Vegetarian Green Tea Citrus Iced Tea
This is the kind of drink that makes you feel like you have your life together — bright, refreshing, and just a little fancy without any real effort. Freshly squeezed lemon and orange juice bring a natural tartness that plays beautifully against the grassy, delicate notes of green tea, while maple syrup rounds everything out with a subtle sweetness that doesn't overpower. The key to keeping the tea smooth and not bitter is steeping at a lower temperature and resisting the urge to squeeze the bags — a small step that makes a big difference in the final cup. Once it's chilled and poured over ice with a few citrus slices and mint, it looks like something you'd order at a rooftop café. Every ingredient here is straightforward and plant-based, so there's nothing to second-guess. Make a pitcher ahead of time and keep it in the fridge — it holds up beautifully for up to a day and only gets better as the flavors meld together.
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!