Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea: Prepare to be transported to a sun-drenched orchard with every sip of this invigorating beverage! Forget those sugary, artificial iced teas we’re about to embark on a journey to create a homemade elixir that’s bursting with natural flavors and unparalleled refreshment. Have you ever imagined the perfect marriage of zesty citrus and warm spice in a single glass? This recipe makes that dream a delicious reality.

While iced tea itself boasts a rich history, particularly in the American South, the addition of orange and cinnamon elevates it to something truly special. Cinnamon, prized for centuries for its medicinal properties and aromatic allure, adds a comforting warmth that beautifully complements the bright, tangy notes of orange. Think of it as a sophisticated twist on a classic, a nod to tradition with a modern, flavorful upgrade.

People adore Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea for its incredible versatility. It’s the perfect thirst quencher on a hot summer day, a delightful accompaniment to brunch, or even a sophisticated mocktail for your next gathering. The combination of sweet, tart, and spicy notes creates a complex flavor profile that’s both satisfying and incredibly refreshing. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! So, ditch the store-bought stuff and let’s brew up a batch of this irresistible iced tea that’s guaranteed to become a new favorite.

Ingredients:

8 cups water, divided
4 black tea bags (or 4 tablespoons loose leaf black tea)
1 large orange, sliced
2 cinnamon sticks
1/4 cup honey (or more, to taste)
Ice, for serving
Orange slices and cinnamon sticks, for garnish (optional)

Brewing the Tea Base

Okay, let’s get started! First, we need to brew a strong black tea. This will be the foundation of our delicious Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea. Don’t worry, it’s super easy!

Heat the Water: In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. You want a rolling boil, but be careful not to let it boil over!
Steep the Tea: Once the water is boiling, remove it from the heat. Add the black tea bags (or loose leaf tea in a tea infuser) to the hot water. Let the tea steep for 5-7 minutes. The longer you steep it, the stronger the tea will be. I usually go for 6 minutes for a good, robust flavor.
Remove Tea Bags/Infuser: After steeping, carefully remove the tea bags or tea infuser. Be sure to squeeze out any excess liquid from the tea bags that’s where all the good flavor is!

Infusing with Orange and Cinnamon

Now comes the fun part adding the orange and cinnamon! This is where the magic happens and our iced tea gets its signature flavor.

Add Orange Slices and Cinnamon Sticks: Add the sliced orange and cinnamon sticks to the brewed tea. Gently stir to combine.
Simmer Gently: Return the saucepan to low heat. Let the mixture simmer gently for 15-20 minutes. This allows the orange and cinnamon flavors to infuse into the tea. Keep an eye on it and make sure it doesn’t boil. We just want a gentle simmer. The aroma at this point is absolutely divine!
Remove from Heat: After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat.

Sweetening and Cooling

Time to sweeten things up and get our tea ready for chilling!

Add Honey: Stir in the honey until it is completely dissolved. Start with 1/4 cup and taste. If you prefer a sweeter iced tea, add more honey to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Add Remaining Water: Pour in the remaining 4 cups of cold water. This will help to cool down the tea and dilute it to the perfect strength.
Strain the Tea: Using a fine-mesh sieve or strainer, strain the tea into a large pitcher. This will remove the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and any tea leaves that may have escaped the tea bags.
Chill Thoroughly: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together even more and ensures that the iced tea is nice and cold. Patience is key here!

Serving and Garnishing

Finally, the moment we’ve been waiting for serving our refreshing Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea!

Prepare Glasses: Fill glasses with ice.
Pour and Garnish: Pour the chilled Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea over the ice. Garnish with fresh orange slices and cinnamon sticks, if desired. These garnishes not only look beautiful but also enhance the aroma and flavor of the iced tea.
Enjoy!: Serve immediately and enjoy! This iced tea is perfect for a hot summer day, a picnic, or any time you need a refreshing and flavorful drink.

