Amazing Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea Recipe

Hello, friend! Clara here, from Cooking Inspired. Is there anything quite like a tall glass of iced tea on a warm day? I absolutely adore it; the refreshment, the gentle flavors… it’s pure bliss. That’s why I’m so excited to share my Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea recipe with you. Not only is it incredibly refreshing, but it’s also super easy to whip up in just a few minutes. Let’s get started!

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea Recipe

You might be thinking, “Another iced tea recipe?” But trust me, this one’s special! Here’s why I know you’ll fall in love with it:

• Uniquely Refreshing: The combination of orange and cinnamon creates a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and revitalizing, a delightful twist on traditional iced tea.
• Easy Customization: You can easily adjust the sweetness and spice levels to perfectly suit your taste.
• Quick & Simple: Perfect for busy days, this recipe requires minimal effort and time to create a delicious and impressive drink recipe.
• Naturally Nourishing: Packed with Vitamin C from the oranges and antioxidants from the tea and spices, it’s a guilt-free treat.

What You’ll Need: Recommended Equipment

To make this Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea, you’ll need a few simple tools. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything; I’ll share some alternatives!

• Saucepan: For boiling the water and infusing the spices. If you don’t have a saucepan, a regular pot will work just fine!
• Juicer: To extract fresh orange juice. You can also squeeze the oranges by hand if you don’t have a juicer.
• Jug or Pitcher: To store and serve the iced tea. Any large container will do.
• Strainer: To remove the tea leaves, spices, and orange peels after infusing. A fine-mesh sieve works great if you don’t have a dedicated strainer.

The Key Ingredients for Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea

Here’s what you’ll need to create this magical brew:

• 2 teaspoon Tea bags or tea leaves: Black tea is classic, but feel free to experiment with green or herbal teas, or even a delightful Cranberry Tea Latte.
• 2 Oranges: Freshly squeezed orange juice is essential for that vibrant, citrusy flavor. Bottled juice just doesn’t compare!
• 2 cups Water: Filtered water will give you the purest, cleanest taste.
• 1 inch Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini): Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the orange beautifully.
• 2 Star anise pieces: These little stars bring a subtle licorice-like flavor that adds depth to the tea.
• 2 tablespoon Sugar: Adjust to your liking. Honey or maple syrup also work wonderfully.
• Lemon wedges few: For garnish and an extra burst of citrus.
• 2-3 sprig Mint Leaves (Pudina): A refreshing finishing touch.

How to Make Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea: Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a pitcher of delicious Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea in no time!

1. To prepare the Spiced Orange Iced Tea, start with peeling orange. Save the orange peel for flavoring the tea and squeeze fresh juice from the orange slices. Keep the juice in a bowl and set aside until required.
2. Boil the water in a saucepan over high heat. Add the tea leaves, orange peel, sugar, cinnamon, star anise to the boiling water. Stir to combine and let the water simmer for few minutes over medium heat.
3. Once the spices and orange flavor is nicely infused into the water, turn off the heat. Strain the liquid into a large jug. Let the water cool down.
4. Add the orange juice to the cooled infused water and stir to combine. Refrigerate the Orange Ice Tea for a couple of hours before you are ready to serve.
5. To serve the Spiced Orange Iced Tea, add 1 to 2 ice cubes in each serving glass, pour the tea and garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint sprigs.
6. Serve Spiced Orange Iced Tea as one of many refreshing drink recipes for hot summer days.

Tips for the Perfect Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea

Here are a couple of my go-to tips for making sure your iced tea turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t over-steep the tea: Over-steeping can make the tea bitter. Stick to the recommended steeping time for the best flavor.
• Use filtered water: Filtered water really does make a difference in the taste. It helps the flavors of the tea and spices shine through.

Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few fun variations you can try:

Variation	Description
Citrus Swap	Try using grapefruit or blood orange for a different flavor profile.
Sweetener Options	Substitute honey or maple syrup for sugar. Adjust the amount to your liking.
Spicy Kick	Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few slices of ginger for a spicy twist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few common pitfalls can ruin your iced tea experience. Here’s how to dodge them:

• Using tap water: Tap water can contain impurities that affect the flavor. Always use filtered water.
• Adding ice too soon: Adding ice to hot tea dilutes the flavor. Let the tea cool completely before adding ice.
• Skipping the refrigeration step: Refrigerating the tea allows the flavors to meld together and creates a more refreshing drink.

Flavor Pairings for Your Iced Tea

This Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea pairs wonderfully with:

• Light salads: Think spinach salads with citrus vinaigrette or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad.
• Grilled chicken or fish: The bright citrus notes complement grilled dishes beautifully.
• Spicy appetizers: The sweetness of the tea can help balance out the heat of spicy foods.

Storing Your Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea

You can store your Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other flavors. I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture and flavor can change.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a quick look at the approximate nutritional information per serving:

• Calories: 80
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy this Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea as much as I do! It’s the perfect way to cool down and treat yourself on a warm day. Now, I’d love to hear from you! Did you try this recipe? What did you think? Leave a comment below and let me know. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media using #CookingInspired. Happy sipping!