15 Refreshing Iced Tea Recipes for Summer

But here’s the thing: iced tea doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, when you do it right, it’s one of the most versatile, refreshing, and downright delicious drinks you can whip up at home. Whether you’re a classic sweet tea loyalist or someone who likes to get a little wild with fruit infusions and herbal blends, there’s an iced tea recipe out there with your name on it.

I’ve spent way too many summers experimenting with different tea combinations, steeping times, and flavor additions. Some turned out amazing. Others? Let’s just say my kitchen sink has seen some questionable concoctions. But through all that trial and error, I’ve landed on 15 iced tea recipes that actually deliver—and trust me, they’re worth making.

So grab your favorite pitcher, maybe a mesh tea infuser if you’re feeling fancy, and let’s talk about how to elevate your summer beverage game without breaking a sweat.

Why Iced Tea Deserves More Credit

Here’s something most people don’t think about: iced tea is basically a blank canvas. You can make it as simple or as complex as you want. Feeling minimalist? Brew some black tea, add ice, done. Want to impress your friends at a backyard BBQ? Throw in some fresh peaches, a hint of basil, and watch everyone ask for the recipe.

Plus, iced tea is ridiculously forgiving. Mess up the measurements? Still tastes good. Forget to sweeten it? Add honey later. Accidentally over-steep it? Add some citrus and call it “bold.” It’s the kind of drink that works with you, not against you.

And let’s talk health benefits for a second. Studies show that green tea is loaded with antioxidants and can support everything from heart health to brain function. Black tea has its own perks too, including improved gut health and reduced cholesterol levels. So yeah, you’re basically doing your body a favor while sipping something delicious. Win-win.

1. Classic Southern Sweet Tea

Let’s start with the OG. Southern sweet tea is the kind of drink that could start arguments at family reunions. Everyone’s got an opinion on how sweet it should be, whether to add lemon, and if baking soda really makes a difference (spoiler: it does).

The trick here is to add your sugar while the tea is still hot. I’m talking fresh-off-the-stove hot. This is non-negotiable. If you try to stir sugar into cold tea, you’ll be there for approximately 47 years waiting for it to dissolve. Brew about 6-8 black tea bags in 4 cups of boiling water, add 1 to 1.5 cups of sugar (adjust to your sweet tooth), stir until dissolved, then dilute with cold water and ice.

I like using a large glass pitcher with a lid for this because it keeps everything fresh and makes pouring way easier. Get Full Recipe

If you’re looking for more Southern-inspired drinks, you might also love these homemade coffee recipes that have that same comforting, classic vibe.

2. Peach Iced Tea

This one screams summer. Like, if summer had a voice, it would sound like someone taking that first sip of peach iced tea on a hot afternoon and going “Ahhhh.”

You can use fresh peaches if you’re feeling ambitious, but honestly? Frozen peaches work just as well and save you the hassle of peeling and pitting. Brew your black tea as usual, then blend in some peaches with a bit of honey or agave. Strain it if you want it smooth, or leave it slightly chunky for texture. Either way, it’s ridiculously good.

I always keep a high-speed blender on my counter for recipes like this. Makes life so much easier. Get Full Recipe

The Peach Situation

Real talk: not all peaches are created equal. You want the ripe, juicy ones that practically fall apart when you touch them. If your peaches are hard as rocks, let them sit on the counter for a few days. Your iced tea will thank you.

3. Mint Mojito Iced Green Tea

Ever had a mojito and thought, “This would be great without the hangover”? Same. That’s where this recipe comes in.

Green tea brings a lighter, more delicate base compared to black tea. Add fresh mint leaves (and I mean a generous handful—don’t be shy), lime juice, and a touch of sweetener. Muddle the mint first to release those oils, then mix everything together. The result is bright, refreshing, and makes you feel like you’re doing something healthy even though it tastes like a vacation in a glass.

Green tea contains powerful compounds called catechins that can help with everything from weight management to reducing inflammation. So yeah, this mojito-inspired drink is basically self-care. Get Full Recipe

Speaking of energizing drinks, these coffee smoothies are another great option when you need a morning boost with a twist.

4. Strawberry Basil Iced Tea

Okay, stay with me on this one. I know strawberry and basil sounds like something a pretentious food blogger would make up (guilty), but it genuinely works. The sweetness of strawberries balances perfectly with the slightly peppery, aromatic quality of fresh basil.

Use white or green tea as your base so the delicate flavors can shine through. Muddle fresh strawberries and basil leaves together, steep your tea, then combine everything with a bit of honey or simple syrup. Strain it if you prefer it smooth, or leave the fruit bits in for added texture.

Pro tip: invest in a good muddler. It’s one of those kitchen tools you don’t think you need until you have it, and then you use it constantly. Get Full Recipe

5. Lemon Ginger Iced Tea

This is my go-to when I’m feeling a little under the weather or just need something with a bit of zing. Ginger adds a spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds, while lemon brings brightness and acidity.

