Name: Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese-inspired
Ingredients: Water: 1 cup Cinnamon Sticks: 2 sticks (about 10–12 g) Loose Leaf Black Tea: 1½ tablespoons or 2 tea bags Naval Oranges (juiced): 2 oranges (about 220–240 ml) Honey: 1–2 tablespoons Ice Cubes: as needed

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Prepare to fall in love with the bright, zesty refreshment of Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea! This vibrant drink effortlessly blends the citrusy sweetness of navel oranges with the warm, comforting spice of cinnamon, creating a cooling beverage that sparkles with flavor. Whether you’re after a cozy pick-me-up served warm or something to quench your thirst on steamy afternoons, this simple recipe will quickly become your new go-to for gatherings, self-care moments, or adding a dash of sunshine to any ordinary day.

Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Water:

1 cup

Cinnamon Sticks:

2 sticks (about 10–12 g)

Loose Leaf Black Tea:

1½ tablespoons or 2 tea bags

Naval Oranges (juiced):

2 oranges (about 220–240 ml)

Honey:

1–2 tablespoons

Ice Cubes:

as needed

How to Make Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea

Step 1: Simmer Cinnamon Sticks

Start by pouring your water into a small saucepan and dropping in the cinnamon sticks. Let them simmer gently over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes. This cozy bubbling releases all the cinnamon’s natural oils, creating a beautifully spiced foundation for your Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea.

Step 2: Steep the Black Tea

Remove the saucepan from the heat, then add your black tea—loose leaf or bags both work well! Allow the tea to steep in the cinnamon-infused water for another 4 to 5 minutes. This dual infusion lets the earthiness of the tea mingle with the warming spice, building a complex, deep flavor you’ll love.

Step 3: Sweeten the Base

Strain the hot liquid into a heatproof container, catching all the cinnamon and tea leaves. While it’s still warm, stir in your honey so it melts right in. Start with a tablespoon, taste, and add more if your oranges run a bit tart or if you’ve got a sweeter tooth.

Step 4: Add the Fresh Orange Juice

Let the tea cool slightly, then pour in the fresh squeezed navel orange juice. The combination of just-juiced citrus and warm cinnamon is magic—a little zing, a little sweet, and lots of character.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For instant refreshment, pour your tea mixture into a cocktail shaker with a big handful of ice and shake it up. Strain directly into serving glasses over more ice for a frosty finish. If you’re making ahead or prefer a milder chill, simply refrigerate the tea for 20 to 30 minutes before pouring over ice and serving.

How to Serve Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea

Garnishes

Let your Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea shine with simple, stunning garnishes—add a swirl of fresh orange peel, a thin orange wheel perched on the rim, or even a cinnamon stick for extra flair and fragrance. A few fresh mint leaves can bring a pop of color and an extra note of refreshment, too.

Side Dishes

Pair your iced tea with light, summery snacks like fruit salads, crisp cucumber sandwiches, or flaky pastries. The tea’s gentle spice and citrus tang make it a fantastic partner for cheese boards, spicy nuts, or even simple butter cookies if you’re in the mood for afternoon tea.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, serve Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea in a clear pitcher so the brilliant color and garnish slices can shine through. Get festive with mason jars or elegant with tall glasses, and add colorful straws for a playful twist. If you’re feeling extra, freeze orange juice and water into shaped ice cubes so every glass glows with sunny color and flavor as the cubes melt.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Extra Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea stores beautifully in the fridge! Pour any leftovers into a tightly sealed jar or pitcher, and it will keep its bright flavor for up to three days. Just give it a quick stir before serving, as juices can settle a bit over time.

Freezing

You can turn this tea into tempting ice pops by pouring the chilled beverage into molds and freezing overnight. If you freeze leftover tea as cubes, they’ll double as flavor-boosting ice for future glasses. While freezing the full batch isn’t typical, these icy options let you enjoy the goodness in a whole new way!

Reheating

If you ever crave a warming twist, Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea can be gently reheated! Pour it into a saucepan and warm over low heat until just steaming—not boiling. The blend works wonders as a cozy drink in cooler weather, with all the citrus and spice you love.

FAQs

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

While bottled juice is a tempting shortcut, it often lacks the brightness and depth of flavor that fresh navel orange juice brings to Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea. For the most vivid, aromatic experience, squeezing your own juice is truly worth it!

Is there a caffeine-free version of this tea?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the black tea for your favorite caffeine-free herbal blend—think rooibos or hibiscus. The orange and cinnamon still shine, creating a naturally sweet and zesty refresher for any time of day.

Can I use ground cinnamon instead of sticks?

Whole cinnamon sticks are the best for steeping, as they impart pure flavor without making the tea cloudy or gritty. If you must use ground cinnamon, be sparing and make sure to strain the tea carefully for a smooth result.

How do I adjust the sweetness?

Taste as you go! Depending on your oranges’ natural sugars, you might use more or less honey. Try starting with 1 tablespoon and add more in small increments until the Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea is perfect for your palate.

What type Drinks

A strong, classic black tea like Assam or Ceylon stands up beautifully to the orange and cinnamon. Avoid flavored or overly delicate teas—they can get lost among the bold, zesty notes of this iced tea.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a drink that captures both sunshine and spice, Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea is your answer. The process is a joy, the result is stunning, and every glass is packed with refreshing personality. Treat yourself or surprise your friends—once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Refreshing and aromatic, this Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea is a delightful twist on traditional iced tea, infused with the flavors of citrus and warm cinnamon.

Ingredients

Water:

1 cup

Cinnamon Sticks:

2 sticks (about 10–12 g)

Loose Leaf Black Tea:

1½ tablespoons or 2 tea bags

Naval Oranges (juiced):

2 oranges (about 220–240 ml)

Honey:

1–2 tablespoons

Ice Cubes:

as needed

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Instructions

Simmer Cinnamon: In a small saucepan, simmer water and cinnamon sticks for 4–5 minutes.
Steep Tea: Remove from heat, add black tea, and steep for another 4–5 minutes.
Add Sweetness: Strain tea, stir in honey until dissolved, then cool slightly.
Infuse with Citrus: Stir in orange juice.
Chill and Serve: Shake with ice or refrigerate before serving over ice.