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Zesty Orange Rosemary Tea

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This zesty iced tea brings together orange, rosemary, and green tea in a chilled combo. Start by simmering rosemary with honey to create a syrup. Then mix that syrup with brewed tea, orange juice, and a bit of lemon. Chill the mixture for a few hours before serving it over ice for bold, refreshing flavor. Makes 4 servings and can be prepared ahead to save time. This drink works wonderfully for summer events or laid-back afternoons.
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Twistytaste.com
Updated on Fri, 14 Mar 2025 22:49:17 GMT
A colorful glass of iced orange tea with a slice of orange garnish. Pin it
A colorful glass of iced orange tea with a slice of orange garnish. | twistytaste.com

An elegant citrus-herb green tea that delivers garden-inspired taste in every sip. This flavorful mix blends tangy orange, aromatic rosemary, and top-quality green tea for a naturally sweet and layered drink that's way better than store-bought options.

This cooling tea combo first showed up at a backyard garden get-together where folks were blown away by its special scent. The fancy mix of herbs and citrus looked so classy that many people thought it was actually a fancy mixed drink.

Essential Components

  • Green Tea: Top-notch sencha or dragon well types offer the perfect mellow foundation
  • Oranges: Pick extra juicy, fragrant fruits when they're fully ripe
  • Rosemary: New sprigs with strong scent
  • Honey: Untreated, pure for natural sweetening
  • Ginger: New root with unblemished, tight skin
  • Lemons: Meyer or regular kinds for zingy tang

Making Instructions

Herb Steeping:
Warm water with ginger slices and rosemary until bubbling starts. Take off heat and mix in honey till it melts. Cool fully in glass container.
Tea Foundation:
Brew green tea following package info, making sure not to leave it too long. Let it cool completely before chilling.
Putting Together:
Filter the cooled herb mix into your serving container. Pour in cold tea and fresh-squeezed citrus. Stir lightly. Pour over ice and top with rosemary and orange pieces.
A glass of orange juice with ice and a sprig of mint on the side. Pin it
A glass of orange juice with ice and a sprig of mint on the side. | twistytaste.com

The ginger brings an unexpected richness that wins over tea lovers and doubters alike. Its gentle warmth turns this into a fancy drink that feels extra special.

Timing Advice

The secret's in taking your time. Give herbs enough soaking time while watching the tea carefully to get that perfect taste balance.

Serving Ideas

Goes great with simple snacks like herb cheese toast or fresh fruit. The well-balanced flavors work nicely with both sweet and salty foods.

Different Takes

Try using white or oolong tea bases, fresh herbs like mint, or other sweeteners such as maple syrup to make your own unique flavor combos.

Keeping Fresh

Store in the fridge in glass bottles for up to two days. Keep ice out until serving and add fresh citrus when you pour.

Two glasses of orange juice with ice and a sprig of rosemary on top. Pin it
Two glasses of orange juice with ice and a sprig of rosemary on top. | twistytaste.com

This fancy drink comes from tons of testing different tea mixes. The careful blend of citrus, herbs and quality tea makes a next-level beverage that works for any event.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this tea a day early?
Of course! It tastes great when chilled and will keep just fine if prepped the day before.
→ How long does this tea last in the fridge?
Keep it sealed in the fridge, and it should stay good for up to 3 days.
→ Can dried rosemary replace fresh in this?
That works too! Swap one sprig of fresh rosemary with about a teaspoon of dried rosemary for similar flavor.
→ Can I make it without any sweetener?
Sure! Replace the honey with your favorite alternative, such as stevia or monk fruit, and adjust to taste.
→ What type of green tea is best?
Any green tea works fine, though varieties like Sencha or Gunpowder give it an extra smooth taste.

Orange Rosemary Tea

Blend oranges, green tea, and rosemary into a refreshing iced drink. Great for cooling off on sunny days or hosting summer get-togethers.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
250 Minutes
Total Time
260 Minutes

Category: Beverages

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: International

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Fresh Produce

01 1 lemon, medium size
02 A 2cm piece of fresh ginger, skin removed
03 The juice from 4 medium oranges (makes around 1 cup)
04 3 fresh rosemary twigs

→ For Serving

05 Ice cubes

→ Base Ingredients

06 300ml of plain water
07 300ml green tea, freshly brewed following package guidance
08 3 tablespoons honey

Instructions

Step 01

In a pot, heat water together with the rosemary and peeled ginger. Once it boils, switch off the heat. Mix in the honey till it's dissolved. Cool everything with the herbs still soaking. Cover it up and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours.

Step 02

Brew 300ml of green tea by following the instructions on the tea package. Set it in the fridge to chill for 4 hours or overnight.

Step 03

Juice the oranges and lemon. Remove the ginger and rosemary from their steeped water. Mix that herby water with the citrus juices and chilled tea in a large container. Adjust with more honey if you'd like it sweeter.

Step 04

Pop ice cubes into glasses, pour the cold tea blend over, and serve without delay while it's icy and refreshing.

Notes

  1. This cold tea makes a refreshing, alcohol-free beverage that's great for gatherings.
  2. You can prepare it up to a day before you plan to serve it.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large container or jar for mixing
  • Pot for boiling
  • Juicer for citrus