Tasty Orange Rosemary Drink

Featured in Drinks to Make at Home.

This refreshing orange rosemary tea mixes zesty citrus with herbal notes in chilled green tea. Start by making honey rosemary syrup, add freshly squeezed orange and lemon juices, and combine with cooled tea. Let it rest for at least 4 hours in the fridge before serving over ice. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing twist on regular iced tea. Serves 4 and can be prepped ahead for convenience.
Una donna con un cappello a coda di cavallo e un vestito nero.
Updated on Sat, 22 Mar 2025 21:42:16 GMT
A cool glass with orange slices and rosemary sprigs. Pin it
A cool glass with orange slices and rosemary sprigs. | kylierecipes.com

A super zesty green tea mixed with fresh citrus and fragrant rosemary makes an amazing drink that's perfect when it's hot outside. Freshly squeezed oranges and homegrown rosemary work wonders with the light green tea, giving you a naturally sweet and interesting sip that puts bottled teas to shame.

This drink was a total hit at my backyard gathering, and everyone kept asking how to make it. The surprising combo of rosemary with orange smelled so good that many people thought it was some fancy mixed drink instead of a kicked-up iced tea.

Essential Components

  • Green Tea: Go for top-notch sencha or dragon well for their clean flavor profile
  • Oranges: Look for plump, ripe ones with bright-colored skin
  • Rosemary: Grab fresh, aromatic stems
  • Honey: Unpasteurized, straight-from-the-hive adds genuine sweetness
  • Ginger: Choose solid, fresh chunks
  • Lemons: Either Meyer or regular ones bring that tangy zip

Making Process

Base Mixture:
Warm water with ginger slices and rosemary until bubbling. Take off heat, add honey until it melts. Pour into a glass container and cool completely.
Tea Brewing:
Make green tea following the package info, being sure not to leave it too long. Let it cool fully before refrigerating.
Final Touches:
Filter the herb mix into a large pitcher. Mix in the cold tea and fresh-squeezed citrus. Stir lightly. Pour over ice cubes and top with rosemary and orange slices.
A glass of orange juice with ice and a sprig of mint on the side. Pin it
A glass of orange juice with ice and a sprig of mint on the side. | kylierecipes.com

The ginger really makes this drink stand out. Even folks who don't usually go for tea can't resist this refreshing mix, often mentioning how the ginger gives it just the right kick.

Time Advice

Getting the timing right turns this drink from basic to amazing. Give the herbs plenty of time to soak while keeping an eye on the tea so it doesn't get that bitter taste.

Serving Ideas

This cool tea works great with simple snacks like cheese boards or sliced fruits. The herbal flavors go really well with both sweet treats and savory bites.

Other Options

You can swap in white or oolong tea for your base. Fresh mint leaves or a bit of maple syrup can create totally different flavor combos.

Keeping Fresh

Store any leftover tea in the fridge for up to two days in glass bottles. Don't store it with ice already in it. Add a splash of fresh orange juice when you pour it again.

Two glasses of orange juice with ice and a sprig of rosemary on top. Pin it
Two glasses of orange juice with ice and a sprig of rosemary on top. | kylierecipes.com

This drink comes from years of tweaking to get the ultimate herbal blend just right. When you mix citrus, herbs, and good tea, you end up with a fancy beverage that fits any gathering or quiet afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep this orange rosemary tea early?
Sure! It's great to make the day before. Just keep it in the fridge until serving.
→ How long does it stay good?
It keeps fresh for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
→ Can I swap dried rosemary for fresh sprigs?
You can, but fresh is better. To replace a sprig, use roughly 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary.
→ Can I make this sugar-free?
Yes, just switch out the honey for your favorite sugar-free sweetener, and adjust to your liking.
→ What type of green tea works best here?
Any green tea works, but varieties like Sencha or Gunpowder tea offer a smoother vibe.

Orange Rosemary Drink

Craft a chilled summer drink blending citrusy oranges, aromatic rosemary, and green tea for a refreshing sip.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
250 Minutes
Total Time
260 Minutes
By: Kylie

Category: Beverages

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Global

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 300ml water
02 300ml green tea, brewed according to the package directions
03 3 tablespoons honey

→ Fresh Items

04 4 medium oranges (yields about 1 cup of juice)
05 1 medium-sized lemon
06 A peeled ginger piece, about 2cm long
07 3 sprigs of rosemary

→ To Serve

08 Ice cubes

Instructions

Step 01

Combine the rosemary, ginger chunk, and water in a pot. Let it boil, then take it off the heat. Stir in honey until dissolved and leave it to sit while cooling. Once cooled, cover the mix and stick it in the fridge for a minimum of 4 hours.

Step 02

Follow the instructions on the tea package to make green tea. Put it in the fridge for at least 4 hours until it's cold.

Step 03

Squeeze juice out of the lemon and oranges. Strain out the rosemary and ginger from the cooled infusion. Mix the infused water, chilled tea, and fresh juices together in a large container. Adjust sweetness with more honey if desired after tasting.

Step 04

Add some ice cubes to serving glasses and pour the prepared mix over the ice. Serve right away while nicely chilled.

Notes

  1. This refreshing iced drink is a great non-alcoholic option for celebrations.
  2. You can prepare it a day prior, and it'll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Tools You'll Need

  • A large pot
  • A citrus juicer
  • A big container or jar for mixing