The first sip hits like a summer breeze. Cool, crisp, and kissed with sweet apple, this refreshing apple iced tea is the drink you want in hand when the sun is high. It’s quick to make, naturally vegan, and gluten-free. Perfect for lazy afternoons, weekend picnics, or a little pick-me-up between chores.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Apple Iced Tea
It tastes light yet full of flavor. You only need a handful of simple ingredients you probably already have. You can make it ahead for guests or whip it up in minutes for yourself. Plus, it’s versatile — switch the tea, swap the fruit, or even add a playful twist with cinnamon or spirits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For 2 servings:
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon loose black tea leaves (or 1 tea bag)
- 10–12 mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 2 teaspoons sugar (or honey, stevia, monk fruit, maple syrup)
- 1 cup apple juice (or apple-flavored soda)
- 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- Ice cubes
Optional additions:
- Cinnamon stick for a warm spice note
- Splash of vodka, tequila, or white rum for an adult twist
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brew the Tea Base
In a small saucepan, combine water, tea leaves, mint leaves, and sugar. Heat over medium-high until it boils. Reduce to low and simmer for 1 minute.
2. Cool and Prepare Glasses
Remove from heat. Strain the tea into a bowl or jug. Let it cool for about 10 minutes.
Fill two glasses with ice and drop 4–5 mint leaves in each.
3. Assemble and Garnish
Pour ½ cup apple juice into each glass, then ½ cup brewed tea.
Add 1 teaspoon lime juice per glass. Stir gently. Garnish with apple slices or lemon wedges.
Tips for the Best Apple Iced Tea
Brew the tea ahead and chill it for up to 24 hours. For a fun summer treat, pour the ready drink into molds and freeze into popsicles. Serve with extra mint for aroma and color.
Variations to Try
- Swap red apple juice for green apple juice for a tart kick (reduce lime juice slightly).
- Use green tea or hibiscus tea for a fresh or floral flavor.
- Add a cinnamon stick to the brew for apple-cinnamon warmth.
- Stir in a splash of vodka, tequila, or white rum for a party version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is apple iced tea healthy?
Yes, when made with real apple juice and minimal sweetener, it’s a light, hydrating drink.
How to make homemade apple iced tea?
Brew black tea with mint and sugar, cool, mix with apple juice and lime juice, then serve over ice.
How to make a refreshing iced tea?
Use fresh ingredients, balance sweet and tart flavors, and serve ice-cold with plenty of mint.
Do apple and tea go together?
Absolutely. Apple adds a sweet, fruity layer that pairs beautifully with the earthiness of tea.
Refreshing Apple Iced Tea – Recipe Card
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Refreshing Apple Iced Tea – Easy Summer Drink
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
A cool, fruity, and minty drink perfect for hot days. This refreshing apple iced tea is vegan, gluten-free, and comes together in minutes for the perfect summer sip.
Ingredients
1 cup water
1 teaspoon loose black tea leaves (or 1 tea bag)
10–12 mint leaves (plus extra for garnish)
2 teaspoons sugar (or honey, stevia, monk fruit, maple syrup)
1 cup apple juice (or apple-flavored soda)
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice
Ice cubes as needed
Optional: 1 cinnamon stick or splash of vodka, tequila, or white rum
Instructions
1. In a small saucepan, combine water, tea leaves, mint leaves, and sugar. Heat over medium-high until it boils.
2. Reduce to low and simmer for 1 minute.
3. Remove from heat, strain, and let cool for about 10 minutes.
4. Fill two glasses with ice and add 4–5 mint leaves to each.
5. Pour ½ cup apple juice and ½ cup brewed tea into each glass.
6. Add 1 teaspoon lime juice per glass. Stir gently and garnish with apple slices or lemon wedges.
Notes
Brewed tea can be made ahead and chilled for up to 1 day.
Freeze the ready drink in molds for apple iced tea popsicles.
Use green apple juice for a tart twist and reduce lime juice.
Swap black tea for green tea or hibiscus tea for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Summer Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 77
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 13
- Fat: 0.2
- Saturated Fat: 0.04
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.11
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 19
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 0.3
- Cholesterol: 0
More Such Recipes
If you love apple-based drinks, try my Healthy Small Batch Apple Crumble Bars, Simple Green Apple Soda Homemade Juice, Easy Oatmeal Apple Pancakes, or Refreshing Spinach Green Apple Smoothie.
Final Thoughts
This refreshing apple iced tea is like sunshine in a glass. Try it once and you might find yourself making it all summer long. Share your tweaks or flavor twists with me — I love seeing your kitchen moments. You can find more drink ideas on my Pinterest and Facebook pages.