Iced Chamomile Citrus Tea

A soothing, caffeine-free iced tea that blends the gentle floral sweetness of chamomile with vibrant citrus juice. Light, refreshing, and easy to prepare, it is an ideal beverage for sunny afternoons or relaxing evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Naturally caffeine-free, so you can enjoy it any time of day or night.

• Chamomile retains its calming properties even when served chilled.

• Fresh citrus brightens the flavour and provides a subtle dose of vitamin C.

• Requires only a handful of pantry staples and keeps well for several days, making it perfect for meal-prep.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 chamomile tea bags (or 4 tsp loose chamomile flowers)

• 4 cups water, divided (2 cups just-boiled + 2 cups cold)

• ¾ cup freshly squeezed citrus juice (lemon, pink grapefruit, or a combination)

• 2–3 Tbsp liquid honey or simple syrup, to taste (optional)

• Ice cubes, enough to fill serving glasses

• Citrus slices and fresh mint sprigs, for garnish

directions

1. Brew the concentrate. Place the tea bags in a heat-proof jug and pour over 2 cups freshly boiled water (≈95 °C). Cover and steep for 7–10 minutes.

2. Sweeten (optional). While still warm, stir in honey or simple syrup until fully dissolved.

3. Dilute and chill. Remove the tea bags, add 2 cups cold water, and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled (about 30 minutes).

4. Finish with citrus. Stir in ¾ cup fresh citrus juice just before serving, adjusting to taste.

5. Serve. Fill four tall glasses with ice, pour in the flavoured chamomile tea, and garnish with citrus slices and mint. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Yield: 4 servings (approximately 16 fl oz / 475 mL each)

• Active preparation: 5 minutes

• Steeping: 7–10 minutes

• Chilling: 30 minutes

• Total time: ≈45 minutes

Variations

• Grapefruit Burst – Replace all lemon juice with 2 cups unsweetened pink grapefruit juice for a vivid, tangy drink.

• Cold-Brew Method – Combine chamomile and water in a pitcher and steep 8–12 hours in the refrigerator for an exceptionally smooth tea; add citrus just before serving.

• Honey-Chamomile Lemonade – Use prepared lemonade instead of plain citrus juice for a sweeter profile.

• Elderflower Accent – Swap 50 mL elderflower cordial for part of the sweetener to add a fragrant floral note.

storage/reheating

• Store the brewed tea (without ice or fresh citrus) in an airtight glass jug in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Add citrus juice shortly before serving to preserve brightness and aroma.

• This drink is designed to be enjoyed cold, but you may warm it gently on the stove if you prefer a soothing hot tisane.

FAQs

1. Can I cold-brew chamomile for this recipe?

Yes. Steep the chamomile in cold water for 8–12 hours in the fridge, then strain and add citrus before serving.

2. Does chamomile iced tea contain caffeine?

No. Chamomile is an herbal infusion and naturally free of caffeine.

3. How long should I steep chamomile in hot water?

Seven to ten minutes yields a balanced flavour; up to fifteen minutes is acceptable because chamomile does not become bitter like true teas.

4. What is the best citrus to pair with chamomile?

Lemon delivers bright freshness, while pink grapefruit adds deeper tart notes; both complement chamomile’s mild apple-honey flavour.

5. Can I sweeten the tea after it has chilled?

You can, but sweeteners dissolve more readily in warm liquid. For even distribution, add honey or syrup while the tea is still warm.

6. How long will the finished tea keep?

Up to four days in the refrigerator if stored without ice or fresh fruit slices. Add citrus and garnishes just before serving.

7. Is this drink safe during pregnancy?

Chamomile is generally regarded as safe in moderate amounts, but expectant mothers should consult their healthcare provider before consuming herbal teas regularly.

8. Can I make a sugar-free version?

Certainly—simply omit the sweetener or use a non-nutritive liquid sweetener according to your taste.

9. Will adding mint change the flavour significantly?

Fresh mint lends a pleasant cooling note that pairs well with both chamomile and citrus, making the beverage even more refreshing.

10. Can I carbonate the tea for a sparkling version?

Yes. Chill the brewed, unsweetened chamomile tea, then combine it with chilled sparkling water and citrus juice just before serving to maintain effervescence.

Conclusion

Iced Chamomile Citrus Tea offers a harmonious blend of gentle florals and lively citrus, creating a versatile, caffeine-free beverage that both refreshes and relaxes. Whether you prepare it hot-brew or cold-brew, sweetened or unsweetened, it is a low-effort recipe that stores well, scales easily, and adapts to countless flavour twists. Brew a jug today and enjoy a cool, calming glass all week long.