Zesty Orange Rosemary Drink

Featured in Drinks to Make at Home.

This vibrant iced drink pairs the fresh flavor of orange with rosemary’s earthy aroma and green tea’s lightness. Start by preparing a playful syrup with honey and rosemary, then mix it with cooled tea, orange juice, and a squirt of lemon. Refrigerate for a few hours, then serve over ice for the best punch. It’s an ideal choice for chill summer afternoons or hosting friends. The recipe serves 4 and can easily be prepped in advance.
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Updated on Sat, 22 Mar 2025 21:42:16 GMT
A vibrant glass of citrus-filled iced drink with orange garnish. Pin it
A vibrant glass of citrus-filled iced drink with orange garnish. | kylierecipes.com

An elegant tangerine and herb-steeped green tea that delivers garden-inspired tastes in your cup. This fragrant mix blends zesty orange, aromatic rosemary, and top-quality green tea for a naturally sweet and layered drink that puts store-bought options to shame.

This cooling tea combo first wowed guests at a backyard celebration where everyone was struck by its distinctive scent. The classy mix of herbs and citrus made such a fancy impression that several folks thought it was a premium mixed drink.

Essential Components

  • Green Tea: Top-tier sencha or dragon well types offer the perfect mellow foundation
  • Oranges: Pick ripe, aromatic fruit at its seasonal best
  • Rosemary: Live sprigs with intense smell
  • Honey: Unpasteurized, chunky for genuine sweetness
  • Ginger: New root with unblemished, tight skin
  • Lemons: Meyer or regular kinds for tangy zip

Brewing Steps

Herb Steeping:
Warm water with ginger pieces and rosemary until bubbling starts. Pull off heat and mix honey until it melts. Cool fully in glass pitcher.
Tea Foundation:
Brew green tea following box instructions, watching closely to avoid bitterness. Let cool entirely before chilling.
Finishing Touch:
Filter the cooled herb mix into your serving container. Pour in cold tea and fresh-squeezed citrus. Stir lightly. Offer with ice and rosemary-orange garnish.
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 brings an unexpected richness that wins over tea lovers and doubters alike. Its gentle heat turns this into a fancy drink that feels extra special.

Time Management

The magic happens with unhurried prep. Give herbs enough soaking time while keeping an eye on the tea to get just the right taste balance.

Pairing Ideas

Goes great with small bites like herb-topped cheese toasts or seasonal fruits. The well-rounded flavors work with both sugary and salty foods.

Alternatives

Try swapping in white or oolong tea bases, fresh herbs such as mint, or different sweeteners like maple syrup to create your own flavor twists.

Keeping Fresh

Store in the fridge using glass bottles for up to two days. Keep ice separate and add fresh citrus when it's time to drink.

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 polished drink comes from countless experiments with different tea blends. The thoughtful combo of citrus, herbs and quality tea makes a next-level beverage fit for any moment worth celebrating.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this drink ahead of time?
Of course! You can prepare it the day before and let it chill until you're ready to drink.
→ How long will this drink last in the fridge?
It stays tasty for about 3 days if kept in a sealed container in the fridge.
→ Can dried rosemary replace fresh in this drink?
Sure thing! While fresh is ideal for the best taste, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary instead of a sprig.
→ Is there a no-sugar version for this drink?
Absolutely! Swap out the honey with your favorite sweetener, like monk fruit or stevia. Adjust the sweetness as needed.
→ What kind of green tea do you suggest?
Any standard green tea works, but if you’ve got Sencha or Gunpowder tea, they give a smoother vibe.

Orange Rosemary Drink

Beat the heat with this tangy orange and rosemary-infused drink made with green tea. Perfect for summer relaxation or gatherings.

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

→ Fresh Items

01 Juice from 4 medium oranges (yields about 1 cup)
02 One medium lemon
03 Fresh ginger, a peeled piece about 2cm long
04 Three sprigs of fresh rosemary

→ Extras for Serving

05 Ice cubes

→ Main Mix

06 300ml hot green tea (brew it following the package instructions)
07 300ml regular water
08 3 tablespoons honey

Instructions

Step 01

In a pot, combine water with the rosemary and ginger pieces. Bring to a simmer then turn the heat off. Stir in honey until it fully dissolves. Let it cool fully with the rosemary still in the mix, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Step 02

Prepare 300ml of green tea by following the instructions on the tea package. Once made, chill it in the fridge for 4 or more hours.

Step 03

Juice the lemons and oranges. Strain the herb-infused mixture to remove the ginger and rosemary. Combine the strained herb mix, tea, and fruit juice in a large jug. Sweeten more with honey if desired.

Step 04

Fill each glass with ice and pour the mixed drink over it. Serve immediately while still chilled.

Notes

  1. An ideal homemade cold drink that's perfect for parties and alcohol-free.
  2. Great for prepping the day before your event.

Tools You'll Need

  • A container or jug to mix everything
  • A pot to heat ingredients
  • A juicer for citrus