Simple Iced Green Tea with Mint
A crisp, cooling glass of iced green tea infused with fresh mint. Lightly sweetened and incredibly refreshing, this comes together in just 10 minutes and beats any bottled version. Perfect for hot afternoons or as a healthy pick-me-up.
For 4 servings
- boil · ~3 min
Bring water to a boil.
Pour 4 cups of water into a small saucepan and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- boil · ~3 min
Steep the green tea.
Remove the pan from heat. Add the tea bags to the hot water and let them steep for exactly 2-3 minutes. Avoid oversteeping or the tea will turn bitter.
TIPGreen tea gets bitter if steeped too long. Set a timer for 3 minutes. - mix · ~5 min
Add mint and sweeten.
Remove the tea bags and discard them. Stir in the sugar until it dissolves completely, then add the fresh mint leaves. Let the mint steep in the hot tea for 5 minutes to infuse its flavor.
- mix · ~30 min
Chill the tea.
Strain out the mint leaves if desired, or leave them in for a stronger flavor. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold, about 30 minutes.
TIPFor a faster chill, pour the tea over a glass full of ice instead of refrigerating. - serve
Serve over ice.
Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the chilled tea over the ice, and garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use just-boiled water (175-185°F) to avoid green tea bitterness.
- 2Set a timer for exactly 2-3 minutes when steeping green tea — bitter is final.
- 3Gently press mint leaves against the glass when serving to release extra aroma.
- 4Let the chilled tea sit overnight for a deeper, smoother mint infusion.
- 5For a faster chill, pour warm tea directly over a full glass of ice instead of refrigerating.
Adapt it for your goals.
Zero-sugar
Omit sugar or swap for stevia or monk fruit — ideal for those reducing sugar intake without sacrificing refreshment.
spicy ginger kickSpicy ginger kick
Add 4 thin slices of fresh ginger along with the mint for a warming, invigorating twist that pairs beautifully with green tea.
fruit berryFruit-berry
Muddle 1/4 cup of fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries into the base for a naturally sweet, colorful fruit version.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Green tea is loaded with catechins, which help protect cells from oxidative damage and support heart health.
Low-Calorie Refreshment
With only 2 teaspoons of optional sugar per 4 cups, this drink is a light, guilt-free hydrating choice.
Supports Digestion
Fresh mint and lemon both soothe the stomach and aid digestion, making this tea a great after-meal drink.
Frequently asked questions
Green tea becomes bitter when steeped too long in water that's too hot. Use 175-185°F water and steep for only 2-3 minutes.
