Orange Rosemary Iced Tea: Prepare to be transported to a sun-drenched Mediterranean garden with every sip of this incredibly refreshing beverage! Forget those sugary, artificial iced teas we’re about to elevate your summer refreshment game with a homemade concoction that’s both sophisticated and surprisingly simple to make.

Iced tea, in its simplest form, has a long and fascinating history, evolving from a luxury enjoyed by the wealthy to a beloved staple in households across the globe. While the addition of fruit and herbs is a more modern twist, the concept of infusing tea with natural flavors has been around for centuries. Think of this Orange Rosemary Iced Tea as a contemporary take on a classic, borrowing inspiration from the herbal infusions of ancient apothecaries and the citrus groves of the Mediterranean.

But what makes this particular iced tea so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, bright and earthy. The juicy sweetness of the orange perfectly complements the herbaceous, slightly piney notes of rosemary, creating a flavor profile that’s both complex and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize to your liking! Whether you prefer a stronger rosemary flavor or a sweeter tea, you can easily adjust the ingredients to create your perfect cup. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a refreshing drink that’s both delicious and good for you? Get ready to discover your new favorite summer cooler!

Ingredients:

8 cups water, divided
1 cup granulated sugar
6 bags black tea (or equivalent loose leaf)
2 large oranges, one for juicing, one for slicing
4 sprigs fresh rosemary, divided
Ice, for serving

Making the Rosemary Simple Syrup:

This simple syrup is the key to infusing the tea with that wonderful rosemary flavor. Don’t skip this step! It’s easy, I promise.

Combine water and sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and the granulated sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
Dissolve the sugar: Stir the mixture constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. You’ll know it’s ready when the liquid is clear and there are no sugar granules visible on the bottom of the pan.
Add rosemary: Add 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary to the saucepan. Gently press them down into the sugar syrup to ensure they are fully submerged.
Simmer and infuse: Reduce the heat to low and let the syrup simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the rosemary flavor to fully infuse into the syrup. The longer it simmers, the stronger the rosemary flavor will be. I usually aim for 12 minutes.
Cool and strain: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rosemary simple syrup cool completely. Once cooled, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar or container. This removes the rosemary sprigs, leaving you with a smooth, flavorful syrup. Discard the rosemary sprigs.
Store: The rosemary simple syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This makes it easy to prepare ahead of time!

Brewing the Black Tea:

Now that our simple syrup is ready, let’s brew the black tea. I prefer a strong black tea for this recipe, but you can adjust the brewing time to your liking.

Boil water: Bring the remaining 7 cups of water to a rolling boil in a kettle or large pot.
Steep the tea: Place the 6 black tea bags (or equivalent loose leaf tea in a tea infuser) into a heat-resistant pitcher or large bowl. Pour the boiling water over the tea bags.
Steep for 5-7 minutes: Allow the tea to steep for 5-7 minutes, depending on your desired strength. The longer it steeps, the stronger the tea will be. I usually go for 6 minutes for a robust flavor that stands up well to the other ingredients.
Remove tea bags: After steeping, remove the tea bags from the pitcher. Be sure to squeeze out any excess liquid from the tea bags to extract all the flavor. Discard the tea bags.
Cool the tea: Let the brewed tea cool to room temperature. This is important because adding ice to hot tea can make it cloudy and dilute the flavor. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the pitcher in the refrigerator for a short time.

Adding the Orange and Rosemary:

This is where the magic happens! We’re going to add the fresh orange juice and rosemary simple syrup to the cooled tea, creating that signature Orange Rosemary Iced Tea flavor.

Juice the orange: Juice one of the large oranges. You should get about ½ cup of fresh orange juice. If you prefer a more intense orange flavor, you can use a little more juice.
Combine tea, juice, and syrup: Pour the cooled black tea into a large pitcher. Add the fresh orange juice and the rosemary simple syrup. Start with about ½ cup of the simple syrup and adjust to taste. You may want to add more if you prefer a sweeter tea.
Stir well: Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients. Make sure the simple syrup is fully incorporated into the tea.
Refrigerate: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate the Orange Rosemary Iced Tea for at least 1 hour, or preferably longer. This allows the flavors to meld together and the tea to chill completely. I often make it the night before I plan to serve it.

