Easy Recipe for The Best Iced Green Tea with Tea Bags

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If you’re looking for a simple and refreshing way to stay cool, this Easy Recipe for The Best Iced Green Tea with Tea Bags is just what you need. Using only a handful of ingredients—green tea bags, water, and your choice of sweetener—you can whip up a cold brewed tea in no time. This recipe is perfect for warm days, meal prepping, or simply keeping a healthier drink option on hand. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to customize with fresh lemon, mint, or even a splash of fruit juice.

What makes this Easy Recipe for The Best Iced Green Tea with Tea Bags so great is that it balances flavor, convenience, and health benefits all in one glass. Green tea is packed with antioxidants and naturally low in calories, making it a smart choice for everyday sipping. Whether serving it over ice with fresh garnishes or storing a pitcher in the fridge for the week, this recipe is a simple go-to for anyone who loves a refreshing homemade drink.

Now that hot summer days are approaching, you might be looking for a refreshing drink! Iced green tea would be a great choice as it has become incredibly popular because of its health benefits, and it’s a great way to get those antioxidants that people talk about.  I love it even more because it’s pretty simple to make.  If you’ve ever made regular iced tea, this will come easily to you, as it is no different except for the type of teabags you will use. Each glass is naturally sweet, incredibly satisfying & refreshing on a hot day.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, and this post contains affiliate links to products I love ♥ See my full disclaimer here!

I love sweet teas, but green iced tea is my favorite tea! So, I will make a batch of iced green tea in a 2-quart mason jar during those warmer months. I am just a simple kind of gal who enjoys iced green tea with raw honey; however, there are so many other ways you too can enjoy your iced green tea, such as adding fresh fruit, any sweetener, or spicing it up, even more, add your favorite alcohol! Perfect for ending a long work week.

Where can you purchase green tea?

You can purchase green tea at your local store. I like the Bigelow green tea blend because it has a smooth, mild flavor that isn’t too bitter and is easy to find in most grocery stores. It’s a great everyday option that makes a perfect drink, whether brewing a single cup or making a full pitcher of iced tea. I also enjoy using loose-leaf tea for a fresher, more customizable experience—it’s perfect when I want to experiment with different blends of my favorite green teas or add fresh ingredients like mint, ginger, or citrus slices.

Here’s what you need:

• 2-quart Mason Jar or Pitcher
• Large Saucepan or Kettle
• Sweetener of choice (i.e., honey, sugar, fruit, etc.)
• Six green tea bags 
• Hot Water
• Ice Cubes
• Wooden Spoon

Instructions:

1. Find your 2-quart Mason jar or pitcher 
2. Add your sweetener of choice 
3. Add 6 green tea bags
4. In a saucepan or kettle, medium to high heat, about 8 cups of water: Heat water to 160–180°F (70–80°C) below boiling
5. Pour hot water into the Mason jar & cover it with a tea towel, and set aside until it cools. 
6. Steep tea bags for about 5 minutes (the longer the tea bags steep, the stronger the green tea will be). 
7. Refrigerate 1-2 hours.
8. You can keep it in a Mason jar or transfer it to a pitcher.

PRO TIP: For best results, to prevent bitter flavors in your fresh tea, do not steep tea bags for longer than the recommended time in the instructions.

How to Make a Pitcher of Green Tea with Loose Tea Leaves

What You’ll Need:

• Loose leaf green tea blend (or 1 tsp per 8 oz of water)
• 1 quart (4 cups) filtered water
• Tea infuser, filter bag, or fine mesh strainer
• Heat-safe pitcher or large teapot
• Kettle or saucepan (to heat water to 160–180°F)
• Optional: Ice-filled glasses

Ingredients:

• 4 teaspoons loose-leaf green tea (or 1 teaspoon per 8-oz cup)
• 1 quart (4 cups) filtered water
• Optional: lemon slices, fresh mint, ginger slices, or fresh fruit for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the Water: Bring 4 cups of cold water to a boil at 160–180°F (70–80°C). Avoid using boiling water, as it can make green tea bitter.
2. Add Loose Leaf Tea: If straining later, place 4 teaspoons of loose-leaf green tea into a large tea infuser, tea filter bag, or heat-safe pitcher.
3. Steep the Tea: Pour the hot water over the tea leaves and let it steep for 2–3 minutes. Taste at 2 minutes to prevent bitterness.
4. Remove Leaves & Cool: Remove the tea leaves or strain the tea into another container. Let it cool at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
5. Refrigerate & Serve: Place the tea in the fridge to chill for at least 1–2 hours. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices, fresh mint, ginger slices, or fresh fruit for a flavorful, fruity iced tea twist.

Tip: Want a smooth twist on your iced green tea? Add a splash of milk or a non-dairy alternative like oat or almond milk for a creamy iced tea variation. This works well with cold-brewed or hot tea and softens the flavor while adding a refreshing, latte-like feel—perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up! It’s also a great option for black tea.

Check out my delicious recipe for a tasty summer drink, How to Make Southern Sweet Homemade Lemonade, and the secret to A Guide on How to Properly Store Loose Leaf Tea.

