Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea is a simple homemade drink that is easy to prepare and perfect for adding something refreshing to your day. It combines freshly brewed tea with a bright citrus element and a touch of natural sweetness for a balanced drink that feels special without requiring complicated preparation.
This recipe uses a straightforward stovetop method followed by chilling and serving over ice. Whether you use a cocktail shaker or simply let the tea cool in the refrigerator, you can have a refreshing homemade iced tea ready with just a few easy steps.
1. Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea Recipe (Yield: 2 Servings)
Ingredients
- 1 cup water (240 ml)
- 2 cinnamon sticks, rinsed (about 0.4 oz or 10–12 g)
- 1 ½ tablespoons black tea
- Juice from 2 navel oranges (just under 1 cup/220–240 ml)
- 1–2 tablespoons honey
- Plenty of ice
Instructions
Add the water and rinsed cinnamon sticks to a small saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat and heat until the water is just about to reach a rapid bubble.
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the saucepan with the lid slightly askew and simmer for 4–5 minutes. This allows the cinnamon to infuse the water without boiling it too aggressively.
After 4–5 minutes, turn off the heat and add the black tea to the saucepan. Cover again with the lid slightly askew and let the tea steep for 4–5 minutes.
Strain the brewed tea into a heatproof container to remove the cinnamon sticks and tea leaves. Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of honey while the tea is still warm so it dissolves easily. Allow the tea to cool slightly.
If using a cocktail shaker, add half of the brewed tea, half of the fresh orange juice, and plenty of ice cubes to the shaker. Close securely and shake vigorously for several seconds until the mixture is well chilled.
Fill a serving glass with ice. Immediately strain or pour the chilled tea mixture into the glass. Repeat with the remaining tea and orange juice for the second serving.
If you do not have a cocktail shaker, transfer the brewed tea to the refrigerator and chill it for 20–30 minutes. Once chilled, stir the tea together with the orange juice.
Fill two serving glasses generously with ice and pour the orange tea mixture over the ice. Stir gently and serve right away.
2. Tips for Perfect Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea
Use fresh orange juice. Freshly squeezed navel oranges give the drink a cleaner and more natural citrus character than bottled juice.
Do not over-steep the tea. Black tea can become bitter if it sits in hot water for too long. Keep the steeping time around 4–5 minutes.
Keep the cinnamon simmer gentle. A gentle simmer is enough to infuse the water. Avoid prolonged boiling, which can make the cinnamon infusion overly strong.
Add the honey while the tea is warm. Honey dissolves much more easily before the tea has been completely chilled.
Taste before adding more honey. The natural sweetness of oranges can vary, so start with 1 tablespoon and add more if needed.
Use plenty of ice. A generous amount of ice helps cool the drink quickly and keeps it refreshing as you enjoy it.
Chill without diluting the tea. If you have enough time, refrigerating the brewed tea before mixing it with orange juice helps preserve the finished drink’s concentration.
Shake only when using cold ingredients and plenty of ice. A vigorous shake quickly chills the drink and blends the tea and orange juice evenly.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of orange?
Yes. Navel oranges are convenient because they are widely available and easy to juice, but other sweet oranges can also work. The amount of juice may vary depending on the size and juiciness of the fruit.
Can I make the tea ahead of time?
Yes. The brewed cinnamon black tea can be prepared in advance and refrigerated in a covered container. For the freshest result, add the orange juice closer to the time you plan to serve the drink.
How long can homemade orange iced tea stay refrigerated?
For the best quality, keep it refrigerated and enjoy it within about 2–3 days. Store it in a covered container to help preserve its freshness.
Can I make a larger batch for a gathering?
Yes. Simply multiply the ingredients according to the number of servings you need. Prepare the tea infusion in a larger saucepan, then allow it to cool before combining it with the orange juice.
Can I use loose-leaf tea instead of regular black tea?
Yes. Loose-leaf black tea works well as long as it can be strained easily after steeping. Adjust the amount according to the strength of the tea you are using, since different varieties can vary considerably.
4. Nutrition Information
The following nutrition information is an approximate estimate for one serving using 1 tablespoon of honey. Actual values can vary depending on the size of the oranges and the amount of honey used.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 20 g |
| Sodium | 2 mg |
| Vitamin C | 55 mg |
Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea is an easy homemade drink that can be prepared with a few simple steps and basic kitchen equipment. The process allows you to control the sweetness and strength, making it easy to adjust the recipe to your preference.
Once the tea has been prepared and chilled, the rest comes together quickly. Keep this recipe on hand whenever you want a refreshing homemade beverage that feels a little more special than everyday iced tea.
