Ginger Free Green Tea Citrus Iced Tea
Bright, refreshing, and naturally sweet, this iced tea is the kind of drink that makes you feel like you're sitting on a sun-drenched patio even on an ordinary afternoon. Fresh lemon and orange juice bring a lively citrus punch, while the zest adds an aromatic depth that makes every sip feel a little more special. Maple syrup steps in as the sweetener, dissolving beautifully into the warm tea and keeping things clean and simple without any refined sugar. Steeping the green tea at just below a simmer — and skipping the squeeze on the bags — is the small but crucial move that keeps the flavor smooth and never bitter. So many bottled iced teas and flavored drinks sneak in unexpected spice blends or natural flavorings that can be hard to track down, but every ingredient here is completely straightforward and easy to verify. It comes together with minimal effort and can chill in the fridge for up to a day, making it a great make-ahead option for gatherings or just keeping a cold pitcher on hand all week. Pour it over ice, tuck in a few mint sprigs, and you've got something that looks and tastes far fancier than the effort involved.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 4 cups water
- 4 green tea bags
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice (from about 1 medium orange)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp orange zest
For serving
- 2 cups ice cubes
- lemon or orange slices, for garnish (optional)
- fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Bring 4 cups of water to 175°F (80°C) in a medium saucepan — just below a simmer, with small bubbles beginning to form at the bottom. Remove from heat.
- 2
Add the green tea bags and steep for 3 minutes, then remove and discard the bags. Do not squeeze the bags, as this releases bitter tannins.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!