Description
Refreshing Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea is a vibrant blend of black tea infused with warming cinnamon and fresh orange juice, sweetened to taste and served chilled over ice. Perfect for a revitalizing summer drink or a flavorful iced tea any time of the year.
Ingredients
Scale
Tea Base
- 4 cups of water
- 4 black tea bags
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Flavorings
- 1 large orange (juice extracted)
- 1/4 cup of sugar or honey (to taste)
For Serving
- Ice cubes
- Orange slices (optional, for garnish)
- Mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil Water: Start by boiling 4 cups of water in a saucepan over medium-high heat until it reaches a rolling boil.
- Steep Tea and Cinnamon: Remove the boiling water from heat, then add the 4 black tea bags and 2 cinnamon sticks. Let them steep for about 5 minutes or until the tea reaches your desired strength.
- Prepare Orange Juice: While the tea is steeping, squeeze the juice from 1 large orange and set it aside for later use.
- Remove Tea Bags and Cinnamon: Once steeped, remove the tea bags and cinnamon sticks from the tea mixture to prevent over-extraction and bitterness.
- Sweeten and Flavor: Stir in the freshly squeezed orange juice and add 1/4 cup of sugar or honey according to your preferred sweetness. Mix well until fully dissolved.
- Cool the Tea: Allow the tea mixture to cool to room temperature before transferring it into the refrigerator. Chill for at least 1 to 2 hours to ensure it is cold and refreshing.
- Serve: Fill serving glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled orange cinnamon tea over the ice. Garnish with orange slices and fresh mint leaves if desired for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness to taste; you can substitute sugar with honey or a sugar alternative for a healthier option.
- For a stronger cinnamon flavor, let the cinnamon sticks steep longer but be cautious of bitterness.
- You can prepare the tea base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Try using herbal or green tea instead of black tea for a different flavor profile.
- Adding fresh mint leaves during steeping can add a refreshing herbaceous note.
