Refreshing Peppermint Iced Tea Recipe

As the warmer days start to roll in, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing glass of iced tea to cool down and unwind on a hot summer day.

I grow fresh mint on my deck during the summer, so I always have a fresh supply. If you don’t have access to fresh mint, you can buy it at the grocery store or just use peppermint tea bags.

Peppermint iced tea is a perfect pick-me-up on a hot day or a relaxing evening on the patio. It has zero caffeine, so it won’t keep you up all night. Here is an easy recipe for making your own peppermint iced tea.

Ingredients:

4-5 peppermint tea bags or a handful of fresh peppermint leaves

4 cups of  water

2 tablespoons of honey or sweetener of choice (optional)

Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Lemon or lime slices, for garnish

Ice cubes

Instructions:

In a kettle or large saucepan, bring the cold water to a full rolling boil.

​Allow it to cool for a minute or two.

If using peppermint tea bags, place the tea bags in a large heatproof pitcher or tea pot.

If using fresh leaves, rinse the leaves thoroughly, then lightly crush them with your hands to release their oils and place them in the pitcher.

 Pour the hot water over the peppermint and let it steep for about 5-7 minutes. For a stronger flavor, allow it to steep a bit longer.

 Once the tea has steeped, remove the tea bags or strain out the peppermint leaves using a fine mesh strainer.

While the tea is still warm, add the honey or your chosen sweetener. Stir well until the sweetener is completely dissolved. This step is optional, depending on your taste preferences.

Let the tea come to room temperature. Then, refrigerate it until it’s thoroughly chilled. 

Fill tall glasses with ice cubes to the brim.

Pour the chilled peppermint tea over the ice.

Garnish each glass with a few fresh mint leaves and a lemon slice for an extra zing.

Note: You can add a squeeze of lemon juice to the tea along with the sweetener. Lime juice is also a great addition if you prefer.

Note: If you like your tea strong, I recommend brewing the tea a bit stronger than you would normally like because it will be watered down by the melting ice. 

Let the leaves sit in the water a little longer – maybe 15 minutes or add more tea leaves or tea bags to the water. 

Health Benefits of Peppermint

Peppermint is known for its digestive benefits, including soothing stomach issues. The menthol in peppermint can help relax the muscles of the digestive system, making this tea an excellent choice after meals.

It is also good for soothing sore throats and sweetening bad breath. 

Additionally, peppermint has properties that can help relieve headaches and improve mental focus.

Variations:

Citrus Twist: For a citrusy kick, add slices of citrus fruits, such as orange, grapefruit, or lime.

Berry Delight: Toss in a handful of fresh or frozen berries for a fruity version.

Herbal Infusion: Mix peppermint leaves with other herbal teas like chamomile or lemongrass for a unique flavor blend.

Hot Peppermint Tea: You might also enjoy a cup of hot peppermint tea to help ease digestion after a large meal or to warm up on cooler evenings.

Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment alone or entertaining guests, this iced peppermint tea recipe is a delicious drink and the perfect summer refreshment. Pair it with these delicious and easy fudge brownies for a chocolatey treat.