When I think about healthy drinks recipes, this orange cinnamon iced tea is the first thing that comes to mind. It feels like summer in a glass, with a hint of warmth from the cinnamon that makes it just as cozy in the colder months. I’ll be honest, the first time I made it, I wasn’t sure if citrus and spice would get along. But they did, and now I keep coming back to it. This iced tea recipe has a bright, fresh kick of oranges and the calm depth of cinnamon. It’s not just another orange tea recipe, it’s the kind of drink you keep craving. When I pour a tall glass of it over ice, I’m instantly refreshed. If you’ve been hunting through iced drinks recipes, trust me, this one is about to climb to the top of your list. And here’s the best part. You can make it light with green tea if you’re into the iced green tea recipe healthy trend, or brew it with black tea for the best iced tea recipe experience. Oh, and if you’re feeling a little daring? A splash of rum or bourbon turns it into one of those cocktail drinks recipes that makes guests ask for seconds.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea Recipe
3) Ingredients for Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea
4) How to Make Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea
5) Tips for Making Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea
6) Making Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea
8) Try these Drinks next!
9) Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This iced tea combines oranges and cinnamon for a refreshing and warm flavor balance.
It’s easy to make with a handful of ingredients and takes less than 20 minutes.
It works as a non-alcoholic drink or as a cocktail base with a splash of spirits.
Perfect for summer afternoons, cozy evenings, or entertaining guests with something unique.

2) Easy Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea Recipe

I’ve always had a soft spot for iced tea, but this orange cinnamon version feels like the one I keep running back to. It has a balance that makes it both refreshing and comforting. When I’m craving something light, this recipe checks every box. The scent of fresh orange slices mixing with steeped tea and cinnamon makes the kitchen smell like pure calm. Healthy drinks recipes often claim to refresh, but this one does it without trying too hard.

I remember the first time I made it. I poured it over ice, added a touch of honey, and thought, “Wow, I could drink this all summer.” My family now asks for it at gatherings, and if I skip it, someone notices. That tells you something, right? This iced tea recipe proves simple things often turn out best.

And yes, if you love cocktail drinks recipes, this tea doubles up beautifully. Add a splash of rum or bourbon, and suddenly you’ve turned a weekday drink into a party starter. We’re talking a glass that looks elegant, tastes incredible, and fits almost any occasion. That’s what I call a keeper.

3) Ingredients for Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea

Water forms the base of this drink. Simple, clear, and ready to bring everything together. Four cups are just enough to yield a few tall glasses without overwhelming the flavor balance.

Tea Bags are where the depth comes in. I usually go with black tea for boldness, but green tea works well if you’re after an iced green tea recipe healthy version. Both options complement the citrus beautifully.

Oranges give this recipe its signature brightness. One large orange sliced thin releases juice into the hot water while the peel adds subtle bitterness. It’s sunshine in every sip.

Cinnamon Sticks provide that cozy, grounding element. I toss in two sticks and let them steep, releasing warmth without overpowering the orange notes. They linger pleasantly in the background.

Honey is optional, but I find a spoon or two smooths out the sharp edges. If you prefer a less sweet profile, skip it. This way, you can control how natural or indulgent the final drink feels.

Ice Cubes cool the drink down quickly. The clink of cubes in a tall glass signals refreshment before you even take a sip.

Fresh Mint rounds everything off as garnish. The bright green leaves against amber tea look inviting, and the flavor adds a pop of coolness that plays well with the orange and spice.

4) How to Make Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea

Step 1. Start by boiling the water. A gentle boil is all you need. Too aggressive, and you risk bitterness from the tea.

Step 2. Add the tea bags, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks. Let them mingle for about ten minutes, releasing their oils and aromas into the water.

Step 3. Remove the tea bags, then let the tea cool to room temperature. The cooling process keeps the final drink from turning cloudy.

Step 4. Transfer the cooled tea into the fridge. Give it at least an hour to chill. Cold tea over ice is refreshing in a way warm tea poured on ice just can’t match.

Step 5. When ready to serve, strain the tea into glasses filled with ice. This helps remove pulp and cinnamon fragments, leaving you with a smooth drink.

Step 6. Add honey if you’d like and garnish with mint leaves. The garnish may seem small, but visually and flavor-wise, it elevates the drink into something special.

5) Tips for Making Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea

One thing I learned after making this several times is that steeping longer doesn’t always equal more flavor. Ten minutes hits the sweet spot. Any longer, and the tea starts to overpower the citrus.

If you’re making it as part of your iced drinks recipes collection, experiment with different tea bases. Herbal blends, green, or even oolong all bring something unique. Each one changes the balance, but the orange and cinnamon tie everything together.

I also recommend slicing the orange thin. Thin slices release juice quickly while still holding their shape in the pot. It makes the final drink look neat if you serve it with a slice floating on top.

6) Making Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea Ahead of Time

This tea makes a great make-ahead drink. I often brew a batch in the morning and let it chill for later. The flavors settle, and the orange essence deepens over a few hours. By the time evening rolls around, it feels like you’re sipping the best iced tea recipe you ever made.

If you plan to serve it at a gathering, I’d suggest preparing a double batch. Guests tend to go for refills quickly, and running out halfway through the evening feels like poor planning.

Keep it stored in a pitcher with a lid in the fridge. That way, it won’t absorb other smells and stays crisp until serving time.

7) Storing Leftover Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea

Leftovers don’t happen often with this drink, but if they do, keep the tea in an airtight container in the fridge. It holds up well for up to three days. Beyond that, the citrus starts to fade, and the cinnamon can dominate.

If you want to refresh the flavor, add a fresh orange slice to each glass before serving again. It’s a quick fix that brings the brightness back. This little trick works for many healthy drinks recipes too.

Avoid storing with ice inside the tea. Ice melts, diluting the flavor. Always strain into fresh ice when you’re ready to enjoy another glass.

8) Try these Drinks next!

9) Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea