Iced Lime Tea Recipe

This iced lime tea recipe is the perfect summer drink! Made with classic black tea, this recipe includes the zippy flavors of fresh limes and is finished with a bit of sweetener to complete this refreshing lime iced tea.

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I can’t finish out the summer without sharing one last iced tea recipe! In my opinion, iced lime tea is one of the best iced teas out there. Lime not only adds zest to your drink but is one of my favorite citrus flavors. Limes are full of flavor but quite tart – even more so than lemons, so this is balanced out with the perfect amount of sugar! Not only is this recipe a refreshing, delicious, and thirst-quenching brew, but it also brings the health benefits of limes right to your cup, making it the perfect blend of taste and wellness. I hope you enjoy this lime iced tea recipe as much as I do!

Ingredients

• Water (I recommend using filtered water)
• Black Tea (I use Lipton)
• 3 Whole Limes 
• Sugar
• Ice Cubes
• Extra Limes for garnish (optional)
• Mint for garnish (optional)

Steps To The Perfect Iced Lime Tea

Make Tea: Start by making black tea. Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Once the water reaches the boiling point, turn off the heat and add the tea bags. Let the tea steep for about 5 minutes before removing the tea. This will ensure that you extract the full, robust flavor of the black tea. You can also cold brew your tea by using this recipe! Let the tea cool completely. 

Prepare Limes:

While the tea is steeping, wash and cut 3 limes in half. Squeeze the juice from the limes into a small pot and toss in the rest of the lime after squeezing the juice out. Add sugar and 1 cup of water. Cook this mixture over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves stirring occasionally. This will not take very long so keep an eye on it! Let the limes steep in the mixture until cool. Strain out the whole limes making sure to remove any pulp and seeds.

Serving

Once the tea and lime syrup have cooled down completely, pour the tea into a large serving pitcher and then the lime mixture. Stir together until incorporated.

Serve over ice and garnish with extra lime slices and fresh mint leaves.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• If you like a stronger flavor, include an extra 1 regular-sized tea bag. 
• For an even sweeter cup of tea, simply add a bit more sugar. 
• For an extra kick of zestiness, muddle some lime slices in the tea before serving. 
• To make this recipe without refined sugar, consider substituting sugar with honey or another sweetener of your choice.
• If you don’t have limes but like the idea of a citrus-flavored iced tea, you can use lemons.
• Add some mint leaves for an extra burst of freshness! 
• Avoid watered-down tea by using these easy tea ice cubes!
• Have extra limes? Make lime peel tea!

Storage Considerations

Once made, you can store the Iced Lime Tea in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Lime Varieties

There are several types of limes that can be found, the most common being the Persian lime which is easily found in supermarkets.

1. Persian Lime – This is the most common type of lime you’ll find in supermarkets. It’s seedless and has a bright, robust flavor that can enhance your iced tea.
2. Key Lime – Smaller than Persian limes, Key limes are known for their strong aromatic flavor. People say there is a definite difference in the taste of key limes vs. other limes. Key limes have a thin peel and can be more yellow in color than green. 
3. Kaffir Lime – Kaffir limes are a staple in Asian cuisine. They have a strong, unique flavor and fragrance giving recipes an exotic twist.
4. Finger Lime – This Australian native is also known as caviar lime because its flesh looks like tiny beads. 
5. Desert Lime – Another Australian variety, desert limes are small and round, with a tart flavor.

Why you will LOVE Iced Lime Tea

• Refreshing: There is nothing like a tall cup of iced tea on a hot day!
• Health Boost: Packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants, Lime Iced Tea may boost your immune system, while also aiding digestion.
• Versatile: Whether you want to start your day with a zesty kick or unwind in the evening, Lime Iced Tea fits the bill.
• Hydrating: The combination of natural lime juice with hydrating water makes this tea a great way to stay hydrated.
• Easily Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness, lime intensity, and tea strength to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Its appealing color and tangy-sweet taste make Lime Iced Tea the perfect beverage for parties and gatherings.

FAQs About Iced Lime Tea

Where does lime fruit come from?

Lime fruit is native to Southeast Asia but is now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.

What is the best lime to use for Iced Lime Tea?

I used standard limes from the grocery store for this recipe and they were delicious and added so much flavor! You could also use key limes if they are easily available to you.

What is Iced Lime Tea made of? 

Iced Lime Tea is made using black tea, fresh whole limes, sugar (or another sweetener of your choice), water, ice cubes, and lime slices for garnishing. 

Is lime good in tea? 

Yes, adding lime to your tea can add a zesty flavor and several health benefits! The citric acid and Vitamin C from the limes can help boost immunity while also providing antioxidants. Make sure to use freshly squeezed lime juice for maximum flavor and wellness benefits. 

Is Iced Lime Tea good for weight loss? 

When consumed in moderation, Iced Lime Tea may help you lose weight. However, this recipe contains sugar. Consider a sugar substitute such as stevia for a sugar-free option. Always consult your doctor with any health concerns or changes to your health routine.

Can I make lime iced tea with green tea instead of black tea?

Yes, you can. Green tea has an earthy herbaceous flavor to it. It could pair nicely with the tanginess of lime.

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of freshly squeezed lime juice?

While bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch, I highly recommend using freshly squeezed lime juice if possible. Fresh lime juice will give your iced tea a much brighter, fresher flavor than the bottled version.

Can I serve lime iced tea hot?

Absolutely! While this recipe is for iced lime tea, you can certainly serve it hot, especially on cooler days. Just skip the ice and serve the tea immediately after mixing in the lime-sugar syrup.

Can I make lime iced tea without sugar?

Yes, you can. If you’re trying to reduce your sugar intake, you can leave the sugar out entirely or replace it with a low-calorie sweetener of your choice. Please note, however, that without the sugar or a substitute, the tea will be quite tart.

How can I make my lime iced tea less bitter?

If your lime iced tea tastes bitter, it might be because the tea bags were left too steep for too long. To avoid bitterness, make sure to remove the tea bags after about five minutes. If your tea is already bitter, you can try adding more water or a bit more sugar or lime juice to balance out the flavors.

More Iced Tea Recipes!

• Lychee Iced Tea
• Watermelon Iced Tea
• Strawberry Iced Tea
• Cold Brew Green Tea
• Cold Brew Matcha

I hope you enjoy this iced tea recipe. Leave a comment below and let’s connect! If you try this recipe, please come back and leave a review!