Brew black or green tea, then add fresh ginger slices (or grated ginger if you want it stronger) and fresh lemon juice. Sweeten to taste, let it cool, and serve over ice. Simple, effective, and surprisingly soothing.

I like grating my ginger with a microplane grater—it’s way easier than trying to mince it with a knife, and you get way more juice out of it. Get Full Recipe

Ginger: The Overachiever of Ingredients

Ginger isn’t just delicious—it’s also been used for centuries to aid digestion, reduce nausea, and fight inflammation. It’s basically the MVP of the spice world. Adding it to iced tea is a no-brainer if you want something that tastes good and makes you feel good too.

6. Hibiscus Berry Iced Tea

If you’ve never tried hibiscus tea, you’re missing out. It’s tart, floral, and turns this gorgeous deep red color that makes every glass look Instagram-ready. Add some mixed berries—blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, whatever you’ve got—and you’ve got yourself a drink that tastes like summer in liquid form.

Hibiscus tea is naturally caffeine-free, which makes it perfect for late afternoon or evening sipping. Brew it strong, add your berries (fresh or frozen), sweeten lightly, and enjoy. The tartness is part of the charm, so don’t go overboard with the sugar. Get Full Recipe

Looking for more berry-focused recipes? Check out these berry breakfast ideas that showcase how versatile berries can be in the kitchen.

7. Chai Iced Tea (Yes, Really)

I know what you’re thinking: “Chai is a winter drink.” And yeah, hot chai is cozy and wonderful when it’s cold outside. But iced chai? Absolute game-changer.

Brew a strong batch of chai tea (either with chai tea bags or by simmering black tea with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and black pepper). Let it cool, add milk or a dairy-free alternative like oat or almond milk, sweeten to taste, and pour over ice. It’s creamy, spicy, and totally unexpected.

FYI, I use a milk frother to mix the milk and tea together—it creates this nice frothy layer on top that makes it feel extra special. Get Full Recipe

8. Mango Pineapple Iced Tea

This is tropical vibes in a glass. Mango and pineapple are one of those flavor combos that just work—sweet, tangy, and utterly addictive.

Use green or white tea as the base so the fruit flavors can really pop. Blend fresh or frozen mango and pineapple chunks, mix them into your brewed tea, and add a squeeze of lime. If you want to get fancy, rim your glass with coconut flakes and add a fun reusable straw. Get Full Recipe

For more tropical-inspired drink ideas, these iced coffee drinks have some creative flavor combinations you’ll love.

9. Lavender Honey Iced Tea

Lavender is one of those flavors that people either love or think tastes like soap. I’m firmly in the “love it” camp, but I get it—it can be overpowering if you use too much. The key here is restraint.

Brew a light black or green tea, then add a small amount of dried culinary lavender (like a teaspoon for a whole pitcher) and let it steep for just a few minutes. Add honey while it’s still warm, let it cool, and serve over ice. The floral notes are subtle and pair beautifully with the natural sweetness of honey. Get Full Recipe

Sourcing Lavender

Make sure you’re using culinary-grade lavender, not the stuff from a craft store. There’s a difference, and you definitely don’t want to drink potpourri. Trust me on this one.

10. Cucumber Mint Iced Tea

This is spa water’s cooler, more interesting cousin. Cucumber and mint together create this incredibly refreshing, clean flavor that’s perfect for hot days when you want something light and hydrating.

Brew green or white tea, add thin cucumber slices and fresh mint leaves, and let everything infuse together as it cools. No sweetener needed—the cucumber adds a natural sweetness and keeps things crisp. Serve in a tall glass pitcher with extra cucumber ribbons for presentation. Get Full Recipe

If you’re into light, refreshing drinks, you’ll also appreciate these cold brew coffee variations that have that same easy-drinking quality.

11. Blackberry Sage Iced Tea

Blackberry and sage is another one of those “trust me” flavor combinations. Sage has this earthy, slightly peppery quality that balances the sweetness of blackberries in a way that’s surprisingly sophisticated.

Muddle fresh blackberries with a few sage leaves, brew black or green tea, and combine everything with a touch of honey. Strain if you want it smooth, or leave the blackberry seeds in for rustic charm. Either way, it’s delicious. Get Full Recipe

12. Watermelon Iced Tea

Watermelon is summer in fruit form, so it makes perfect sense to turn it into iced tea. This recipe is stupid easy—blend fresh watermelon until it’s liquid, brew some green or white tea, mix them together, and boom. Done.

The natural sweetness of watermelon means you barely need any added sugar. Just a squeeze of lime to brighten things up, and you’re golden. I like using a large wooden cutting board when I’m prepping watermelon because it makes cleanup way easier. Get Full Recipe

13. Raspberry Lemonade Iced Tea (Arnold Palmer’s Cooler Cousin)

Everyone knows the Arnold Palmer—half iced tea, half lemonade. But why not kick it up a notch? Adding raspberries takes this classic combo and makes it feel way more special without any extra effort.

