I make this Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea when I want a refreshing drink that still has a little warmth and depth from spices. The bright citrus flavor from orange peel blends beautifully with the gentle spice of cinnamon, creating a balanced iced tea that feels both cooling and aromatic. It is simple to prepare and perfect for warm days, afternoon breaks, or serving to guests.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 cups water
4 black tea bags
peel of 1 orange
1 cinnamon stick
2 tablespoons honey or sugar
ice cubes
orange slices for garnish
Directions
I start by bringing the water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
Once the water reaches a boil, I add the orange peel and the cinnamon stick. I let the mixture simmer for about five minutes so the citrus and spice flavors infuse into the water.
After that, I remove the saucepan from the heat and add the black tea bags. I allow the tea to steep for about 4 to 5 minutes until it reaches a rich flavor.
I remove the tea bags and cinnamon stick, then stir in the honey or sugar while the tea is still warm so it dissolves easily.
Next, I let the tea cool down to room temperature.
Once cooled, I pour the tea into a pitcher and place it in the refrigerator until it is nicely chilled.
When I am ready to serve, I fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the chilled tea over the ice, and garnish each glass with fresh orange slices.
Servings and timing
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: approximately 45 kcal per serving
Variations
I sometimes experiment with small variations to change the flavor profile of this iced tea.
One variation I enjoy is adding a few fresh mint leaves while the tea cools. This gives the drink a cool herbal note that pairs well with the orange.
I also like replacing honey with maple syrup or agave syrup for a slightly different sweetness.
Another option I occasionally try is adding a slice of fresh ginger during the simmering step. This adds a gentle spice that complements the cinnamon very well.
For a stronger citrus flavor, I sometimes squeeze a little fresh orange juice into the pitcher before chilling the tea.
Storage/Reheating
I store the iced tea in a sealed pitcher or container in the refrigerator. It usually stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days.
When storing, I prefer to remove any garnish slices to keep the flavor balanced and avoid bitterness.
Since this drink is meant to be served cold, I do not reheat it. If the flavor becomes slightly strong after storage, I sometimes add a splash of cold water or extra ice before serving.
FAQs
Can I use green tea instead of black tea?
I sometimes substitute green tea when I want a lighter flavor. It creates a more delicate drink, but it still pairs nicely with orange and cinnamon.
Can I make this tea without sweetener?
Yes, I often skip the sweetener if I prefer a more natural and crisp tea flavor. The orange peel already adds a subtle natural sweetness.
Can I prepare this tea ahead of time?
I often prepare it several hours ahead or even the night before. Chilling it longer allows the flavors to blend nicely.
Can I use ground cinnamon instead of a cinnamon stick?
I prefer using a cinnamon stick because it infuses gently and keeps the tea clear. Ground cinnamon can make the drink cloudy and harder to strain.
How can I make the tea stronger?
If I want a stronger tea flavor, I simply steep the tea bags a little longer or add an extra tea bag during the infusion.
Conclusion
I find this Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea to be a simple yet flavorful homemade drink that feels refreshing and comforting at the same time. The combination of citrus brightness and warm cinnamon spice makes it unique while still being easy to prepare. Whether I make it for a relaxing afternoon or serve it to guests, it always feels like a refreshing and aromatic treat.
📖 Recipe:
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Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing iced tea infused with bright orange peel and warm cinnamon spice. This aromatic drink is lightly sweetened and perfect for cooling down on warm days.
Ingredients
4 cups water
4 black tea bags
Peel of 1 orange
1 cinnamon stick
2 tablespoons honey or sugar
Ice cubes
Orange slices for garnish
Instructions
- Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Add the orange peel and cinnamon stick and simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the black tea bags. Let the tea steep for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and cinnamon stick, then stir in the honey or sugar while the tea is still warm until dissolved.
- Allow the tea to cool to room temperature.
- Pour the cooled tea into a pitcher and refrigerate until well chilled.
- To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the chilled tea over the ice, and garnish with fresh orange slices.
Notes
Add a few fresh mint leaves while the tea cools for a refreshing herbal note.
Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave syrup for a different sweetness.
Add a slice of fresh ginger during simmering for extra spice.
For stronger citrus flavor, add a small splash of fresh orange juice before chilling.
Store in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Remove garnish slices before storing to avoid bitterness.
If flavor becomes strong after storage, dilute slightly with cold water or extra ice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 45 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
