Orange Mint Tea Recipe
This Orange Mint Tea is a super refreshing and easy-to-make drink you can customize. You just steep fresh mint in hot water, then mix in fresh orange and lemon juice, and sweeten it however you like—honey or sugar work great. If you want a bit of a kick, throw in some cinnamon and ginger while the mint steeps. You can enjoy it hot for a cozy feeling or iced for a cool treat, whatever you're in the mood for!
Equipment
- 1 Kettle or Pot For boiling water. Any size will work depending on how much tea you're making.
- 1 Measuring Cups (or a liquid measuring cup) For measuring water and juices. Not strictly necessary, but helpful for consistency.
- 1 Measuring Spoons (optional) For measuring sweeteners or spices. Again, not essential, but useful.
- 1 Knife For slicing the lemon and (if using) ginger.
- 1 Cutting Board To protect your countertop while cutting.
- 1 Juicer or Citrus Press For juicing the orange and lemon. You can also squeeze them by hand, but a juicer is more efficient.
- 1 Spoon or Stirrer For stirring the tea and dissolving sweetener.
- 1 Teapot or Heat-Safe Pitcher (optional) For steeping the tea. A regular pot works just fine too.
- 1 Strainer or fine-mesh sieve (optional) For removing the mint leaves and spices after steeping. If you used a bundle of mint tied with string, this is less essential.
- 3-4 Mugs or Glasses For serving the tea.
- 1 Ice Cube Trays (if making iced tea) For making ice. You can also buy pre-made ice.
- Pitcher or container with lid (if making iced tea and storing it) For storing the iced tea in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
Basic Ingredients:
- 3 Cups Water For boiling and steeping the tea.
- 1-2 Sprigs Fresh Mint The main flavoring agent. More mint for a stronger flavor.
- 1 Large Orange For fresh juice.
- ½ Medium Lemon For fresh juice.
Optional Ingredients (for Spiced Version):
- 1 Stick Cinnamon Adds warmth and spice.
- 2-3 Thin Slices Fresh Ginger Adds a spicy kick and warmth.
Optional Ingredients (for Sweetening):
- To Taste Amount Honey Adds a floral sweetness.
- To Taste Amount Sugar A classic sweetener.
- To Taste Amount Agave Nectar/Stevia/Other Sweetener Alternative sweeteners for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
Instructions
Basic Orange Mint Tea:
- Get the water boiling: Put about 3 cups of water in a kettle or pot and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Steep the mint: Once the water's boiling, toss in your fresh mint sprigs. You can either just drop them in or tie them together with some kitchen twine for easy removal later. Let the mint steep for about 5-7 minutes. If you want a stronger mint flavor, steep it a little longer, but don't go overboard, or it might get bitter.
- Juice the citrus: While the mint is steeping, squeeze the juice from one large orange and half a lemon.
- Combine and sweeten: Take the mint out of the water (if you tied it up, this is super easy!). Pour in the orange and lemon juice and stir it all together. Now, give it a taste! If you want it sweeter, add some honey, sugar, or your favorite sweetener. Stir until it's dissolved.
- Serve it up: You can drink it hot right away, or let it cool down and serve it over ice for a refreshing iced tea.
Spiced Orange Mint Tea (for a warmer, more complex flavor):
- Boil with spices: Instead of just boiling water, add a cinnamon stick and a few thin slices of fresh ginger to the water along with the mint.
- Steep it all: Let everything steep together for about 10-15 minutes. This gives the spices time to really infuse the water with flavor.
- Add citrus and sweeten: After steeping, remove the mint, cinnamon stick, and ginger. Then, add your orange and lemon juice and sweeten to taste, just like with the basic version.
- Enjoy! Serve it hot for a cozy drink or chill it for a spiced iced tea.
Making Iced Tea:
- Follow either the basic or spiced instructions: Make the tea as described above, either hot or spiced.
- Cool it down: Let the tea cool to room temperature. This is important before putting it in the fridge, so you don't mess with the fridge's temperature.
- Chill in the fridge: Once it's cooled, pour the tea into a pitcher or container with a lid and put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or until it's nice and cold.
- Serve over ice: When you're ready to drink it, pour it over ice and enjoy!