Honey Rooibos Iced Tea with Citrus and Mint

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

A refreshing iced tea inspired by the South African rooibos herb, sweetened with honey and brightened with fresh citrus and mint. This Vietnamese recipe, ready in about 17 minutes, brings together rooibos tea bags, boiling water, honey 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 60 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: 10 min Cook: 7 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 60 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pour 4 cups boiling water over 3 rooibos tea bags in a heatproof pitcher. Steep for 7 minutes until rich and reddish-brown, then remove tea bags.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 tbsp honey while tea is still warm until fully dissolved.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice and 1/2 cup fresh orange slices to the tea, stirring gently.
  4. Step 4: Refrigerate the tea until chilled, about 1 hour.
  5. Step 5: To serve, fill glasses with 2 cups ice cubes and pour the chilled rooibos tea over them. Garnish with 10 fresh mint leaves for a cooling aromatic finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey Rooibos Iced Tea with Citrus and Mint take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Honey Rooibos Iced Tea with Citrus and Mint?

Refrigerate any leftover honey rooibos iced tea with citrus and mint 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 Honey Rooibos Iced Tea with Citrus and Mint?

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 Honey Rooibos Iced Tea with Citrus and Mint 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 Honey Rooibos Iced Tea with Citrus and Mint?

Ethiopian vietnamese 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.