There’s nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day than a tall glass of iced mint tea. This sweet, lightly brewed recipe uses fresh mint leaves and green tea bags for a bright, cooling flavor. It’s simple to make, naturally refined-sugar free when sweetened with coconut sugar or honey, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again all season long.
Serve this iced mint tea alongside a crisp watermelon and feta salad or a vibrant avocado-corn salad at your next summer gathering — the mint pairs beautifully with light, fresh side dishes and grilled fare.
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Why you’ll love this recipe
- If you grow mint at home, this recipe is an easy, delicious way to use those fresh sprigs. Fresh mint gives the tea a lively aroma and clean finish that bottled drinks can’t match.
- The combination of green tea and peppermint (or spearmint, if preferred) creates a mild, refreshing base. The recipe uses coconut sugar to keep it refined sugar–free, but you can substitute honey or maple syrup if you prefer.
- Green tea’s subtle flavor works as an ideal canvas for additions: lemon slices, fresh ginger, berries, or other citrus fruits all complement the mint and create interesting variations.
Ingredients & substitutions
This fresh mint iced tea requires only a few ingredients and can be scaled easily. The version below makes about two servings; a larger batch for parties is noted afterward.
- Fresh mint: Use a handful of fresh mint leaves stripped from the stems. Grocery stores carry several varieties; peppermint or classic garden mint work best. Chocolate mint is a fun alternative; I don’t recommend spearmint if you want the brisk peppermint flavor.
- Water: Use filtered or good-quality drinking water for boiling. The water quality affects clarity and taste.
- Coconut sugar (or honey): Coconut sugar keeps the recipe free of refined white sugar and dissolves easily in hot water. You can substitute white sugar, honey, or pure maple syrup, or omit sweetener for an unsweetened tea.
- Green tea: Green tea bags (Moroccan-style green tea or your preferred variety) provide a gentle base that lets the mint shine. Black tea can be used if you prefer a stronger flavor, but the character of the drink will change.
How to make this fresh mint iced tea recipe
Step 1
Pour the water into a small saucepan and add the fresh mint leaves so they are submerged.
Step 2
Bring the water and mint to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Step 3
Once the water reaches a boil, remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the coconut sugar or honey until it dissolves. Add the green tea bags, tuck the strings over the pot rim if needed, cover the pot, and let everything steep for 15 minutes.
Step 4
Strain the hot tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher or directly into glasses, discarding the solids. Let the tea cool to room temperature, then add ice and serve. Garnish with extra mint sprigs or lemon slices if desired.
Pro Tips
- To make a large batch for a crowd, multiply ingredients: use about 25 cups of water, two large bunches of mint (leaves removed and rinsed), roughly 1 ½ cups coconut sugar or honey (adjust to taste), and about 25 green tea bags (roughly one bag per cup of water). Steep the same way and serve in a large pitcher with ice and mint sprigs for garnish.
- Store any leftover tea in sealed jars or a pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Shake or stir before serving and add fresh ice as needed.
- If you don’t have fresh mint, dried mint will work: use about 1 teaspoon dried mint per 6–8 ounces of hot water with one tea bag, and sweeten to taste.
- Customize flavors by adding slices of lemon, a few thin slices of fresh ginger during steeping, or muddled berries for a fruity twist.
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If you tried this Iced Mint Tea recipe, please leave a comment and a rating to let us know how it turned out!
Iced Mint Tea Recipe
A simple, refreshing iced mint tea made with fresh mint and green tea bags. Lightly sweetened with coconut sugar or honey, it’s ideal for hot days and backyard gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups filtered water
- 2 fresh mint sprigs, leaves removed from stems
- 2 teaspoons coconut sugar (or honey), adjust to taste
- 2 green tea bags
Instructions
- Pour water into a small saucepan and add the fresh mint leaves.
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in coconut sugar or honey until dissolved. Add green tea bags, cover, and steep for 15 minutes.
- Strain into a pitcher or glasses, discard solids, allow to cool, then serve over ice.
Notes
- To make a large batch: use about 25 cups of water, two large bunches of mint (washed and leaves removed), 1½ cups coconut sugar or honey (to taste), and roughly 25 green tea bags. Steep the same way and serve chilled in a large pitcher with extra mint for garnish.
- Dried mint can substitute for fresh—use about 1 teaspoon dried mint per 6–8 ounces of hot water with one tea bag.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 16 kcal | Carbohydrates: 4 g | Sodium: 12.5 mg | Sugar: 4 g
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