There’s nothing quite as soothing as a tall glass of iced mint green tea on a sunlit afternoon. This revitalizing beverage brings together the earthy calm of green tea with the crisp lift of fresh mint and the zing of fresh-squeezed lemon. Lightly sweetened and deeply aromatic, it’s a cooling escape in every sip.
Ingredient Breakdown
Green tea creates the gentle, grassy foundation of this drink. It’s delicate but layered with subtle notes that are enhanced—not masked—by the other ingredients. Whether you use bags or loose-leaf, it brings body and complexity to the brew.
Fresh mint is the showstopper here, lending its bright, cooling essence. When steeped, it releases essential oils that awaken the senses and balance the deeper tones of the tea. Used as a garnish, it doubles as a fragrant flourish.
Honey or your preferred liquid sweetener adds a touch of round sweetness that ties everything together. This element is highly adaptable—use more or less depending on your taste or swap for maple or agave.
Lemon juice cuts through the sweetness with its vibrant tang, lifting the entire drink. Just a squeeze transforms the tea into something crisp and clean, leaving a refreshing citrus trail on the palate.
Water and ice are, of course, fundamental. The hot water extracts flavor, while the ice instantly chills the brew to a bracing, frosty finish—essential for that immediate refreshment.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Begin by boiling six cups of water in a kettle. Once it reaches a rolling boil, take it off the heat—this moment is key, as green tea needs to steep without being scorched.
Immediately add the tea bags, freshly picked mint leaves, and the honey. Let the mixture steep undisturbed for about five minutes. This window allows the mint to infuse deeply, and the tea to bloom without becoming bitter. The sweetener will also dissolve beautifully in the hot liquid.
Meanwhile, prepare a large pitcher by filling it one-third full with ice cubes. When the steeping is done, remove and discard the tea bags. Carefully pour the hot, infused tea into the pitcher, directly over the ice. The rapid cooling helps lock in the flavors and chill the tea without over-diluting.
Once the tea has cooled, stir in the lemon juice for that final citrus edge. Give everything a gentle mix and prepare your glasses.
To serve, pour the tea over ice and garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a thin lemon slice. The presentation is just as refreshing as the first sip.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
Use filtered water for a cleaner, fresher taste
Impurities in tap water can dull the flavor. Filtered water ensures clarity in both taste and appearance.
Choose high-quality green tea bags or loose-leaf for deeper flavor
Premium tea delivers smoother notes and greater aroma. Loose-leaf is especially elegant if you’re steeping for a crowd.
Adjust the number of tea bags based on desired strength
Use three bags for a more delicate brew or up to five for a bolder infusion.
Steep with a lid to retain aromatic oils
Covering the teapot while steeping keeps essential mint and tea oils from escaping.
Let the tea cool slightly before pouring over ice to avoid dilution
A brief rest before pouring minimizes melting and ensures a more concentrated flavor.
Can I use loose-leaf tea instead of tea bags?
Yes, absolutely. Use about 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per bag you’re replacing, and strain after steeping.
What’s the best mint variety for this tea?
Spearmint is traditional, but peppermint adds a more intense flavor. Chocolate mint or apple mint offer fun variations.
How far in advance can I make this tea?
Brew the tea base up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge. Add lemon and ice just before serving for best taste.
Can I make a sugar-free version of this recipe?
Yes. Simply omit the sweetener or use a sugar-free alternative like stevia or monk fruit drops.
Is it okay to chill the tea in the fridge instead of using ice?
Definitely. Let the tea come to room temperature first, then refrigerate for several hours until cold.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Serve this tea with delicate, fresh bites for a perfect balance. Cucumber sandwiches or light chicken salad wraps pair beautifully for a breezy lunch.
Sweet pairings work wonderfully too—think melon balls, fruit skewers, or zesty lemon shortbread. It also plays well with brunch offerings like buttery pastries, soft cheeses, or herbed eggs.
At dinner gatherings, offer it alongside grilled seafood, flatbreads, or a mezze board to keep the mood light and refreshing.
Iced Mint Green Tea is a crisp, herbaceous drink that feels like a breath of fresh air in a glass. With a balance of earthy tea, cool mint, subtle sweetness, and lemon’s zesty lift, it’s a crowd-pleasing refresher for any time of day. Whether served at brunch, during a sunny afternoon, or as a calm sip after dinner, it offers the perfect blend of flavor and refreshment.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups fresh mint leaves
¼ – ½ cup honey or preferred liquid sweetener
3–5 bags green tea
6 cups water
½ lemon, juiced
Ice cubes
Instructions
Pour the water into a teapot and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once it reaches a full boil and the kettle whistles, remove it from the heat source immediately.
Add the green tea bags, mint leaves, and your chosen sweetener to the hot water. Let the mixture steep for about 5 minutes, allowing the tea and mint to fully infuse and the sweetener to dissolve completely.
While the tea steeps, fill a large glass pitcher about one-third full with ice cubes. Once steeping is complete, discard the tea bags and carefully pour the hot tea over the ice in the pitcher. Stir until the pitcher feels chilled to the touch and the tea is cool.
Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and stir once more to combine. Serve the iced mint green tea in individual glasses, garnished with extra mint leaves and a slice of lemon for a refreshing finishing touch.
Iced Mint Green Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups fresh mint leaves
- ¼ – ½ cup honey or preferred liquid sweetener
- 3 –5 bags green tea
- 6 cups water
- ½ lemon juiced
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Pour the water into a teapot and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once it reaches a full boil and the kettle whistles, remove it from the heat source immediately.
- Add the green tea bags, mint leaves, and your chosen sweetener to the hot water. Let the mixture steep for about 5 minutes, allowing the tea and mint to fully infuse and the sweetener to dissolve completely.
- While the tea steeps, fill a large glass pitcher about one-third full with ice cubes. Once steeping is complete, discard the tea bags and carefully pour the hot tea over the ice in the pitcher. Stir until the pitcher feels chilled to the touch and the tea is cool.
- Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and stir once more to combine. Serve the iced mint green tea in individual glasses, garnished with extra mint leaves and a slice of lemon for a refreshing finishing touch.
