Go Back

Homemade Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea

A refreshing, beautifully balanced iced tea infused with bright orange and warm cinnamon, perfect for summer sipping. Can be made caffeine-free.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 12 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 glasses
Course: Beverage, Snack
Cuisine: American, Summer
Calories: 80

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 6 cups filtered water
  • 6 bags black tea or 3 tbsp loose-leaf (use rooibos for caffeine-free)
  • 2 large navel oranges
  • 3-4 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 0.5 cup honey or to taste
  • Ice cubes for serving
Optional Add-ins & Garnish
  • 1-2 star anise pods optional
  • Fresh mint sprigs for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pitcher or jar (2-quart)
  • Medium saucepan (if using hot method)
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Wash one orange thoroughly. Thinly slice it, leaving the rind on. If using, juice the second orange and set aside.
  2. In a large pitcher, combine the tea bags, broken cinnamon sticks, and the sliced orange. Add optional star anise if using.
  3. Pour in the cold, filtered water. Add the honey and stir gently to begin dissolving.
  4. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for 12-24 hours for the cold brew method. For a hot method, see notes.
  5. After steeping, remove and discard the tea bags, cinnamon sticks, and orange slices. Strain if desired.
  6. Stir in the reserved orange juice for extra citrus brightness, if desired. Taste and adjust sweetness.
  7. To serve, fill tall glasses with ice. Pour the chilled tea over the ice.
  8. Garnish each glass with a fresh orange slice, a small cinnamon stick, and a sprig of fresh mint.

Notes

**Hot Steep Method:** Steep cinnamon and orange in just-simmered water for 20 min. Reheat to 200°F, pour over tea bags, and steep 3-5 min. Remove bags, stir in honey, cool, then chill. Tea keeps refrigerated for up to 5 days.