Cranberry Iced Tea Recipe

There’s nothing like a chilled glass of cranberry iced tea on a warm afternoon! It’s sweet, tangy, and super refreshing—a perfect drink for any season. Whether you’re cooling off in the summer heat or adding a festive touch to your holiday table, this drink is a must-try.

I first fell in love with cranberry iced tea when I was looking for a fun way to mix up my usual iced tea routine. Plain tea is great, but sometimes you just want something with a little more flavor. That’s when I decided to experiment with cranberry juice, and the result was amazing! The tartness of the cranberries blends perfectly with the smoothness of the tea, making it a drink that’s both bold and refreshing.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious homemade drink that’s way better than anything store-bought. Plus, you can control the sweetness and even add fun extras like lemon or mint.

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Why You’ll Love It

• Burst of Flavor: The combination of cranberry juice and tea creates a perfect balance of tart and sweet.
• Easy to Make: With just a few steps, you can whip up a refreshing drink in no time.
• Healthier Than Soda: This iced tea is a great alternative to sugary sodas and artificial drinks.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer BBQ, a holiday gathering, or just a relaxing afternoon, cranberry iced tea fits right in.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, add fresh fruits, or even turn it into a sparkling version with soda water.

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Ingredients

For the Tea

• 4 cups water
• 4 black tea bags (or green tea for a lighter taste)

For the Cranberry Mix

• 2 cups cranberry juice (100% juice, not cranberry cocktail)
• ¼ cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)

For Serving

• Ice cubes
• Lemon slices (optional)
• Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Kitchen Tools Needed

Making cranberry iced tea is super simple, and you don’t need any fancy equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Medium saucepan – To boil the water for steeping the tea.
• Large pitcher – For mixing and serving the iced tea.
• Wooden spoon – To stir in the cranberry juice and sweetener.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Strainer (optional) – If you want a super smooth tea without any tea bag residue.
• Ice cube tray – To chill the tea without watering it down too quickly.
• Knife and cutting board – If you plan to add lemon slices or fresh mint for garnish.

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Instructions

Step 1: Brew the Tea

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
2. Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Let them steep for about 5–7 minutes (or longer for a stronger flavor).
3. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool for a few minutes.

Step 2: Sweeten and Add Cranberry Juice

4. While the tea is still warm, stir in the honey or sugar until fully dissolved.
5. Add the cranberry juice and lemon juice (if using). Stir well.

Step 3: Chill and Serve

6. Transfer the tea mixture to a large pitcher and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, or until completely chilled.
7. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled cranberry iced tea over them.
8. Garnish with lemon slices or fresh mint leaves if desired. Enjoy!

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Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use high-quality cranberry juice – 100% cranberry juice gives the best flavor. Cranberry cocktail is often too sweet and can overpower the tea.
• Steep the tea just right – Over-steeping can make the tea too bitter, so don’t leave the tea bags in for too long.
• Adjust sweetness to your taste – If you prefer a sweeter tea, add more honey or sugar. If you like it tart, reduce the sweetener.
• Make it fizzy – Add a splash of sparkling water before serving for a refreshing twist.
• Try different teas – Black tea gives a bold flavor, while green tea makes it lighter and smoother. Herbal teas like hibiscus or chamomile can also be fun to experiment with!
• Make ahead – This iced tea keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving.

With these easy steps and tips, you’ll have a perfectly refreshing cranberry iced tea ready to enjoy anytime!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about cranberry iced tea is how customizable it is! If you’re missing an ingredient or just want to try something new, here are some great substitutions and variations:

Ingredient Substitutions

• Tea: If you don’t have black tea, try green tea for a lighter taste or herbal teas like hibiscus or rooibos for a caffeine-free option.
• Cranberry Juice: If pure cranberry juice is too tart, use a cranberry blend (like cranberry-apple or cranberry-grape). You can also mix in pomegranate juice for a deeper flavor.
• Sweetener: Instead of honey or sugar, try maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sugar-free alternative like stevia.
• Lemon Juice: Swap it with orange juice for a slightly sweeter citrus twist.

Fun Variations

• Spiced Cranberry Iced Tea: Add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves while steeping the tea for a warm, spiced flavor—perfect for fall or winter.
• Sparkling Cranberry Tea: Mix in club soda or sparkling water right before serving for a fizzy, refreshing drink.
• Berry-Infused Tea: Add fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for extra sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.
• Iced Cranberry Arnold Palmer: Mix half cranberry iced tea and half lemonade for a fun twist on the classic Arnold Palmer.

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Serving Suggestions

Cranberry iced tea is super versatile and pairs well with many dishes. Here are some great ways to serve it:

• On a Hot Day: Serve it in tall glasses filled with ice, garnished with lemon slices and fresh mint for a refreshing summer drink.
• Holiday Gathering: Pour it into a fancy pitcher and add floating cranberries and orange slices for a festive touch.
• Brunch Drink: Serve alongside pancakes, waffles, or an egg-based dish for a delicious and refreshing pairing.
• Outdoor BBQ: This tea goes great with grilled chicken, burgers, or light salads. It balances out smoky flavors perfectly.

For an extra fun presentation, serve in mason jars with striped paper straws!

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage:

• Store leftover cranberry iced tea in a covered pitcher or airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• If the tea starts to settle, just stir it well before serving.

Reheating (if serving warm):

• While this tea is best served cold, you can also enjoy it warm. Simply heat it in a saucepan over low heat until warm (don’t boil it).
• Add a cinnamon stick or cloves if you want a cozy, spiced version.

For longer storage, freeze the tea in ice cube trays and use them later to chill drinks without watering them down.

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FAQ

1. Can I use green tea instead of black tea?

Yes! Green tea gives a milder, slightly grassy flavor that pairs well with cranberry juice.

2. What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?

You can skip it or use bottled lemon juice. Orange juice or lime juice also work as substitutes.

3. How do I make this tea sugar-free?

Use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit, or just enjoy it unsweetened for a tangier drink.

4. Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely! It tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, so making it ahead is a great idea.

5. Is this drink good for kids?

Yes! Just be mindful of the caffeine in black tea. You can use decaf tea or a caffeine-free herbal tea instead.

Cranberry iced tea is a simple, refreshing drink that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it on a hot day, during the holidays, or just because, it’s sure to be a hit. Try it out and let me know how you like it!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!