Description
This refreshing Cinnamon Orange Sweet Tea is a flavorful and aromatic beverage combining black tea infused with orange peel, cinnamon, fresh ginger, and a mint-infused simple syrup. Perfectly balanced with sweetness and a hint of spice, it makes a delightful iced tea for warm days or gatherings.
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 8 cups filtered water
- 2 large pieces of orange peel, plus orange slices for garnish
- 1 large or 2 small cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish
- 8 black tea bags
Mint Ginger Syrup
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 quarter-size coins peeled fresh ginger, chopped
- 6 sprigs of fresh mint
Instructions
- Combine Tea Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan over low heat, combine 8 cups filtered water, orange peel pieces, and cinnamon stick(s). Bring the mixture to a boil carefully to infuse the flavors.
- Steep Tea: Once boiling, add the 8 black tea bags to the saucepan and immediately turn off the heat. Allow the tea to steep for exactly 5 minutes to avoid bitterness. After steeping, remove the tea bags but keep the orange peel and cinnamon sticks in the tea for continued subtle flavor infusion. Transfer the tea to a cool vessel to chill.
- Make Mint Ginger Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup filtered water, 1 cup granulated sugar, and chopped ginger. Heat over low heat until it comes to a boil but do not stir during boiling. Once boiling, turn off the heat, add torn fresh mint leaves and stalks, and let it cool down to room temperature to infuse the syrup with mint aroma.
- Strain Syrup: After cooling, strain the syrup through a fine sieve to remove the ginger pieces and mint leaves, leaving a clear, flavorful syrup.
- Combine Tea and Syrup: Strain the steeped tea into a pitcher, removing the orange peel and cinnamon sticks. Add the prepared mint ginger syrup to the tea and stir well to combine the flavors.
- Serve: Pour the cinnamon orange sweet tea into tall glasses filled with ice. Garnish with fresh orange slices and cinnamon sticks for an extra touch of aroma and visual appeal. Serve chilled and enjoy.
Notes
- Do not steep the tea bags for longer than 5 minutes to avoid bitterness.
- Pour the tea into a cool vessel to help it chill faster and maintain flavor.
- The ginger and mint in the syrup add a refreshing spiced note to the tea, but you can adjust quantities to taste.
- This tea can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
