There is nothing more refreshing on a hot day than a glass of Mint Iced Tea. Our favorite sweet iced tea can be made in an iced tea maker or on the stove top. This recipe makes a whole pitcher, perfect for parties and backyard BBQs.
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Iced Mint Tea: A Family Tradition
This sweet mint tea recipe is wrapped up in decades worth of summer memories for my family. It’s been enjoyed on patios and porches, in my parent’s house, my sibling’s house, and my own home. It’s present at nearly every cookout, family reunion, and summer holiday. It has even appeared at the Thanksgiving table when we’re lucky enough to still have fresh mint in November.
Spearmint is a perennial that grows prolifically (some may even say invasively) from about May to October. Ours grows back enthusiastically each year, which is why you’ll find us making Steak Kabobs with Mint Chimichurri and minty Pineapple Banana Smoothies on repeat all summer long.
But a pitcher of spearmint iced tea is still my favorite way to use fresh mint. It feels like home to me, an invitation to sit back, kick your shoes off, and relax. I hope it will be the same for you–an opportunity to linger a little longer and drink up every last bit of the summer.
Key Ingredients
Fresh spearmint leaves– You’ll need fresh spearmint leaves for this recipe. Peppermint leaves can also be used for tea, but I much prefer the flavor of spearmint. You can also use dried mint leaves. Be sure to rinse the leaves well before using.
Water– If your tap water isn’t too metallic, it’ll work just fine for this recipe, or, if you prefer, you can use distilled or filtered water.
Tea bags– I like to use decaf black tea bags, so the kids can enjoy it too, but any variety of black tea will work. Or try one of our variations below!
Sugar– We add enough granulated sugar to make the tea sweet, but it’s not Southern sweet tea sweet, if you know what I mean. You can adjust the sweetener up or down based on your tastes.
How to Make Mint Tea in an Iced Tea Maker
We have very few single-use contraptions in our kitchen, but a tea maker is one of them. We make enough tea in the summer that it’s worth it to surrender some cabinet space for it!
Step 1: Fill the water chamber to the top and add ice to the ice line on the pitcher. Pour the sugar directly over the ice. Place the mint tea leaves and tea bags in a filter in the filter holder, then turn the tea maker on. Let it brew, then give it a stir and serve!
How to Make Spearmint Tea on the Stove Top
Step 1: Bring 2 quarts of cold water to a boil, then remove from heat. Add the mint leaves and allow them to steep for about 20 minutes
Step 2: Add tea bags and steep another 3-5 minutes. Discard tea bags, then stir in the sugar, to taste.
Step 3: Fill a large pitcher halfway with ice. Strain the tea mixture through a fine mesh sieve into the pitcher. Garnish with additional mint and lemon slices, if desired.
However you make it, this recipe will make your house smell amazing. Enjoy the scent of fresh, herby, vaguely sweet spearmint filling your home. It is heavenly.
Storage and Make Ahead Instructions
Store iced tea in the fridge. It will keep for about 10 days. If you’re making tea ahead of time using the stove top version, don’t pour it over ice. Instead, allow it to cool completely, then store in the fridge until ready to serve.
Variations
- Use different tea varieties. Green tea bags or rooibos both work well. The green tea has a nice light flavor, while the rooibos carries some of the richness of black tea but without any caffeine.
- Omit the tea bags completely for a very light, very subtle mint tea.
- Swap the sugar. Sometimes we sweeten this with honey or honey syrup, or substitute stevia for a sugar free mint tea.
- Add a squeeze of lemon for a bright lemon mint tea that’s reminiscent of our Lemonade Shake Ups.
- Make it boozy with a little bourbon. Or add peach syrup and bourbon for an absolutely delicious cocktail.
- Enjoy it hot. Use the stove top method listed above, but instead of icing it, enjoy it hot.
More Summer Drinks to Beat the Heat
- Iced Matcha Latte– I make these almost every morning in the summer!
- Orange Julius– A frosty classic that kids and adults both love!
- White Wine Sangria– A refreshing pitcher drink that’s perfect for dinner parties.
- Peach Cherry Wine Slushies– Icy cold, fruity, and a little boozy. The perfect adult beverage!
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Mint Iced Tea Recipe: Stovetop or Tea Maker
Ingredients
- 2 quarts water
- 1 cup packed fresh spearmint leaves (removed from the stem and rinsed well)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or to taste)
- 2 black tea bags (see note)
Instructions
Stove Top Method:
- Bring the water to a boil in a large pot. Turn the heat off, then add the mint leaves and cover. Allow to steep for 15-20 minutes.
- Add tea bags, if desired, and steep an additional 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags, then stir in sugar, to taste.
- To serve immediately: Fill a large pitcher about halfway with ice. Place a fine mesh strainer over the pitcher and pour the tea through, leaving the mint leaves behind. Stir well, and garnish with lemon and more fresh mint leaves, if desired.
- To serve later: Allow the mixture to cool completely, then store in the fridge for up to 10 days.
Iced Tea Maker Method:
- Fill the water holder up to the 2 quart line, and then add ice to the pitcher based on the manufacturer's instructions. Add sugar to the pitcher.
- Place a filter in the filter holder and fill with mint leaves and tea bags. Turn the machine on and allow it to brew completely. Give the tea a good stir, and garnish with lemon and mint, then serve. Keep leftover tea refrigerated and consume within 10 days.
Notes
- You don’t have to add tea bags if you prefer a really light mint tea.
- Swap the black tea for green or rooibos. Both are delicious!
- Feel free to lower or raise the sugar based on your tastes, or substitute honey or stevia.
Nutrition
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