This Middle Eastern-inspired mint iced tea is the ultimate refreshment for hot days. Lightly sweetened and naturally fruity from fresh mint and orange blossom water, it’s a delicious and vibrant twist on a classic. Thanks to a simple flash-chilling trick, the iced tea stays fresh and flavorful, never bitter. Perfect for summer gatherings or any hot day.
Contents
Ingredients
All you need is a handful of simple ingredients:
- Water is the base of the iced tea
- Loose leaf black tea (e.g. Ceylon). You can also use green tea.
- Fresh mint
- Sugar
- Ice cubes or crushed ice plays a key role in making iced tea.
- Orange blossom water (optional)
Note: Quantities can be found in the recipe card at the end of this recipe and can be adjusted according to the amount of servings you’d like to make.
How to Make Mint Iced Tea (Step-by-Step Recipe)
Ready to make the most refreshing iced tea? Let’s get started! You’ll find the detailed step-by-step instructions below. For a shorter version (to print out), simply scroll down to the recipe card.
Step 1: Pluck mint leaves
We’ll start with the mint. Pluck the mint leaves off the stems one by one. We’ll only be using the leaves, not the thicker stems. You can use both the larger and smaller leaves; either works perfectly.
Step 2: Heat water and sugar
Let’s move on to the stove. Grab a small saucepan or teapot and add water. Once it’s hot, add sugar and stir until it dissolves completely.
Step 3: Add tea and mint
When the water is hot, almost boiling point, add the tea leaves and fresh mint. Turn the heat down to medium-low and let the tea gently simmer for about 1 to 2 minutes, just enough to bring out those rich flavors.
If you’re using black tea, a short simmer brings out that deep, aromatic taste. About 1-3 minutes are enough, depending on how strong you’d like your iced tea to be. If you prefer green tea instead of black tea leaves, keep the temperature lower and simmer for only about a minute to avoid bitterness, since green tea is more delicate.
And if you’ve ever wondered why iced tea tastes so good while cold black tea doesn’t – the next step will give you the answer.
Step 4: Prepare the pitcher
Meanwhile, grab a large heatproof pitcher. Fill it with plenty of ice cubes or crushed ice. Add a splash of orange blossom water to the pitcher. This will give the iced tea a subtle floral note. I’m using about half a teaspoon here; you really only need a little bit.
Step 5: Flash-chill
Here’s where the magic happens. Move to the sink and pour the hot tea directly from the saucepan into the pitcher over the ice. There’s no need to wait for the tea to cool first. This method is called “flash-chilling,” and it’s what keeps the iced tea fresh and vibrant, preventing any bitterness. If you let the tea cool on the stove, even after removing the leaves, it can turn bitter. Flash-chilling locks in the flavor perfectly.
Step 6: Chill and serve
As the ice melts, it will slightly dilute the tea, but don’t worry, we’ve already accounted for that in the brewing. It’ll be just right!
Ideally, chill in the fridge for a couple of hours to ensure it’s really cold. When you’re ready to serve, pour into glasses, adding more ice if you like. Sweet, floral, and super refreshing – this iced tea is perfect for hot days. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This mint iced tea is the perfect beverage for any season. It’s especially refreshing on hot summer days. Serve chilled with additional ice cubes or crushed ice, if desired.
Looking for more beverage recipes for summer? Check out my recipes for Arabic mint lemonade and watermelon juice. In my cooking course, I’ll teach you how to make traditional Arabic mint tea (hot) which is a staple for an authentic Middle Eastern breakfast.
Make Ahead & Storage
Thanks to the flash chilling method, this iced tea recipe allows you to serve your iced tea right away. However, for the best result, I recommend you chill it in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. The cooler it is, the more refreshing. Store in a bottle in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.
Learn Middle Eastern Cooking
Are you a new to Middle Eastern cuisine? Then this Middle Eastern cookbook is what you need! In addition to a varied choice of recipes, the cookbook offers plenty of insights on ingredients, cooking techniques and Middle Eastern food culture.
Mint Iced Tea
Ingredients
- 750 ml (3 cups) water
- 1 Tbsp loose leaf black tea Ceylon
- 3-4 sprigs mint leaves
- 4 Tbsp sugar
- 300 g (2 cups) ice cubes
- ½ tsp orange blossom water optional
Instructions
- Pluck the mint leaves from the stems one by one. Discard the stems, use only the leaves.
- Heat water in a small pot or heatproof teapot.
- Add sugar, stir in and bring to a gentle boil, until fully dissolved.
- Once the water is just below boiling, add loose tea and mint.
- Reduce heat to medium and let the tea simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, depending on how strong you want it (a bit stronger than regular tea).
- Meanwhile, prepare a large heatproof pitcher with plenty of ice cubes.
- Add orange blossom water to the pitcher (if using).
- Remove tea from heat. Pour through a tea strainer or small kitchen sieve directly into the ice-filled pitcher, catching the tea leaves and mint.
- Give it a gentle stir and serve immediately or chill in the fridge.
Video
Notes
- Orange blossom water: Add after cooking, either just before pouring over the ice or directly into the pitcher before adding the hot tea.
- Using green tea instead of black? Let it simmer for only 1 minute, as green tea is more delicate.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is only a rough estimate and may vary depending on factors such as the cooking method, exact weight, type, and brand of ingredients used.
