Citrus-Mint Iced Green Tea Cooler
A refreshing summer beverage featuring cold brewed green tea infused with fresh mint and bright citrus flavors. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 10 minutes brings together loose leaf green tea, cold water, fresh mint leaves for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 30 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp loose leaf green tea
- 4 cups, cold water
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 whole, thinly sliced lemon
- 1 whole, thinly sliced orange
- 2 tbsp, optional honey
- 2 cups ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pitcher, combine 3 tbsp loose leaf green tea with 4 cups cold water. Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours to cold brew, extracting a smooth, refreshing flavor.
- Step 2: After brewing, strain out the tea leaves and add 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, 1 thinly sliced lemon, and 1 thinly sliced orange to the pitcher.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp honey if you prefer sweetness, dissolving it fully into the tea.
- Step 4: Fill glasses with 2 cups ice cubes each and pour the citrus-mint green tea over the ice. Garnish with additional mint sprigs if desired and serve chilled for a cooling summer drink.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Mint Iced Green Tea Cooler take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Citrus-Mint Iced Green Tea Cooler?
Refrigerate any leftover citrus-mint iced green tea cooler in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Mint Iced Green Tea Cooler?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Citrus-Mint Iced Green Tea Cooler for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Citrus-Mint Iced Green Tea Cooler vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
