Homemade Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea: A Refreshing Citrus-Spiced Drink

If you love iced tea but want something a little more vibrant, cozy, and refreshing all at once, this Homemade Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea is the perfect drink for you. It blends the brightness of fresh oranges with the warming depth of cinnamon, creating a beautifully balanced drink that’s refreshing enough for summer yet comforting enough for fall and winter sipping.

This iced tea is incredibly easy to make, naturally flavorful, lightly sweetened, and perfect for serving at parties, brunches, picnics, or simply for relaxing at home. The combination of citrus and spice makes it feel special, like a café-style iced tea without the cost or artificial flavors.

Whether you’re preparing a batch for guests or making a pitcher to enjoy throughout the week, this orange cinnamon iced tea will be your new favorite drink. It’s fragrant, uplifting, and irresistibly smooth.

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Why You’ll Love This Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea

1. Bright and refreshing

Fresh orange slices infuse the tea with natural sweetness and citrus flavor.

2. Warm spice depth

Cinnamon adds a cozy, aromatic undertone that balances the tea beautifully.

3. Naturally sweetened

Use honey, sugar, or leave it unsweetened for a clean, fresh taste.

4. Easy to customize

Add cloves, mint, lemon slices, vanilla, or use green tea instead of black.

5. Perfect for any season

Cool and refreshing for summer — yet warm and comforting in flavor for colder months.

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Ingredients

• 4 cups hot water
• 3–4 black tea bags (or 2 tablespoons loose tea)
• 1 large orange, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2–4 tablespoons honey or sugar (optional)
• 2 cups cold water or ice
• Extra orange slices for serving

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Instructions

1. Brew the Tea

Bring water to just under a boil.
Add tea bags and steep 5 minutes for strong flavor. Remove tea bags.

2. Add Orange and Cinnamon

Stir in cinnamon sticks and fresh orange slices.
Add honey or sugar now if desired.
Let mixture steep 10–15 minutes to infuse.

3. Chill the Tea

Remove cinnamon sticks.
Pour tea into a pitcher.
Add 2 cups cold water or plenty of ice.
Refrigerate until completely cold.

4. Serve

Pour over ice and garnish with fresh orange slices and cinnamon sticks.

5. Enjoy Fresh or Store

Keep refrigerated up to 3 days.

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Expert Tips

Use fresh oranges

Juice, zest, and slices all add layers of citrus flavor.

Don’t over-steep tea

Steeping too long can make tea bitter—5 minutes is perfect.

Sweeten while hot

Sweeteners dissolve better in warm liquid.

Serve with crushed ice

It makes the drink feel extra refreshing and café-style.

Try different teas

Green tea, earl grey, or herbal blends all work beautifully.

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Flavor Variations

Orange-Clove Iced Tea

Add 3–5 whole cloves.

Orange Vanilla Iced Tea

Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or a split vanilla bean.

Minty Orange Tea

Add a handful of fresh mint leaves.

Spicy Autumn Orange Tea

Add a pinch of ginger or nutmeg.

Sugar-Free Version

Use monk fruit or leave it unsweetened.

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Serving Ideas

Perfect for:

• Brunch tables
• Holiday gatherings
• Summer picnics
• After-school drinks
• Hydration with flavor
• A refreshing alternative to soda

Serve with:

• Fresh fruit
• Tea sandwiches
• Pastries
• Light salads
• Cheese boards

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Storage Instructions

• Store in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
• Remove orange slices after 24 hours to prevent bitterness.
• Add fresh slices when serving.