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Tasty Orange Rosemary Tea

Featured in Drinks That Make Any Day Special.

This cool drink mixes tangy orange juice, herbal rosemary syrup, and green tea into one satisfying summer treat. Start by creating a syrup using honey and rosemary sprigs, then combine it with orange and lemon juices and chilled tea. Let it rest for at least 4 hours in the fridge before pouring over ice. Great for hot days or as a fancy replacement for standard iced tea. Serves 4 and can be prepped in advance.
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Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 09:52:27 GMT
A cold drink topped with orange slices and rosemary. Pin it
A cold drink topped with orange slices and rosemary. | cookwithtaste.com

A wonderfully cool green tea splashed with zesty citrus and fragrant rosemary makes a classy drink that's perfect for hot days. Squeezed oranges and fresh rosemary work magic with the mild green tea base, giving you a naturally sweet and layered sip that beats anything from the store.

This drink was a huge hit at my backyard gathering, and everyone kept asking how to make it. The surprising combo of rosemary with orange smelled so good that many people thought it was a fancy mixed drink instead of just an upgraded iced tea.

Essential Ingredients

  • Green Tea: Go for top-notch sencha or dragon well for their smooth flavor
  • Oranges: Look for plump, ripe ones with bright peels
  • Rosemary: Grab aromatic, fresh stems
  • Honey: Unprocessed, raw adds genuine sweetness
  • Ginger: Choose solid, fresh chunks
  • Lemons: Either Meyer or regular ones add zing

Making Process

First Steep:
Warm water with ginger slices and rosemary until bubbling. Take off heat, mix in honey till it melts. Pour into glass container and cool completely.
Brewing Tea:
Make green tea following package info, watching closely to avoid bitterness. Let it cool fully before chilling.
Final Touches:
Pour the herb mixture through a strainer into a big pitcher. Add your cooled tea and fresh squeezed citrus. Mix lightly. Pour over ice and top with rosemary and orange slices.
A glass of orange juice with ice and a sprig of mint on the side. Pin it
A glass of orange juice with ice and a sprig of mint on the side. | cookwithtaste.com

The ginger truly makes this drink stand out. Even folks who don't usually go for tea can't resist this refreshing mix, often commenting on how the ginger gives it that extra special kick.

Time Matters

Getting the timing right turns this drink from just okay to amazing. Give the herbs plenty of time to release flavor while keeping an eye on the tea so it doesn't turn bitter.

How To Enjoy

This cool tea goes great with small bites like cheese boards or sliced fruit. The herbal notes really bring out flavors in both sweet and salty foods.

Mix It Up

Give white or oolong tea a try as your base instead. Fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of maple syrup can create totally different flavor combos.

Keeping It Fresh

Store leftover tea in the fridge for up to two days in glass bottles. Don't leave ice in it when storing. Add a splash of fresh orange juice when serving again.

Two glasses of orange juice with ice and a sprig of rosemary on top. Pin it
Two glasses of orange juice with ice and a sprig of rosemary on top. | cookwithtaste.com

This drink comes from lots of testing to create the ultimate herbal tea blend. Mixing citrus, herbs, and good tea makes a grown-up beverage that fits any gathering or quiet moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can this orange rosemary tea be prepped ahead?
Sure thing! You can make it a day early and chill it in the fridge until needed.
→ How long will this drink last in the fridge?
It’s good for up to 3 days if kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
→ What if I only have dried rosemary?
That works too. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary for every sprig the recipe calls for.
→ Is there a way to skip added sugars?
Definitely. Replace honey with your favorite sugar-free sweetener and adjust as needed.
→ Which green tea gives the best flavor here?
Any type is fine, but varieties like Chinese Gunpowder or Japanese Sencha have a smoother vibe.

Orange Rosemary Cooler

Craft a chilled tea infused with juicy oranges, aromatic rosemary, and green tea for a vibrant summer sip.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
250 Minutes
Total Time
260 Minutes
By: Milly

Category: Beverages

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: International

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Base Ingredients

01 300ml brewed green tea, follow the brewing steps on the package
02 3 tablespoons honey
03 300ml plain water

→ Fresh Produce

04 1 medium-sized lemon
05 4 oranges (about 1 cup of juice)
06 3 sprigs of rosemary
07 A small 2cm piece of peeled ginger

→ For Serving

08 Ice cubes for cooling

Instructions

Step 01

Combine water, peeled ginger, and rosemary sprigs in a pot. Heat it up until it boils, then take it off the heat. Stir in the honey so it dissolves completely. Leave the mixture to rest. Once cool, cover it up and chill it in the fridge for at least 4 hours.

Step 02

Brew the green tea as per the directions on the package, then chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours until it's cold.

Step 03

Squeeze the juice from the oranges and lemon. Strain the chilled rosemary infusion to take out the solid pieces. Mix the cold green tea, strained infused water, and citrus juices together in a big container. If you'd like it sweeter, stir in a bit more honey after tasting.

Step 04

Fill glasses with ice and pour in the prepared tea mixture. Serve immediately while it's still cool and refreshing.

Notes

  1. This refreshing iced drink is perfect for any event, and it's alcohol-free.
  2. Make it a day in advance if you want; it'll stay tasty in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Tools You'll Need

  • A large pot for boiling
  • A citrus juicer for squeezing
  • A wide container for mixing