Orange Cranberry Iced Tea – A Citrus Berry Bliss!

Only recently did I develop a taste for cranberry juice and discover its impressive health benefits.

And then on a particularly hot afternoon, I found myself craving something ice-cold and refreshing. With fresh oranges and cranberry juice from a recent grocery trip on hand, I decided to whip up an invigorating drink and this Orange Cranberry Iced Tea Recipe was born.

The combination of tangy cranberry juice with the citrusy brightness of fresh oranges, all balanced by the depth of black tea and a touch of maple syrup, is simply irresistible.

It’s the perfect way to cool off on a hot day, and the flavors are so refreshing and unique. You absolutely have to try this recipe—it’s not just a drink, it’s a burst of summer in a glass!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Versatile and Elegant: Whether enjoyed as a casual refreshment or served at a gathering, the optional thyme garnish adds a touch of elegance and sophistication.
• Seasonal Appeal: Fresh oranges and cranberry juice are widely available, making this a great recipe to showcase seasonal produce.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or even experiment with different herbs or fruit garnishes to suit your taste preferences.
• Perfect for Entertaining: This visually appealing drink is a crowd-pleaser, making it a great addition to any summer party or gathering.
• Low-Calorie Option: With its natural ingredients and low-calorie content, this iced tea is a guilt-free treat you can enjoy anytime.

Ingredients

The ingredients for this Orange Cranberry Iced Tea are simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the drink’s vibrant flavor.

Starting with the black tea, it’s important to choose a quality brand with a rich and robust flavor, as this forms the base of the drink. The tea’s deep, slightly bitter notes provide a perfect counterbalance to the sweetness of the other ingredients.

Cranberry juice is another key component, and it’s best to opt for 100% pure cranberry juice rather than a sugary cocktail blend. The tartness of real cranberry juice adds a refreshing zing, and it also brings along health benefits, thanks to its antioxidants.

Freshly squeezed orange juice is essential for adding brightness and a natural sweetness to the drink. When selecting oranges, choose ones that are firm, heavy for their size, and have a vibrant color, as these tend to be the juiciest and most flavorful.

Maple syrup is the sweetener of choice here, providing a rich, earthy sweetness that complements the other ingredients without being overly sugary. It’s worth investing in pure maple syrup, as its complex flavor really enhances the drink.

Finally, the optional garnishes of fresh thyme and orange slices are more than just decorative—they add an aromatic touch and an extra layer of flavor. Fresh thyme has a subtle, earthy fragrance that pairs beautifully with the citrus and cranberry notes, making this iced tea as pleasing to the nose as it is to the palate.

Ingredients for making 2 servings of Orange Cranberry Iced Tea:

• 2 cups of water
• 2 black tea bags
• 1 cup cranberry juice
• Juice of 1 fresh orange
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Ice cubes
• Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
• Orange slices (optional, for garnish)

How To Make Orange Cranberry Iced Tea

Instructions for making 2 servings of Orange Cranberry Iced Tea:

1. Brew the Tea:
   • Boil 2 cups of water.
   • Once boiling, remove from heat and steep the black tea bags in the hot water for 5-7 minutes.
   • Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool to room temperature.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
   • In a large pitcher, combine the cooled black tea, cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed orange juice.
   • Stir in the maple syrup until fully dissolved.
3. Chill and Serve:
   • Add ice cubes to the pitcher or directly into serving glasses.
   • Pour the mixed tea over the ice.
4. Garnish:
   • For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and orange slices.
5. Enjoy:
   • Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing Orange Cranberry Iced Tea!

Recommendations & Alternatives

• Alcoholic Version: Turn it into a cocktail by adding a splash of vodka or rum for a refreshing adult beverage.
• Minty Fresh: Add a few fresh mint leaves along with the thyme for a cooling, minty twist.
• Cold Brew: Cold brew the black tea overnight for a smoother, less bitter tea base.
• Cinnamon Spice: Add a cinnamon stick to the tea while it’s steeping for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the cranberry and orange.
• Frozen Fruit Cubes: Freeze some cranberry juice in ice cube trays and use these instead of regular ice to prevent diluting the flavor as the drink chills.