🖋️ Written by Olivia
You know that drink that makes summer feel like it just kissed you on the forehead? This easy orange cinnamon iced tea recipe is that drink. I started making it one sticky July afternoon, when I had oranges going soft in the fruit basket and a single cinnamon stick leftover from winter bakes. What came out was a pitcher of pure, sunlit joy.
This recipe brings together citrusy brightness and warm spice in a way that cools your body and feels like a cozy hug. It’s so quick, you’ll wonder why you ever bought bottled tea.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea
- Zesty orange flavor with a subtle, warming cinnamon note
- Naturally sweetened, refreshing, and super hydrating
- No fancy tools, just basic kitchen stuff and 10 minutes of prep
➤ See also:
- Mango Iced Tea
- Japanese Mounjaro Tea
- Banana Smoothie Recipe for Weight Loss
- Brazilian Mounjaro Iced Tea Recipe
- Bubble Pearl Milk Tea
Easy Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small pot, boil 4 cups of water. Once it starts bubbling, add the tea bags and cinnamon stick. Turn off heat and steep for 5–7 minutes.
- While the tea steeps, thinly slice your orange. After steeping, remove tea bags and cinnamon, then add orange slices to the warm tea.
- Add honey and lemon juice while tea is warm. Stir until dissolved. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Pour tea into a pitcher and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve over ice with extra orange slices and optional mint.
Notes
Perfect, let’s jump into the Ingredients and Steps with our warm and practical tone.
This part includes:
- Ingredients (with tips)
- Step-by-step directions (with handy notes)
- Internal links when relevant
Ingredients for Easy Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea
Here’s what you’ll need for one big refreshing pitcher (about 4 servings):
- 4 cups water
- 2 orange pekoe tea bags (or black tea bags, both work well)
- 1 cinnamon stick (don’t use ground cinnamon—it gets gritty)
- 1 medium orange, sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons honey (adjust based on your sweetness vibe)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (for that zing)
- Ice cubes, to serve
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, but adds a nice herbal freshness)
Tips:
- Use organic oranges if possible, since the peel infuses in the tea.
- Swap honey for agave syrup or maple syrup for vegan options.
- Want caffeine-free? Use rooibos instead of black tea.
How to Make This Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea (Step-by-Step)
1. Bring it to a simmer
In a small pot, boil 4 cups of water. Once it starts bubbling, add the tea bags and the cinnamon stick. Turn off the heat and let it steep for 5–7 minutes. Longer steep = stronger flavor.
2. Add citrus magic
While the tea steeps, slice your orange thinly. No need to peel—just wash it well. After steeping, remove tea bags and cinnamon. Add the orange slices right into the warm tea so they start releasing flavor.
3. Sweeten and chill
Mix in the honey and lemon juice while the tea is still warm. Stir until it dissolves completely. Let everything cool to room temp.
4. Serve over ice
Once cool, pour into a large pitcher and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve over ice with extra orange slices and a sprig of mint if you’re feeling fancy.
➤ See also:
How to Store Your Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea
Keep it fresh:
- Store in a sealed glass pitcher or bottle in the fridge
- Keeps well for up to 3 days—after that, the orange peel can turn bitter
- Always remove orange slices after the first day if storing longer
Can you freeze it?
Yes! Freeze leftovers in ice cube trays. Perfect to add flavor to plain water or for your next batch.
Good to Know: Nutrition & Gear
Nutrition (per 1 glass):
- Calories: ~45
- Sugar: ~8g (from honey + fruit)
- Caffeine: Mild (unless you use decaf tea)
- Vegan-friendly if you use agave or maple syrup
What you’ll need:
- Saucepan
- Strainer (if you want it pulp-free)
- Pitcher
- Knife + cutting board
Smart swaps:
- No cinnamon stick? Use a thin slice of fresh ginger for a similar warm touch
- Want fizz? Mix with sparkling water just before serving
- No fresh orange? Try 1 tbsp orange juice concentrate
Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid
1. Over-steeping the tea
More isn’t always better—too long and it turns bitter. Stick to 5–7 mins max.
2. Using ground cinnamon
It doesn’t dissolve well and leaves a gritty texture. Use whole stick only.
3. Skipping the cool-down
Pouring hot tea over ice right away waters it down. Let it cool first for better flavor.
Fun Variations to Try
1. Spicy Citrus
Add a slice of fresh ginger or a dash of cayenne for a subtle kick.
2. Floral twist
Throw in a few dried hibiscus petals while steeping. You’ll get a pink hue + tart edge.
(See also: Strawberry Basil Detox Water)
3. Fruity remix
Swap orange for grapefruit slices or blood orange in winter.
FAQ – Easy Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea Recipe
Do cinnamon and orange go together?
Yes—orange’s bright citrus oils balance beautifully with cinnamon’s warm spice. The duo is popular in mulled wines, holiday desserts, and scented candles because the flavors (and aromas) complement, not compete.
What is orange and cinnamon tea good for?
The infusion delivers vitamin C from orange peel plus cinnamon’s polyphenol antioxidants. Together they may aid digestion, ease cold-weather congestion, and provide a gentle energy lift without excess caffeine.
How to make orange iced tea at home?
Steep 2 black-tea bags and 1 cinnamon stick in 2 cups hot water for 5 minutes. Add zest of ½ orange and 2 tbsp fresh juice, sweeten to taste, then dilute with 2 cups cold water. Chill, strain, and pour over ice with orange slices.
Can you add cinnamon to iced tea?
Absolutely. Brew the tea with a cinnamon stick or swirl ground cinnamon into the finished drink. The spice adds warmth and natural sweetness without extra sugar.
Does orange pair with cinnamon?
Yes—cinnamon rounds out orange’s tartness, creating a cozy flavor found in everything from breakfast rolls to winter sangria.
What not to mix oranges with?
Avoid pairing large amounts of orange with very dairy-rich or creamy dishes if you’re sensitive to curdling. People on certain medications (e.g., statins or beta-blockers) should also check for citrus interactions, though grapefruit is usually the bigger concern.
What not to have with cinnamon?
High doses of cassia cinnamon can thin blood and stress the liver. If you take anticoagulants or have liver issues, limit intake or choose Ceylon (true) cinnamon, which has far less coumarin.
Do cinnamon and orange taste good together?
Most people love the combo—the sweet warmth of cinnamon highlights orange’s zest, giving sauces, cakes, and teas a festive, comforting profile.
What fruit pairs best with cinnamon?
Besides orange, top matches include apple, pear, peach, banana, and blueberry—fruits with natural sweetness that let cinnamon’s spice shine.
What happens when you mix citrus and cinnamon?
You get a balanced blend of tangy acidity and cozy spice. Cinnamon tempers citrus sharpness, while citrus lifts cinnamon’s aromatic oils, creating a rounded flavor and aroma in drinks and desserts.
Conclusion
This easy orange cinnamon iced tea recipe is that kind of drink that actually makes you want to stay hydrated. It’s got that fresh citrus tang, the warmth of cinnamon, and just enough sweetness to keep you coming back to the fridge for more.
Whether you’re sipping it on the porch or serving it up at brunch, it’s simple, flexible, and full of flavor. Ready to stir up your new favorite summer tea?
➡️ See also:
- Mango Iced Tea
- Japanese Mounjaro Tea
- Banana Strawberry Shake Recipe
- Brazilian Mounjaro Iced Tea Recipe
- Bubble Pearl Milk Tea
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