/2 cup of fresh lime juice, squeezed with love
• 1/2 cup of cherry juice, for that sweet, tart kick
• A splash of simple syrup, just enough to sweeten the deal
• A couple of lime slices and cherries, because we eat with our eyes first
• Ice cubes, as much as your heart desires

Instructions

1. Bring the 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.
2. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the 4 black tea bags. Let steep for 5 minutes for the perfect strength—no more, no less.
3. While the tea is steeping, squeeze your limes until you have that 1/2 cup of juice. Fresh is always best, but no judgment here.
4. After the tea has steeped, remove the tea bags and stir in the lime juice, cherry juice, and that splash of simple syrup until everything is beautifully combined.
5. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then pop it in the fridge to chill for at least an hour. Patience is key here.
6. When you’re ready to serve, fill glasses with ice, pour over your cherry limeade iced tea, and garnish with lime slices and cherries for that Instagram-worthy finish.

The first sip is a revelation—bright and tangy, with the tea’s depth rounding out the edges. Try serving it in mason jars with striped paper straws for a touch of whimsy at your next picnic.

Ginger Peach Turmeric Iced Tea

Wandering through the kitchen on a quiet afternoon, I found myself craving something that could capture the essence of summer—a drink that’s both refreshing and grounding. That’s when the idea of blending the spicy warmth of ginger, the sweet juiciness of peaches, and the earthy depth of turmeric into an iced tea came to mind.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of water
• 2 ripe peaches, sliced
• a thumb-sized piece of ginger, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
• a splash of honey
• a couple of ice cubes
• a sprig of mint for garnish

Instructions

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.
2. Add the sliced peaches and ginger to the boiling water, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3. Stir in the ground turmeric and let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes. Tip: The longer you simmer, the more intense the flavors will be.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the liquid into a pitcher, discarding the solids. Tip: Press down on the solids with a spoon to extract every last bit of flavor.
5. Stir in a splash of honey while the tea is still warm, adjusting the amount to your liking. Tip: Honey not only sweetens the tea but also helps the turmeric’s benefits absorb better.
6. Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.
7. Serve over a couple of ice cubes, garnished with a sprig of mint for a fresh touch.

Bright and vibrant, this iced tea is a melody of flavors—spicy, sweet, and slightly earthy. Pour it into a mason jar with a slice of peach on the rim for a picturesque summer sip.

Rosemary Lemonade Iced Tea

Under the golden glow of the afternoon sun, there’s something deeply comforting about sipping on a glass of Rosemary Lemonade Iced Tea. It’s a blend that whispers of summer gardens and lazy afternoons, where each sip carries the bright zest of lemon and the earthy whisper of rosemary.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of water
• a handful of fresh rosemary sprigs (about 3-4)
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• a splash of fresh lemon juice (from about 4 lemons)
• 4 black tea bags
• a couple of ice cubes
• a slice of lemon for garnish

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over high heat.
2. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the rosemary sprigs and tea bags. Let steep for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3. After steeping, remove the rosemary and tea bags, squeezing them gently to release any trapped liquid.
4. Stir in the sugar until fully dissolved, then let the mixture cool to room temperature.
5. Once cooled, add a splash of fresh lemon juice and stir well.
6. Transfer the mixture to a pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.
7. Serve over a couple of ice cubes, garnished with a slice of lemon for that extra touch of freshness.

Just as the last ice cube melts, you’ll find the tea perfectly balanced—not too sweet, with the rosemary’s piney notes playing beautifully against the lemon’s tang. Try serving it in mason jars with a sprig of rosemary as a stirrer for a rustic, inviting presentation.

Cold Brew Jasmine Iced Tea

Beneath the quiet hum of the morning, there’s something deeply comforting about crafting a drink that cools and soothes, a ritual that feels both personal and universal. Today, let’s gently stir together the floral whispers of jasmine with the bold clarity of cold brew, a pairing that feels like a quiet conversation between old friends.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of cold, filtered water
• 2 tablespoons of loose-leaf jasmine tea
• A splash of honey or simple syrup, if you like it sweet
• A couple of ice cubes, for serving
• A slice of lemon or a sprig of mint, for that little extra

Instructions

1. In a large pitcher, combine the cold, filtered water and loose-leaf jasmine tea. Stir gently to ensure the leaves are fully submerged.
2. Cover the pitcher and let it steep in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours, or overnight, to fully extract the tea’s floral notes without bitterness.
3. Strain the tea into another pitcher or container, pressing lightly on the leaves to get every last drop of flavor, then discard the leaves.
4. If you’re adding honey or simple syrup, stir it in now, tasting as you go to find your perfect level of sweetness.
5. Fill a glass with ice cubes, pour the jasmine tea over, and garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint for a fresh, aromatic finish.

Lingering on the palate, this cold brew jasmine iced tea offers a delicate balance of floral and sweet, with a clarity that’s as refreshing as a breeze. Serve it in a mason jar with a striped straw for a touch of whimsy, or alongside a book for a solitary afternoon of peace.

Summary

There’s no better way to beat the summer heat than with a glass of homemade iced tea, and our roundup of 20 refreshing recipes offers something for everyone. From fruity infusions to herbal delights, these easy-to-make drinks are sure to cool you down. We’d love to hear which ones become your favorites—drop us a comment below and don’t forget to share the love on Pinterest!