Creative Garnishes for Iced Green Tea Recipe

Lemon Slices & Mint Sprigs

Classic and zesty! Float a couple of thin lemon slices in your glass and tuck in a sprig of fresh mint for a cooling aroma.

Ginger Slices & Mint

Add a few fresh ginger slices with mint for a bold, slightly spicy twist. This combo pairs well with green tea for the best flavor and digestion benefits.

Orange Slice & Lemon Zest

Brighten your tea with a juicy orange slice and a twist of lemon zest. This duo adds sunny citrus notes, making your drink a visually tasty treat.

Fresh Fruit Medley

Drop in slices of strawberries, blueberries, or peaches for a fruity iced tea makeover. Not only does it look stunning, but it also adds a hint of natural sweetness.

Frozen Mint Ice Cubes

Freeze fresh mint leaves in ice cube trays with water or green tea. Add these to your glass for a cooling effect that doesn’t dilute the flavor.

Disclaimer: The information about green tea and its potential health benefits provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While green tea is widely regarded as a healthy beverage, individual results may vary. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or using green tea for medicinal purposes, especially if you have existing health conditions, are pregnant, or are taking medication.

Final Thoughts

Making iced green tea with tea bags is an easy, refreshing, and healthy way to enjoy a classic beverage at home. With just a few simple steps, you can create a cool, flavorful drink perfect for any occasion—whether relaxing on a warm day or looking for a light, revitalizing beverage to complement your meals.

The beauty of this iced tea recipe lies in its versatility; you can adjust the sweetness, flavor, and chill time to suit your preferences. Green tea offers numerous health benefits, from antioxidants to improved hydration, making this iced drink a guilt-free treat.

So, the next time you need a pick-me-up or want to enjoy a delicious, homemade beverage, skip the store-bought options and make this iced green tea yourself. It’s quick, customizable, and guaranteed to be a refreshing hit!

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Continue to Content

Easy Recipe for The Best Iced Green Tea with Tea Bags

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Additional Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

If you’re looking for a simple and refreshing way to stay cool, this Easy Recipe for The Best Iced Green Tea with Tea Bags is just what you need. Using only a handful of ingredients—green tea bags, water, and your choice of sweetener—you can whip up a cold-brewed tea in no time. 

Print

Ingredients

• Six green tea bags 
• Sweetener of choice (i.e., honey, sugar, fruit, etc.)
• Hot Water

Instructions

1. Find your 2-quart Mason jar or pitcher 
2. Add your sweetener of choice 
3. Add 6 green tea bags
4. In a saucepan or kettle, medium to high heat, about 8 cups of water: Heat water to 160–180°F (70–80°C) below boiling
5. Pour hot water into the Mason jar & cover it with a tea towel, and set aside until it cools. 
6. Steep tea bags for about 5 minutes (the longer the tea bags steep, the stronger the green tea will be). 
7. Refrigerate 1-2 hours.
8. You can keep it in a Mason jar or transfer it to a pitcher.

Notes

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, and this post contains affiliate links to products I love ♥ See my full disclaimer here!

Here’s what you need:

• 2-quart Mason Jar or Pitcher
• Large Saucepan or Kettle
• Ice Cubes
• Wooden Spoon

PRO TIP: For best results, to prevent bitter flavors in your fresh tea, do not steep tea bags for longer than the recommended time in the instructions.

How to Make a Pitcher of Green Tea with Loose Tea Leaves

What You’ll Need:

• Loose leaf green tea blend (or 1 tsp per 8 oz of water)
• 1 quart (4 cups) filtered water
• Tea infuser, filter bag, or fine mesh strainer
• Heat-safe pitcher or large teapot
• Kettle or saucepan (to heat water to 160–180°F)
• Optional: Ice-filled glasses

Ingredients:

• 4 teaspoons loose-leaf green tea (or 1 teaspoon per 8-oz cup)
• 1 quart (4 cups) filtered water
• Optional: lemon slices, fresh mint, ginger slices, or fresh fruit for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the Water: Bring 4 cups of cold water to a boil at 160–180°F (70–80°C). Avoid using boiling water, as it can make green tea bitter.
2. Add Loose Leaf Tea: If straining later, place 4 teaspoons of loose-leaf green tea into a large tea infuser, tea filter bag, or heat-safe pitcher.
3. Steep the Tea: Pour the hot water over the tea leaves and let it steep for 2–3 minutes. Taste at 2 minutes to prevent bitterness.
4. Remove Leaves & Cool: Remove the tea leaves or strain the tea into another container. Let it cool at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
5. Refrigerate & Serve: Place the tea in the fridge to chill for at least 1–2 hours. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices, fresh mint, ginger slices, or fresh fruit for a flavorful, fruity iced tea twist.

Tip: Want a smooth twist on your iced green tea? Add a splash of milk or a non-dairy alternative like oat or almond milk for a creamy iced tea variation. This works well with cold-brewed or hot tea and softens the flavor while adding a refreshing, latte-like feel—perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up! It’s also a great option for black tea.

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