Garden Herb Iced Tea Infusion

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A revitalizing tea that absorbs the essence of fresh garden herbs, perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon. This recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, brings together fresh mint leaves, fresh lemon balm leaves, water 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 65 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Cocktails cuisine 65 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, 2 tbsp fresh lemon balm leaves, and 2 cups water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes until the liquid turns a pale green hue.
  2. Step 2: Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher, pressing gently on the herbs to extract all flavor. Discard solids, then stir in 2 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice until fully dissolved.
  3. Step 3: Refrigerate the tea for at least 2 hours to chill completely, then pour over 1 cup ice cubes in glasses. Serve immediately for a refreshing, herb-infused sip.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garden Herb Iced Tea Infusion take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Garden Herb Iced Tea Infusion?

Refrigerate any leftover garden herb iced tea infusion 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 Garden Herb Iced Tea Infusion?

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 Garden Herb Iced Tea Infusion 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.

What goes well with Garden Herb Iced Tea Infusion?

Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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