This refreshing iced tea blends the bright taste of orange with a warm hint of cinnamon. It’s super easy to make and perfect for a sunny day or any gathering!
Whenever I make this tea, it feels like summer in a glass. Plus, the sweet smell while brewing is so good, you might want to keep sipping it all day! ☀️
I love serving it chilled with ice and a slice of orange on the side. It’s such a simple treat that everyone enjoys—even my picky friends! Cheers to easy breezy drinks!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Tea: Standard black tea bags work well, but feel free to use loose leaf tea for a fresher flavor. If you prefer a caffeine-free version, herbal teas like rooibos or chamomile can be excellent substitutes.
Orange: Fresh oranges add a bright flavor, but if they’re not in season, you can use tangerines or clementines. Juice from bottled orange juice could also work in a pinch, just adjust the sweetness.
Cinnamon Stick: Ground cinnamon is a quick alternative, but I recommend using sticks for steeping if you can. The flavor from sticks is more robust and refined. Nutmeg can be another option that provides a warm spice kick!
Honey or Sugar: Honey adds a lovely floral note, but if it isn’t on hand, granulated sugar works just fine. For a lower-calorie option, agave syrup or stevia can also be used effectively.
How Do You Make Sure Your Iced Tea Is Just Right?
The key to perfect iced tea lies in the brewing and cooling process. Steeping time is crucial; too short, and the tea won’t have enough flavor, too long, and it might taste bitter. Aim for 5-7 minutes, adjusting according to your taste preference.
- Bring water to a boil, then steep the tea bags or loose tea.
- Ensure you remove tea at the right time—5 minutes is a great starting point!
- Let it cool naturally before refrigerating, so it doesn’t become cloudy.
Also, remember to chill it for at least an hour before serving; this creates a refreshing drink that’s perfect over ice!
How to Make Easy Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Iced Tea:
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags (or 4 teaspoons loose black tea)
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2-3 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
For Garnish:
- Orange slices
- Whole star anise (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea takes about 10 minutes to prepare. After brewing, you’ll need to chill it in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours before serving. Perfect for enjoying on a hot day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Water:
Start by pouring 4 cups of water into a medium saucepan. Place the saucepan on the stove and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Watching the water boil is part of the fun!
2. Steep the Tea:
Once the water is boiling, carefully remove the saucepan from the heat. Now, it’s time to add your black tea bags or loose tea. Let them steep in the hot water for about 5-7 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. The longer you steep, the bolder the flavor!
3. Sweeten the Tea:
After steeping, take out the tea bags or strain the loose tea to remove the leaves. Stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of honey or sugar, adjusting the amount to fit your taste. Make sure it dissolves completely to create a smooth sweetness.
4. Add Orange and Cinnamon:
Now for the fun part! Add the sliced orange and the cinnamon stick to your tea mixture. Let it cool down to room temperature so that the flavors can blend beautifully.
5. Chill the Tea:
Once cooled, carefully transfer the tea into a pitcher. Place your pitcher in the refrigerator and let it chill for about 1 to 2 hours. This will make your iced tea refreshingly cold!
6. Serve the Iced Tea:
When you’re ready to serve, grab some glasses and fill them up with ice cubes. Pour your chilled orange cinnamon tea over the ice for that perfect refreshing touch.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
To make it extra special, garnish your iced tea with additional orange slices, a whole star anise for a pretty look, and fresh mint leaves if you like. Now you’re all set to enjoy your delicious Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea!
Can I Use Green Tea Instead of Black Tea?
Absolutely! You can substitute green tea for black tea, but keep in mind that the flavor will be lighter and less robust. Steep the green tea for 2-3 minutes only, as it can become bitter if steeped too long.
What If I Don’t Have Cinnamon Sticks?
If you don’t have cinnamon sticks, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon instead. Just remember to stir well to evenly distribute the flavor. If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, adjust to your taste!
Can I Make This Beverage Sugar-Free?
Yes, you can! Use a sugar substitute, like stevia or erythritol, to sweeten your iced tea without adding sugar. Start with a small amount, and adjust according to your taste preference, as some substitutes can be sweeter than sugar.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Iced Tea?
Leftover iced tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container. If you notice any loss of flavor, simply add a few fresh slices of orange for a flavor boost before serving again!
