Hot Or Cold Tea
A refreshing homemade tea that can be served hot or cold, featuring orange and lemon flavors with a sweet, fruity twist suitable for gatherings or everyday refreshment.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put tea bags into 2 quarts of boiling water and let steep for 10 minutes.
- Make a syrup by dissolving 2 cups of sugar in 1 cup of water.
- Pour the syrup into a gallon jug.
- Add the frozen orange juice can and lemon juice to the jug.
- Add the brewed tea to the mixture in the jug.
- Let the mixture cool, then pour into the jug and fill with water to the top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a stronger tea flavor, let the tea bags steep for an additional 5 minutes. You can substitute the orange juice with other fruit juices like pineapple or cranberry for a different flavor profile. If you're looking for a less sweet version, reduce the sugar to 1 cup or use a sugar substitute to maintain sweetness without the calories. This recipe can easily be adjusted for vegan recipes by ensuring all ingredients are plant-based.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing tea over ice for a cooling summer drink or warm it up for a cozy winter treat. It pairs beautifully with snacks like cookies or pastries, and can be a delightful accompaniment to desserts like Glazed Banana Pie. For a festive twist, consider adding a splash of vodka for an adult version.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tea in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to enjoy it cold, serve it over ice; if you prefer it hot, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent it from becoming too concentrated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Or Cold Tea contains roughly 360 calories, with 8g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (101% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and potassium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this tea ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tea and syrup ahead of time. Simply mix everything and store it in the refrigerator. It will taste even better after chilling for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the tea?
To adjust the sweetness, start by adding half the sugar and taste before adding more. You can also use honey, agave syrup, or a zero-calorie sweetener to cater to your preference.
Is there a way to make this tea less acidic?
To reduce acidity, consider adding a pinch of baking soda to the brewed tea, which can help neutralize the acid. Alternatively, you can balance the flavors by adding more syrup or a sweeter fruit juice.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).