Iced Green Tea

Experience a sip of pure bliss with our homemade Iced Green Tea that surpasses anything you’ll find at Starbucks. Infused with the tang of freshly squeezed lemon and a burst of fresh mint, this naturally sweetened tea is the drink of the summer.

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A glass of iced green tea garnished with lemon and mint.

Why we love this recipe

As always, homemade is the best. This tea is freshly brewed and making it from home gives you the power to control the quality of the ingredients. You can skip the unhealthy syrups and sweeteners and make your drink a much healthier option.

It is so much more cost-effective to make your own as opposed to buying tea from somewhere like Starbucks. You can bulk purchase loose leaf tea and save yourself a bunch of money.

We also love how refreshing and thirst-quenching this recipe is! Perfect for cooling you down on hot summer days.

A glass of brewed iced green tea on a counter with a pitcher of tea and mint leaves.

Ingredients

  • green tea – use either premade tea bags or use loose leaf tea.
  • water – use fresh water that hasn’t been previously boiled. Using filtered or spring water will avoid any impurities that might alter the flavor.
  • lemon juice – the vitamin C in lemon can help increase the absorption of the antioxidants in green tea, potentially enhancing the health benefits.
  • fresh mint leaves
  • honey substitute granulated sugar, such as coconut sugar, if preferred.
Ingredients on a counter.

Equipment

Instructions

Step 1

First, start by preparing your tea bags. You can use bags, a filter, a sieve, or a strainer.

Loose leaf tea in a glass dish.

Step 2

Then, boil water. The ideal brewing temperature for green tea is generally around 160°F to 180°F. As mentioned above you can use a temperature-controlled kettle or simply let the hot water sit for a minute after boiling before pouring it.

Step 3

Next, pour the hot water over the green tea bags in a large teapot. Let it steep for 1-3 minutes. You don’t want to steep it for much longer or your tea may be bitter.

A teapot on a counter.

Step 4

While the tea is brewing, prepare the mint leaves by rinsing them and tearing the leaves from the stems.

Step 5

Then, once the tea has steeped, remove the tea bags and drop the fresh mint leaves into the pot.

Mint leaves in a pot of tea.

Step 5

Next, place the pot in the fridge for at least an hour to chill.

Step 6

Then, once the tea has cooled off, pour it into your pitcher.

Chilled tea being poured into a pitcher.

Step 7

Then, pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Lemon juice being poured into a pitcher of tea.

Step 8

Next, add the sweetener. We love using local honey.

Honey being poured into a pitcher.

Step 9

Finally, give it all a good stir.

Green tea being stirred in a pitcher with a wooden spoon.

Expert tips

Don’t steep green tea for longer than 3 minutes. Anything longer will create an unpleasant bitter taste.

Green tea is more delicate than other types of tea, so it is important to brew it at the appropriate temperature to achieve the best flavor.

A glass of iced green tea garnished with fresh mint and lemon slices.

Recipe variations

  • Create a ginger tea version by adding chunks of fresh ginger along with the mint to infuse the green tea. If you crave a warm version try this Ginger and Apple Core Tea!
  • Make a fruity version by adding a combination of sliced fruits such as strawberries, peaches, oranges, or berries.
  • For a fizzy twist, top your glass of cold green tea with sparkling water or club soda.
  • Switch up the herbs and add some fresh basil instead of mint for a herbaceous taste.
  • Make a lemongrass version! Trim the woody ends of the lemongrass stalks and remove the outer layers. Smash the stalks gently with the back of a knife to release their aromatic oils and steep them along with the tea, discarding the stalks after the tea is brewed for 1-3 minutes.

Serving suggestions

  • Pour tea over ice cubes in mason jars for a fun presentation. Garnish with citrus such as orange, lemon, or lime slices.
  • Add aromatic appeal and added flavor by garnishing your iced green tea with fresh herbs. Mint leaves, basil, or lemon balm are excellent choices that complement the delicate flavors of green tea.
  • Make fruit skewers with bite-sized pieces of fresh fruits, such as strawberries, melon balls, or pineapple chunks, and garnish your glasses with them.

Storage tips

We recommend enjoying the brewed green tea within 24 to 48 hours for the best flavor and freshness. After that, the taste may start to deteriorate.

Keep it in a sealed container in the refrigerator to maintain its quality.

FAQS

Can I use any type of green tea for making iced green tea?

Yes, you can use various types of green tea to make iced green tea. Popular options include sencha and jasmine green tea, or any other loose-leaf or bagged green tea available. Experiment with different varieties to find your preferred flavor.

What are the health benefits of green tea?

It is rich in antioxidants which may help to prevent cancer. Studies have shown that green tea may support heart health, boost metabolism, and also could reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by helping to regulate blood sugar levels.

Can I add milk to iced green tea?

While it is not a traditional combination, you can add a small amount of your preferred type of milk, cream, or dairy alternatives to iced green tea. It creates a creamy and slightly milder flavor. Experiment with different ratios to find the balance you enjoy.

A glass and a pticher of iced green tea on a counter.

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**This recipe was originally posted on June 12, 2013, updated on April 3, 2020, and updated again on June 23, 2023.**

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A glass of iced green tea garnished with lemon and mint.

Iced Green Tea

Sharon Rhodes
Experience a sip of pure bliss with our homemade Iced Green Tea that surpasses anything you'll find at Starbucks. Infused with the tang of freshly squeezed lemon and a burst of fresh mint, this naturally sweetened tea is the drink of the summer.
5 from 48 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 29 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Boil the water and pour over the tea in a teapot.
  • Let it steep for 1-3 minutes.
  • Remove the tea bags and add the mint leaves to the pot.
  • Place the pot in the fridge to chill for about an hour.
  • Pour the chilled tea into a large pitcher and stir in the lemon juice and honey.
  • Serve over ice.

Video

Notes

Storage tips

We recommend enjoying the brewed green tea within 24 to 48 hours for the best flavor and freshness. After that, the taste may start to deteriorate.
Keep it in a sealed container in the refrigerator to maintain its quality.

Nutrition

Calories: 29kcalCarbohydrates: 8gSodium: 20mgPotassium: 88mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 105IUVitamin C: 29.5mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 0.5mg
Keyword iced green tea
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11 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I loved this recipe! Everything worked together so well, and there was just the perfect amount of sweetness. I also found that putting in the mint leaves while the tea was still steeping made the flavor even stronger. Thanks!

  2. 5 stars
    This iced green tea is so refreshing. I also added some ginger along with mint leaves and totally loved it.

  3. 5 stars
    You’re right; homemade is always best! Thanks for making from-scratch cooking so easy and accessible. This recipe will be perfect for the lemon and mint I have in my garden.

  4. This is such a nice change from boring old iced tea. The citrus and mint take green tea to a whole new level.

  5. 5 stars
    This iced green tea is a favorite in my home. I used to make it with regular tea earlier, but really loved your green tea version. I have some chilling in my fridge now. Delicious.

    1. The tea was delicious. Thanks so much! I bought the teapot at HomeSense a few years back. Part of what I loved about that teapot in particular was that it was made in England. My family is English and tea is a serious business:)

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