Tips and Variations:

Type of Tea: While I prefer black tea for this recipe, you can also use green tea or herbal tea. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be different.
Sweetener: If you don’t have honey, you can use sugar, agave nectar, or any other sweetener you prefer. Adjust the amount to your liking.
Spice it Up: For a spicier iced tea, add a few cloves or a small piece of ginger to the simmering mixture.
Citrus Variations: Experiment with other citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, or grapefruits.
Sparkling Iced Tea: For a bubbly twist, top off each glass with sparkling water or club soda before serving.
Make it Ahead: This iced tea can be made several days in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Adjusting Sweetness: Taste the tea after it has chilled and adjust the sweetness as needed. Sometimes the cold can mute the sweetness, so you might need to add a little more honey or sweetener.
Stronger Cinnamon Flavor: If you want a more intense cinnamon flavor, you can lightly crush the cinnamon sticks before adding them to the tea. This will release more of their aroma and flavor.
Orange Zest: For an extra burst of orange flavor, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the tea while it’s simmering. Be careful not to add too much of the white pith, as it can be bitter.
Iced Tea Cubes: To prevent your iced tea from getting diluted as the ice melts, make iced tea cubes! Simply pour the cooled tea into ice cube trays and freeze. Use these cubes to keep your iced tea cold without watering it down.

Serving Suggestions:

This Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of foods. Here are a few serving suggestions:

Brunch: Serve it alongside your favorite brunch dishes, such as pancakes, waffles, or eggs benedict.
Lunch: Enjoy it with a light lunch, such as a salad, sandwich, or soup.
Afternoon Tea: It’s a perfect addition to an afternoon tea spread, along with scones, sandwiches, and pastries.
Dinner: Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables for a refreshing and flavorful dinner.
Dessert: Serve it with a light dessert, such as fruit salad, sorbet, or a slice of cake.
Parties and Gatherings: This iced tea is a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for serving at parties, barbecues, and other gatherings.

Health Benefits:

Besides being delicious, this Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea also offers some potential health benefits:

Antioxidants: Black tea, oranges, and cinnamon are all rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your body against damage from free radicals.
Vitamin C: Oranges are a good source of Vitamin C, which is important for immune function.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Hydration: Iced tea is a great way to stay hydrated, especially during hot weather.
Lower in Sugar: Compared to many other sweetened beverages, this homemade iced tea allows you to control the amount of sugar you add, making it a healthier option.

So there you have it! A complete guide to making the most delicious Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe and make it your own. Happy brewing!

Conclusion:

This Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea isn’t just a drink; it’s a vibrant, refreshing experience waiting to happen. The bright citrus notes of orange dance perfectly with the warm, comforting spice of cinnamon, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s the perfect beverage to brighten up a hot summer day, add a touch of warmth to a cozy autumn evening, or simply elevate your everyday hydration. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why I’m so enthusiastic! But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the incredible flavor profile, it’s incredibly easy to make. We’re talking minimal ingredients, simple steps, and maximum impact. You don’t need to be a master mixologist to whip up a batch of this deliciousness. It’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the sweetness to your liking, experiment with different types of tea, and even add a splash of your favorite spirit for an adult-friendly version. It’s a blank canvas for your creativity! Speaking of variations, let’s explore some serving suggestions and ways to customize your Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea. For a truly refreshing experience, serve it over a generous amount of ice with a slice of orange and a cinnamon stick for garnish. You can also add a sprig of mint for an extra burst of freshness. If you’re feeling fancy, try rimming your glass with cinnamon sugar for a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg to the tea while it’s steeping. If you prefer a sweeter drink, use honey or agave nectar instead of sugar. And for a caffeine-free option, simply use herbal tea instead of black or green tea. The possibilities are endless! This recipe is also fantastic for entertaining. Imagine serving a pitcher of this beautiful, fragrant iced tea at your next brunch, barbecue, or garden party. Your guests will be impressed by the unique flavor and the thoughtful presentation. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! But don’t just take my word for it. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe for yourself. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious way to quench your thirst and treat your taste buds. Once you’ve made your own batch of Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your friends and family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a flavor adventure. I promise, this Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea will become a new favorite in your household. Happy sipping! And remember, the best recipes are the ones that are shared, so don’t hesitate to spread the word about this delightful concoction. Let’s all enjoy the refreshing goodness of homemade iced tea together! I can’t wait to hear all about your creations! Print