There's nothing more refreshing on a warm day than a tall glass of Iced Green Tea. Light, crisp, and naturally energizing, this simple drink is the perfect way to enjoy the delicate, grassy notes of green tea in a cool, thirst-quenching form.
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What is green tea?
Green tea is a type of tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.
Unlike black tea, green tea leaves are quickly steamed or pan-fired after harvesting, which preserves their vibrant green color and fresh, grassy flavor.
These green tea leaves are further processed to produce matcha tea powder.
Known for its light, delicate taste and natural antioxidants, green tea is a staple in many Asian cultures and is enjoyed both hot and cold.
Why you'll love this recipe
Simple and quick to make: just a few ingredients and minimal prep time.
Naturally refreshing: the clean, mild flavor of green tea is perfect for a pick-me-up.
Customizable: sweeten it to your liking or enjoy it pure and unsweetened.
Versatile base: it's a simple drink to build other refreshing drinks off of, such as peach green tea, strawberry jasmine tea, blueberry lavender tea, or jasmine milk tea.
Ingredients you'll need
- green tea: loose leaf or high-quality green tea bags (eg. jasmine green tea); not matcha powder for this recipe
- water: filtered or distilled water for the best flavor
- ice: lots of it to chill the tea quickly
- sweetener (optional): honey, simple syrup, or sugar (to your taste)
How to make iced green tea
Brew the tea:
Heat water to about 80°C/175°F (not boiling).
Steep 1-2 tablespoon of green tea leaves or 2 green tea bags per 1 cup of water for 1-2 minutes.
Avoid over steeping to prevent bitterness.
Chill:
Once brewed, strain out the tea leaves or remove the tea bags and let the tea cool to room temperature.
Alternatively, use cold brewed tea.
Assemble:
Fill a glass with ice and pour the cooled tea over it.
Stir in sweetener (if using), to your taste.
Enjoy immediately.
How to store
Store the iced green tea in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Other variations
Use the iced green tea as a base for other drinks.
Add lemon slices, mint, or fresh fruit for an extra refreshing punch of flavor: try lavender blueberry jasmine tea, or sparkling strawberry lychee tea.
Or swap in a flavored syrup such as passionfruit, lychee or kaffir lime for a tropical twist.
Expert tips
Don’t over steep: green tea can become bitter if steeped for too long or in water that's too hot.
Use high quality tea: the better the tea leaves, the better the flavor.
Chill it quickly: brew a stronger tea and pour it directly over ice to chill it fast.
Cold brew: for a milder tea flavor, use cold brew tea, which is passively brewed in room temperature or cooler water.
Customize tea strength: add more or less tea according to your taste; if you prefer stronger tea, add more tea leaves and vice-versa. That said, brew the tea a little stronger than you'd normally enjoy it, as it will be diluted by ice.
Other delicious tea recipes you may like
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Iced Green Tea
For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoon loose leaf green tea or 2 tea bags adjust to your taste
- 1 C hot water about 80°C/175°F
- ice
- simple syrup optional, or other sweetener such as honey, granulated sugar
OR:
- 1 C cold brew tea
Instructions
Brew the tea:
- Heat water to about 80°C/175°F (not boiling).
- Steep 1-2 tablespoon of green tea leaves or 2 green tea bags per 1 cup of water for 1-2 minutes.
- Avoid over steeping to prevent bitterness.
Chill:
- Once brewed, strain out the tea leaves or remove the tea bags and let the tea cool to room temperature.
- Alternatively, use cold brewed tea.
Assemble:
- Fill two glasses with ice and pour the cooled tea over it.
- Stir in sweetener (if using), to your taste.
- Enjoy immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.
Ben | Havocinthekitchen
So simple and refreshing. Perfect with the days are slowly getting warmer. I'd certainly use honey or perhaps even maple syrup as a sweetener.
Michelle
Thanks Ben, honey or ample would be a delicious addition to the green tea 🙂
David @ Spiced
I've had green tea (hot) and I've had iced tea (black), but I don't think I've ever had iced green tea. Great idea! This looks super refreshing for the hot summer days that are coming our way.
Michelle
Thanks David, yes, iced black tea is definitely common in the South -- you'll have to try this lighter green tea version! 😀