These 13 Iced Tea Recipes Are Perfect for When You're Tired of Plain Ol' Water

As important as it is to stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking water, I have to be honest, I have a hard time sipping on just plain water at times. It can get boring, which is why I love making water infusions. But for a hot summer day, the only way to go is iced tea. And since I avoid drinking soda, I always have a homemade pitcher of tea in my refrigerator. To keep it interesting, I like to try out different iced tea recipes. I especially love playing around with a variety of different flavors. You can get creative and experiment with fresh herbs, fruits and the type of tea leaves.

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A good way to save some money and to satisfy your iced tea craving is by making your own homemade iced tea. It helps to have a really good electric tea kettle to help speed up the process as well as a sturdy pitcher. Try out these year-round iced tea recipes that you'll be drinking throughout the day!

1. Sweet Tea

This is a classic Southern drink that's perfect for sipping on during a warm summer night, or really any night for that matter! I'm sure everyone has their own special recipe, but this one is relatively quick requiring only three ingredients.

Steep black tea leaves (Lipton, Luzianne or your favorite brand) in hot water and let it sit for about 5 minutes. For stronger tea, let the tea bags sit in the water for up to 3 hours. Chill and serve this tea with plenty of ice cubes and a slice of lemon for the perfect cool-down drink.

For an adults only drink, try adding in a splash of bourbon.

Here's the recipe.

2. Peach Iced Tea

Peach tea has to be one of my favorite flavored iced tea flavors. It's so refreshing and addictive, especially when peaches are in season. Use either white or yellow peaches for this recipe that starts off by making a homemade fresh peach simple syrup.

Once the black tea is prepared and the simple syrup is cooled off, these two mixtures are combined for an insanely delicious peach iced tea that probably won't last too long in your refrigerator.

Here is the recipe.

3. Raspberry Iced Tea

This has to be one of the easiest iced tea recipes with just the right amount of raspberry flavor. It's not too sweet either, but if you want to increase the amount of sugar in the recipe, feel free to do so. Fresh or frozen raspberries work for this recipe and you can use any type of tea bags you like. I recommend using white tea bags for a refreshing drink fit for any time of day.

Add in a sprig of mint or lemon slices for extra fresh flavor.

Here's the recipe.

4. Cucumber Mint Green Tea

Green tea is one of the healthiest drinks and it's loaded with antioxidants. It's also pretty tasty so, why not pair it with fresh mint and cucumber? The combination of these ingredients is cooling and refreshing and fit for sipping on at the spa or after a long day.

Sweeten this glass of iced tea up with simple syrup, honey or agave syrup or leave it unsweetened, which is just as good.

Here's the recipe.

5. Lemon and Rosemary Iced Tea

Don't be turned off by the fresh rosemary in this iced tea recipe. It adds a hint of woody flavor and is perfect when paired with lemon peel. This recipe starts off by making a simple syrup that's infused with rosemary sprigs and lemon peel.

Many iced tea recipes will have you make a simple syrup because the sugar dissolves during the process, leaving you with a liquid sweetener. You can always make a big batch of simple syrup and store it in mason jars in the refrigerator. I like to follow the 1:1 ratio-equal amounts of sugar and water boiled together. Simple syrup is really the perfect sweetener for iced tea. You don't want to miss this lemon and rosemary iced tea recipe.

Find it here.

6. Strawberry Basil Iced Tea Sparkler

This is the kind of recipe that you can have ready in no time because it's quick; you use bottled unsweetened tea. You can also steep your own tea bags, but if your in a hurry, this recipe is for you. The fresh strawberries and basil leaves make this super refreshing and the best part is you and your guests can snack on the strawberries when you're all done with your tea.

To make this tea extra fancy and elegant, add in some bubbly with club soda or your favorite flavored seltzer. Wouldn't this be the perfect drink for your next barbecue cookout?

Here's the simple recipe.

7. Lemon-Blueberry Sweet Tea

Lemon and blueberry is a classic combination. This gorgeous purple colored iced tea is brightened up from the fresh blueberries and is perfectly refreshing from the lemon juice. This recipe calls for family sized tea bags, but if you cannot find them at the store, just increase the amount of regular tea bags to steep. Garnish with blueberries, lemon peel and a spring of mint if desired. You might just go back for seconds!

Find the recipe here.

8. Blackberry Mint Iced Tea

This fruity and refreshing iced tea recipe is easy to prepare and only takes a few simple ingredients. Mint tea bags are steeped into boiling and then mixed with afresh blackberry purée. Sugar is suggested as the sweetener for this, but you can leave it unsweetened, especially if the blackberries are sweet.

Here's the recipe.

9. Orange Ginger Green Tea

This is a super healthy iced tea drink-you have green tea, oranges and ginger. What could be better? It's loaded with antioxidants and vitamins and will help boost your immune system. The oranges are full of vitamin c while the ginger helps fight an upset stomach. Try this delicious iced tea recipe if you're feeling under the weather.

Even if you're not fighting a sickness, you'll still want to sip on this fun and healthy iced tea.

Here is the recipe.

10. Mango Sweet Tea

If you have too many overripe mangoes hanging around in your kitchen, a great way to use them all up is by making this mango sweet tea. A mango simple syrup is made first and then combined with either black or green tea. You can use any type of sugar you prefer-granulated, honey, agave nectar or a sugar substitute like stevia. This tea also tastes just as delicious unsweetened.

Here is the recipe.

11. Arnold Palmer Iced Tea

Named after an American golfer, an Arnold Palmer is a drink that people love and it's really the best of both worlds. You have a mixture that's made with half iced tea and half lemonade. It's a delicious iced tea recipe that's sweet but balanced out by the sour taste from the lemons.

With just a few ingredients, this half-and-half iced tea will come together for a refreshing drink. Add in some fresh mint leaves for extra flavor and if you're craving a spiked drink, add in a splash of bourbon or vodka. Kick back and enjoy sipping on this iced tea!

Here's the recipe.

12. Hibiscus Tea Sparkler

The color in this hibiscus iced tea sparkler is absolutely gorgeous and would be a fitting drink for any special occasion like a bridal shower or brunch. It's simple to make and combines hibiscus tea with honey, sparkling water and mint leaves. You'll get to snack on the strawberry garnish that's the perfect hint of added color to this drink. If you really want a boozy drink, add in a shot of rum!

Find the recipe here.

13. Pomegranate Green Iced Tea

 

This is another beautifully colored iced tea drink that the whole family would love to drink. Pomegranate seeds are a fruit that you definitely want to include more in your diet. They're slightly tart, but full of antioxidants, vitamins and help with digestion. Add in a few springs of mint for extra freshness.

Find the recipe here.

This article was originally published on July 17, 2018.

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