Orange Iced Tea Recipe

Bring water to a boil

Pour 1.5 liters of fresh cold water into a kettle or saucepan and bring to a rolling boil.

Brew the tea

Place 6 black tea bags (or the equivalent loose-leaf amount) into a heatproof pitcher or heatproof container. Pour the boiling water over the tea, cover, and steep for 5 minutes for a full-bodied brew (6–7 minutes if you prefer stronger flavor). Avoid over-steeping to prevent excessive bitterness.

Sweeten while hot

Remove the tea bags (or strain out loose leaves). While the tea is still hot, stir in 6 tablespoons granulated sugar until completely dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired. Let the sweetened tea cool to room temperature (about 20–30 minutes).

Prepare orange juice and zest

Meanwhile, juice about 3 medium oranges to yield 1 cup (approximately 240 ml) of fresh orange juice. Finely grate the orange zest to measure 1 teaspoon. If using, squeeze 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.

Combine flavors

When the tea has cooled to room temperature, stir in the 1 cup fresh orange juice, 1 teaspoon orange zest, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice (if using). Mix thoroughly to combine the citrus with the tea base.

Chill

Place the combined orange tea in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour until cold. For quicker cooling, add 2 cups of ice to the mixture and stir until chilled, then top up with additional ice when serving.

Serve

Fill 4 tall glasses with ice (about 1 cup each). Pour the chilled orange iced tea over the ice, distributing evenly. Garnish each glass with an orange slice and a mint sprig if desired. Serve immediately.

Make-ahead tip

The orange iced tea can be refrigerated in a sealed pitcher for up to 48 hours. If it separates slightly, stir or shake before serving and add fresh ice and garnish.