Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea
Cool off with this vibrant Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea, a refreshing summer drink that blends the zesty brightness of fresh oranges with the warm spice of cinnamon. Ready in just 10 minutes, this easy-to-make iced tea is perfect for Independence Day celebrations, picnics, or lazy summer afternoons. With its bold flavors and eye-catching presentation, this Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea is a crowd-pleasing beverage that’s both delicious and healthy.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 20 kcal
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags or 4 tsp loose-leaf black tea
- 1 large orange for zest and juice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise optional, for extra spice
- Honey or sugar to taste optional
- Ice cubes
- Fresh orange slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish
Boil the Water: In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. While heating, zest 1 large orange to collect about 1 tsp of zest.
Steep the Tea and Spices: Remove the boiling water from heat. Add 4 black tea bags, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 tsp orange zest, and 2 star anise (if using). Cover and steep for 5-8 minutes, depending on your preferred tea strength.
Add Orange Juice and Sweeten: Juice the zested orange, removing any seeds. Remove the tea bags and strain the tea mixture into a pitcher to discard solids. Stir in the fresh orange juice and sweeten with honey or sugar to taste, if desired.
Chill the Tea: Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until fully chilled, about 1-2 hours. For faster chilling, add a few ice cubes to the pitcher (but avoid diluting too much).
Serve and Garnish: Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled over the ice. Garnish each glass with a fresh orange slice and a cinnamon stick for a festive touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Balance the Flavors: Adjust sweetness gradually to complement the citrus and spice.
- Strong Tea Base: Steep for the full 8 minutes for a bold flavor that holds up over ice.
- Chill Smart: Cool the tea before refrigerating to avoid cloudiness.
- Garnish Appeal: Add mint sprigs or star anise for an extra elegant presentation.
- Cocktail Twist: Add a splash of spiced rum or bourbon for an Independence Day cocktail.
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