This herbal iced tea with ginger is aromatic and naturally sugar-free. It's light but flavorful, gently spiced, and works just as well iced on hot days as it does warm on chilly days.
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Esther is back with another fantastic recipe! After the huge success of her simple tomato sauce recipe, our family has been keeping cool with her delightful herbal iced tea.
Unlike classic iced tea made with black or green tea, this version is completely caffeine-free. The combination of spices (fennel, ginger, clove, star anise) and peppermint give you a refreshing herbal iced tea that's easy on the stomach. It's full of flavor and doesn't have to rely on any sweeteners.
Cute side note: Esther calls this drink Razzle Dazzle Iced Tea. Isn't that the most joyful name? Saying it feels like a happy mantra: razzle dazzle iced tea, razzle dazzle iced tea. It never fails to make me smile. (Feel free to join in.)
Why This Herbal Iced Tea Works So Well
What I love about it is how balanced it tastes. Ginger adds a gentle warmth and freshness, fennel seeds bring a natural sweetness, and clove and star anise give the tea depth without overpowering it.
Here's why the flavor combination works so well:
- ginger = warmth
- fennel = light sweetness
- spices (star anise and cloves) = depth of flavor
- peppermint = minty freshness
- caffeine-free = all-day drink
Enjoy It Hot or Cold
The flexibility of this peppermint iced tea is gorgeous. In summer, I let it cool completely and serve it over ice - sooo refreshing! On cold days, I drink it hot right when it's done steeping; so soothing.
Quick tip: If you're making it as iced tea, let it cool to room temperature and store for several days refrigerating (without the spices and peppermint). This keeps the flavors clean and prevents bitterness from over-steeping.
Recipe and photo by Esther B.
🍽 Recipe
Herbal Iced Tea With Ginger (Refreshing & Sugar-Free)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
- 2 cloves
- ½ star anise or just some broken bits like in the picture
- 2 - 3 thin slices of fresh ginger
- A few sprigs of fresh mint
Instructions
- Put all ingredients except the mint in a tea bag, tea ball, or sieve. Steep in 1 liter (4 cups) of boiling water for about 5-10 minutes.
- Add the fresh mint and steep for another 5 minutes.Tip: For a brighter, fresher mint flavor, you can skip steeping the mint and add it later to the cooled tea instead. You can also add blackberries to the jug to make it look really fancy.
- Remove the spices and let the tea cool to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator to chill, or add ice cubes to enjoy it right away.
Variations & Add-Ins
This herbal iced tea is very forgiving, so feel free to play around a bit. Here are a few easy add-ins to get you started:
- More ginger, if you like a little extra warmth and heat
- A strip of lemon or orange peel for a bright, citrusy lift
- A handful of berries for color and a hint of fruitiness (especially lovely once the tea is fully cooled and poured into a big jug)
- Fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme (just a little goes a long way)
And one unexpected favorite: For more sweetness without adding sugar, toss in a pinch of tarragon while the tea is steeping. Yes, the herb! You'll be surprised how beautifully it work.
If you're in the mood to experiment even more, you'll find plenty of ideas in my Infused Water Toolkit.
FAQs
Absolutely. Maple syrup, agave syrup, or a little (date) sugar all work well. My little secret if you want to keep it naturally sweetened: add a sweet herb like tarragon while the tea is steeping.
Yes, this herbal iced tea is perfect for making ahead. Once the tea has finished steeping, remove all herbs and spices and let it cool completely. Then transfer it to the fridge to chill. You can reheat it if needed.
Stored in a covered container in the fridge (with all herbs and spices removed), it keeps well for 2-3 days.
More Healthy Drinks for You
Here are a few more healthy drink recipes you might like:
- The Best Ginger Tea
- Apple Beet Juice
- Watermelon Smoothie With Mint
- Wheatgrass & Spirulina Smoothie
- Vegan Mango Lassi (Sugar-Free)
- Rhubarb Pina Colada Mocktail
Enjoy,
Ramona
PS: If you try it, tell me in the comments how it turned out. I'm always curious.
♥
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