Pin it
This cool, zesty green tea with citrus and rosemary makes a stunning drink for hot days. Freshly squeezed oranges and garden herbs blend with gentle green tea flavors, giving you a naturally sweet and interesting sip that beats anything from the store.
When I served this at my backyard gathering, it was an immediate hit. Everyone kept asking me how I made it. The surprising combo of rosemary and orange smelled so good that many guests thought it was a fancy mixed drink instead of just tea.
Essential Components
- Green Tea: Go for top-notch sencha or dragon well for their smooth flavor
- Oranges: Find plump, sweet ones with bright-colored skin
- Rosemary: Grab fragrant, fresh stems
- Honey: Unpasteurized, pure honey works best
- Ginger: Look for solid, unwrinkled roots
- Lemons: Either Meyer or regular ones add that zingy kick
Making Instructions
- First Steep:
- Warm water with ginger slices and rosemary branches until bubbling. Take off heat, mix in honey until it melts. Pour into a glass container and cool it down completely.
- Brewing Tea:
- Make green tea following the label instructions, watching closely to avoid bitterness. Let it cool fully before chilling.
- Final Touches:
- Filter the herb mixture into a large pitcher. Pour in the cold tea and fresh-squeezed citrus. Mix lightly. Pour over ice cubes and top with rosemary sprigs and orange slices.
Pin it
The ginger really makes this drink special. Even folks who don't usually like tea end up loving this refreshing mix, often mentioning how the ginger gives it that extra fancy touch.
Time Management
Getting the timing right turns this drink from basic to amazing. Give the herbs plenty of time to release their flavors while keeping an eye on your tea so it doesn't get that bitter taste.
How To Serve
This cool tea goes great with small bites like cheese boards or sliced fruit. The herbal notes taste good with both sweet treats and savory snacks.
Other Ways To Try It
Switch things up by using white or oolong tea as your starting point. Adding fresh mint leaves or a bit of maple syrup creates totally different flavor combos.
Keeping It Fresh
Leftover tea stays good in the fridge for two days if kept in glass containers. Don't store it with ice already mixed in. Add a splash of fresh orange juice when you serve it again.
Pin it
I've spent years tweaking this herbal tea blend to get it just right. The mix of citrus, herbs, and quality tea creates a fancy drink that fits any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare this orange rosemary tea ahead of time?
- Of course! Prepare it the day before and keep it in the fridge until serving.
- → How long will this drink stay good?
- It should last up to 3 days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container.
- → What if I don’t have fresh rosemary—is dried okay?
- Yes, but fresh is better. Use 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary in place of a fresh sprig.
- → Can I make this tea without adding sweeteners?
- Sure! Use a sugar substitute instead of honey and tweak the amount to your liking.
- → Which green tea works best for this drink?
- Any is fine, but Sencha or Gunpowder tea provide smoother flavors.