Orange peel and cinnamon turn a pitcher of plain iced tea into something you'll want all year.
Prep5 min
Cook10 min
Total15 min
Serves6
LevelEasy
What makes it special
Cinnamon sticks
Sugar or honey
Iced tea is a summer staple in my house, but this version gets made all year. The orange peel gives a fresh, fragrant citrus flavor and the cinnamon adds just a little warmth, so it feels just as right in October as it does in July.
Why the peel matters
Most of an orange's aroma lives in its peel, in the little oil pockets you see on the surface. Simmering it briefly releases those oils into the water, so you get real orange flavor without making the tea cloudy or too sweet.
Tips for a perfect pitcher
Use a vegetable peeler and avoid the bitter white pith.
Don't over-steep the tea bags. Five minutes is plenty.
Sweeten while warm so the sugar dissolves completely.
Chill it properly before pouring over ice so it doesn't water down.
All-season ideas
Summer: tall glasses, lots of ice and fresh mint.
Fall: add a star anise or a clove to the simmering water.
Winter: serve it gently warmed instead of iced.
Party: top each glass with sparkling water.
Swaps
Use rooibos for a caffeine-free version, add a few lemon or blood orange slices for extra citrus, or try honey instead of sugar.
It keeps for up to 3 days in the fridge, but I've never had a pitcher last that long.
Black tea steeped with fresh orange peel and cinnamon sticks, lightly sweetened and chilled with orange slices. Bright, warm and refreshing.
Drinks Easy American
Prep
5 min
Cook
10 min
Total
15 min
Servings
6
Ingredients 6 items
Tap to check off as you go
Instructions 4 steps
1
Bring the water to a boil, then simmer the orange peel and cinnamon sticks for a few minutes.
2
Take the pan off the heat and steep the tea bags.
3
Remove the tea bags, peel and cinnamon, then stir in your sweetener.
4
Add fresh orange slices, chill and serve over plenty of ice.
Nutrition per serving
Calories
60
Carbs
15g
Sugar
14g
Fiber
1g
Sodium
5mg
Questions, answered
Can I use orange juice instead of peel?
The peel gives the best aroma. You can add a splash of juice at the end, but don't replace the peel.
Can I make it caffeine-free?
Yes. Use rooibos or an herbal tea instead of black tea.
How long does it keep?
Up to 3 days in the fridge, though it tastes best within the first two.
Recipe by
Denise
Home cook, baker and serial recipe tweaker. I share the dishes my family asks for most, written step by step so they turn out right in your kitchen too.