Serving the Orange Rosemary Iced Tea:

Finally, it’s time to enjoy your refreshing Orange Rosemary Iced Tea! Here’s how to serve it:

Prepare the glasses: Fill glasses with ice. I like to use tall glasses for iced tea, but any glass will do.
Add orange slices and rosemary sprigs: Slice the remaining orange into thin rounds. Add a slice of orange and a sprig of fresh rosemary to each glass. This adds a beautiful visual appeal and enhances the aroma of the tea.
Pour the tea: Pour the chilled Orange Rosemary Iced Tea into the prepared glasses.
Garnish (optional): For an extra touch, you can garnish the tea with a small orange wedge or a few fresh rosemary leaves.
Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing and flavorful Orange Rosemary Iced Tea!

Tips and Variations:

Sweetness: Adjust the amount of rosemary simple syrup to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet tea, start with less syrup and add more as needed.
Tea Strength: Adjust the steeping time of the black tea to your preference. For a stronger tea, steep for a longer time. For a milder tea, steep for a shorter time.
Citrus: You can experiment with other citrus fruits, such as lemons or grapefruits, in place of the orange.
Herbs: Try using other herbs, such as mint or thyme, in place of the rosemary.
Sparkling Tea: For a sparkling version of this tea, top each glass with a splash of sparkling water or club soda before serving.
Make it a Cocktail: Add a shot of vodka or gin for an adult twist.
Sugar Substitute: You can use a sugar substitute in the simple syrup, but be aware that it may affect the flavor and texture.
Loose Leaf Tea: If you prefer loose leaf tea, use about 2 tablespoons of loose leaf black tea in place of the tea bags.

Make Ahead:

The Orange Rosemary Iced Tea can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld together over time, making it even more delicious!

Serving Suggestions:

This Orange Rosemary Iced Tea is perfect for serving at parties, picnics, or any occasion where you want a refreshing and flavorful beverage. It pairs well with a variety of foods, including salads, sandwiches, and grilled meats.

Conclusion:

This Orange Rosemary Iced Tea isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience. The vibrant citrus notes of the orange dance perfectly with the earthy, aromatic rosemary, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated. It’s the perfect beverage to elevate any occasion, from a casual backyard barbecue to an elegant afternoon tea party. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why I’m so enthusiastic! But what truly makes this recipe a must-try is its versatility. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! For a sweeter treat, add a touch of honey or agave nectar to taste. If you prefer a bolder rosemary flavor, steep a few extra sprigs in the hot water. And for a truly decadent experience, try adding a splash of sparkling water or prosecco just before serving. Serving Suggestions and Variations: * For a Crowd: This recipe is easily scalable. Simply multiply the ingredients to make a large batch for parties or gatherings. Serve in a large pitcher with plenty of ice and orange slices for a visually stunning presentation. * Iced Tea Popsicles: Pour the cooled tea into popsicle molds and freeze for a refreshing and healthy summer treat. * Orange Rosemary Spritzer: Combine the iced tea with sparkling water or club soda for a bubbly and refreshing spritzer. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and an orange twist. * Winter Warmer: While this recipe is designed for iced tea, you can also enjoy it warm! Simply skip the chilling process and serve the tea hot. It’s a comforting and aromatic beverage for chilly evenings. * Boozy Brunch: Add a shot of gin or vodka to your glass for a delightful brunch cocktail. I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s simple to make, bursting with flavor, and incredibly refreshing. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. So, what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and prepare to embark on a flavor adventure. I promise you won’t be disappointed. This Orange Rosemary Iced Tea is more than just a recipe; it’s a gateway to a world of delicious possibilities. I’m incredibly excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic for yourself. And more importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did your friends and family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Let’s create a community of tea lovers who appreciate the simple pleasures of life. Don’t be shy your feedback is invaluable! Happy brewing! I can’t wait to hear all about your Orange Rosemary Iced Tea success! Print