Easy Iced Tea Mocktail and Cocktail Recipes for Summer

Try some refreshing twists on the conventional iced tea recipe, or spike it with some extras for a sensational summertime iced tea cocktail!

Downtown Indianapolis Drink Specials
Downtown Indianapolis Drink Specials 317-822-5070

Ice tea is a summertime staple. When served perfectly chilled on a hot summer day, nothing compares the flavor and refreshment it delivers with every gulp. If you are bored with the classic ice tea recipes you’ve been drinking all your life, try to incorporate some new ingredients to your traditional recipe to switch up the flavor profiles.

The great thing about ice tea is its versatility. Almost any fruit or citrus juice can enhance and complement its flavors, as well as, herbs, spices, rinds, and more! If you are ready to modernize your age-old iced tea recipe, continue reading and look forward to some fantastic tips and tricks you can try at home or at your favorite bar!

Green Lemon Iced Tea 🍋

What You Will Need:

❧ Green Tea Leaves
❧ Tea Ball
❧ Lemons
❧ Juicer (optional)
❧ Pitcher
*You can simply use green tea bags if you do not want or have a tea ball set. If you do not have fresh lemons for lemon juice, use lemonade.

Instructions:

➀ Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
➁ Insert 3 green tea bags.
➂ Cover with a lid and allow it to steep for 3 to 5 minutes. If you want stronger tea, steep for a few minutes longer. If you do not have a lid or cover, use a large cutting board.
➃ Once the tea has steeped, transfer it to a pitcher and squeeze ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice in it. You can also add 2 teaspoons of honey or sugar to sweeten it up!
➄ Allow the tea to chill overnight in the refrigerator, and serve over ice with a lemon slice garnish!

Ginger Hibiscus Iced Tea 🌺

What You Will Need:

❧ Hibiscus Tea Bags
❧ Fresh Ginger
❧ Lemon
❧ Sweetener of Choice
❧ Strainer
❧ Pitcher
*You can use honey or sugar as a sweetener. You can find Hibiscus tea bags at any local grocery store or fresh foods market. Again, if you do not have fresh lemons, you can use lemonade instead.

Instructions :

➀ Bring 4 cups of water, 1 tablespoon of freshly peeled ginger, and 3 tablespoons of sweetener to a boil in a medium sauce pan.
➁ Stir the boiling water until the sugar is entirely dissolved.
➂ Remove the pan from heat and add 4 bags of Hibiscus tea.
➃ Cover the pan with a lid and allow the tea to steep for 10 to 12 minutes. Steep longer for stronger flavored tea.
➄ Pour the tea over a strainer into your desired pitcher to remove all the ginger solids.
➅ Chill in the refrigerator overnight. Serve over ice with a lemon wedge!
➆ To enhance your refreshment on a hot summer day, add a bit of seltzer water to your iced tea concoction!

Iced Tea Cocktail Ideas 🍹

Summer is also a time for relaxation and recreation; and what better way to enjoy the sunny season than with an iced cold cocktail! Ice tea makes a great base for alcoholic beverages because it contains water, which helps keep you hydrated, as well as citric acid, which serves as an antioxidant to help control hangovers! Below are some ways to enhance the above iced tea concoctions into iced tea cocktails!

Ginger Hibiscus Iced Tea Cocktails:
Add bourbon, cinnamon sticks, honey, and allspice;
Add white rum, Aperol, sparkling wine, and fresh berries;
Add beer and muddled grapefruit.

Iced Green Tea Cocktails:
Add champagne, pomegranate juice, and mint leaves;
Add gin, lime juice, and orange juice;
Add vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and orange liqueur.

Order a Refreshing Iced Tea Drink at English Ivy’s!

Contact English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to learn all about our weekly drink specials in Downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. We also serve a full lunch, dinner, and late night menu, and even brunch on weekends! From iced tea cocktails and mimosas, to beer, wine, and everything in between, we have the refreshing summertime cocktails you crave on a hot day. With neighborhood prices and the nicest service around, you will enjoy every minute you spend at our Downtown Indianapolis bar and restaurant!

317-822-5070