Brew black tea, mix it with fresh lemonade, and add muddled raspberries. The result is tart, sweet, and ridiculously refreshing. Serve it at your next BBQ and watch it disappear faster than you can refill the pitcher. Get Full Recipe

For more lemonade-inspired drinks, check out these citrus summer beverages that bring the same tangy refreshment.

14. Coconut Iced Tea

Okay, hear me out: coconut water mixed with green tea is weirdly amazing. It’s hydrating, slightly sweet, and has this tropical quality that makes you feel like you’re on vacation even if you’re just sitting in your backyard.

Brew green tea, let it cool, then mix it half-and-half with coconut water. Add a squeeze of lime and maybe some fresh pineapple chunks if you’re feeling extra. IMO, this is one of the most underrated iced tea combos out there. Get Full Recipe

15. Classic Unsweetened Iced Tea (Because Sometimes Simple is Best)

Let’s end where we started: with simplicity. Sometimes you don’t need all the bells and whistles. Sometimes you just want a perfectly brewed glass of iced tea with nothing but ice and maybe a lemon wedge.

The key to great unsweetened iced tea is quality tea and proper brewing. Don’t over-steep it (you’ll end up with bitterness), don’t under-steep it (you’ll get weak, flavorless water), and always brew it strong enough to stand up to the ice. Black tea is classic, but green tea works beautifully too.

A quality tea kettle with temperature control makes this whole process way easier, especially if you’re brewing different types of tea that need different water temperatures. Get Full Recipe

If you’re a purist who appreciates the simple things, you might also enjoy these quick coffee drinks with 3 ingredients or less.

Tips for Perfect Iced Tea Every Time

Alright, now that we’ve covered the recipes, let’s talk technique. Making good iced tea isn’t rocket science, but there are a few tricks that separate the amateurs from the pros.

Brew It Strong

I mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth repeating: always brew your tea stronger than you would for hot tea. The ice is going to dilute it, so if you start with weak tea, you’ll end up with something that tastes like vaguely tea-flavored water. Not cute.

A good rule of thumb is to use 1.5 to 2 times the amount of tea you’d normally use, or let it steep a bit longer. Just be careful not to over-steep black tea—it gets bitter fast. Green and white teas are a bit more forgiving.

Let It Cool Properly

Don’t pour hot tea directly over ice. I know it’s tempting because you want your iced tea NOW, but resist. The sudden temperature change can make your tea cloudy and mess with the flavor. Let it cool to room temperature first, then refrigerate it, then add ice. Patience, grasshopper.

Use Quality Ingredients

This seems obvious, but it’s worth saying: good tea makes good iced tea. If you’re starting with bottom-shelf tea bags that taste like cardboard, no amount of fruit or sweetener is going to save it. Invest in decent tea. Your taste buds will thank you.

Same goes for your add-ins. Fresh fruit beats frozen (though frozen is totally fine in a pinch), real honey beats fake sweetener, and freshly squeezed citrus beats bottled juice every single time.

Store It Right

Iced tea keeps in the fridge for about 3-5 days, depending on what you’ve added to it. If you’ve got fresh fruit or herbs in there, it won’t last as long. Keep it in a sealed glass container to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors (because nobody wants tea that tastes like last night’s leftovers).

Final Thoughts

Here’s the truth: iced tea is one of those things that sounds simple until you start getting into it. And then suddenly you’re researching steeping times, experimenting with flavor combinations, and debating whether fresh mint really makes that much of a difference (it does, by the way).

But that’s what makes it fun. You can keep it as straightforward or as complicated as you want. Some days you’ll want a classic glass of unsweetened black tea with lemon. Other days you’ll feel like muddling berries and herbs and creating something that looks like it came from a fancy café.

The recipes I’ve shared here are just starting points. Feel free to mix and match flavors, adjust sweetness levels, and make them your own. Maybe you’ll discover that you love rosemary in your iced tea, or that a pinch of cayenne in your peach tea is unexpectedly amazing. That’s the beauty of cooking (or in this case, brewing)—there are no hard rules, just guidelines.

So go ahead. Grab your favorite tea, whatever fruit you’ve got lying around, and start experimenting. Summer’s not going to last forever, and you’ve got some serious iced tea drinking to do.

And if you try any of these recipes, I’d genuinely love to hear how they turned out. Did you add your own twist? Discover a new favorite combination? Or did you completely mess it up and learn a valuable lesson about not over-steeping your tea? All of these are valid experiences, and all of them make you a better iced tea maker in the end.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to make myself a glass of that cucumber mint tea because just writing about it has made me incredibly thirsty. Cheers to better iced tea, folks.