Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the summer sun blazes down, there’s nothing quite like the refreshing embrace of a cool drink. That’s where my Lavender Iced Tea comes in—a delightful floral escape that transforms ordinary afternoons into tranquil moments. In just 90 minutes, you can craft this vibrant brew that not only quenches your thirst but also elevates your hydration game, making it perfect for those days when you want to unwind or impress guests. Plus, with options for adjusting sweetness and caffeine levels, this recipe caters to everyone. Feel the soothing effects of lavender as you sip, and imagine sharing this floral concoction at your next gathering. Curious about how to make this refreshing summer cooler? Let’s dive into the step-by-step process! Why is Lavender Iced Tea a Must-Try? Refreshing, floral delight: Lavender iced tea offers a beautiful balance of aromatic lavender and rich black tea, creating a refreshing beverage that intrigues your palate. Customizable sweetness: Adjust the sweetness to your taste, whether you prefer a hint of honey or a sugar-free option with monk fruit sweetener. Caffeine-free alternative: Swap black tea for rooibos and enjoy a caffeine-free treat, perfect for any time of day. Summer essential: This drink is not only ideal for outdoor gatherings but also makes a lovely paired beverage with delicious dishes like Philly Cheesesteak Customize. Quick prep: In just 90 minutes, you can whip up a batch to relish during warm afternoons or serve to guests, leaving a lasting impression! Get ready to savor a glass of tranquility this summer with your homemade lavender iced tea! Lavender Iced Tea Ingredients • Discover the essentials for crafting this aromatic drink! For the Tea Base Dried Culinary Lavender – Provides the distinct floral aroma and flavor; avoid using essential oils for a balanced taste. Black Tea Leaves – Introduces depth and tannins to the tea base; can be substituted with rooibos for a caffeine-free option. Water (4 cups) – Acts as the brewing medium; coconut water can be used for added nutrients. For Sweetening Honey or Agave Syrup (2-3 tablespoons) – Adds sweetness and dissolves better in warm tea; substitute monk fruit sweetener for a sugar-free version. For Serving Ice Cubes – Chills the beverage for immediate enjoyment. Lemon Slices & Fresh Lavender Sprigs (optional) – Enhance both presentation and flavor; use edible flowers in ice cubes for visual appeal. Elevate your summer gatherings with this refreshing Lavender Iced Tea that’s sure to charm your guests! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Lavender Iced Tea Step 1: Sterilize the Pitcher Begin by sterilizing a 1-quart heatproof pitcher. Rinse it with hot water to ensure the optimal steeping temperature is maintained, which helps release the delicate flavors of the Lavender Iced Tea. The pitcher should feel warm to the touch before you add any ingredients. Step 2: Prepare the Tea Blend Layer dried culinary lavender at the bottom of the infuser or directly in the pitcher, followed by the black tea leaves. This combination allows the floral notes to infuse beautifully into the tea. The vibrant colors and aromas should make your kitchen feel inviting as you prepare your refreshing drink. Step 3: Heat the Water Heat your water to a temperature between 195–205°F (90–96°C) on the stove or kettle. Once it reaches the desired temperature, pour it slowly over the tea-lavender blend in the infuser or pitcher. Immediately cover the pitcher to retain the heat and let it steep for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Step 4: Remove the Infuser After 10 minutes, carefully remove the infuser or tea bags from the broth. Avoid squeezing, as this could release bitter tannins into your Lavender Iced Tea. The tea should have a rich, aromatic profile now, with a beautiful golden hue indicating that it’s perfectly steeped. Step 5: Sweeten the Tea While the tea is still warm, stir in honey or agave syrup, adjusting to your desired level of sweetness. The warm tea helps the sweetener dissolve more easily, creating a harmonious blend. The sweetness will complement the floral attributes of your Lavender Iced Tea beautifully. Step 6: Cool the Tea Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, which should take about 20 minutes. Once cooled, transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for 75 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can create an ice bath by placing the pitcher in a larger bowl filled with ice, which will speed up the chilling process. Step 7: Serve and Garnish When you’re ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled Lavender Iced Tea over them. For an added touch, garnish each glass with fresh lemon slices and sprigs of lavender, enhancing both presentation and flavor. Enjoy the refreshing sip of your homemade drink! Make Ahead Options These Lavender Iced Tea preparations are perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings! You can brew and sweeten the tea base up to 24 hours in advance; just ensure you let it cool properly before transferring it to the refrigerator. The chilled tea will maintain its vibrant flavor if stored in a sealed glass pitcher. To enhance presentation, you can prep lemon slices and fresh lavender sprigs ahead, but add these just before serving to keep them fresh. When ready to enjoy, simply pour the pre-made Lavender Iced Tea over ice, and you’ll have a delightful, refreshing drink waiting for you with minimal effort! What to Serve with Lavender Iced Tea On a hot summer day, elevating your refreshment game is key, and pairing your lavender iced tea can transform a simple sip into a full sensory experience. Lemon Scones: These buttery treats are a perfect complement, matching the citrus notes while providing a delightful contrast against the floral tea. Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of berries and melons enhances hydration and offers a juicy, sweet balance to the herbal notes in your tea. Herbed Chicken Skewers: The savory, grilled flavors of marinated chicken add a delicious twist, creating a satisfying pairing to enjoy al fresco. Cucumber Sandwiches: Light and crisp, these sandwiches deliver a refreshing crunch that echoes the cooling essence of lavender iced tea. Indulge in a picnic with lavender iced tea as your centerpiece. The combination of a delicious fruit salad and scones will make your outdoor gathering memorable. Explore your creativity with these suggestions to create a delightful feast that awakens your palate and celebrates summer! Storage Tips for Lavender Iced Tea Fridge: Keep your Lavender Iced Tea in a sealed glass pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours to maintain its aromatic flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze leftover tea in silicone molds to create lavender-infused ice cubes. These delightful additions can be used for future servings! Reheating: If the tea is too cold for your liking, gently warm it on low heat, but avoid boiling, as it can alter the delicate flavors. Airtight Storage: Always ensure that your Lavender Iced Tea is stored in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge. Helpful Tricks for Lavender Iced Tea Perfect Temperature: Use water between 195–205°F for optimal steeping. Too hot can lead to bitterness, harming your delicious Lavender Iced Tea. Mind the Steeping Time: Stick to the 10-minute steep. Over-steeping can release unwanted bitterness—set a timer to avoid this common mistake. Gentle Extraction: When removing tea bags or infusers, lift them out without squeezing. This helps prevent introducing astringent tannins into your lovely tea blend. Chill Without Dilution: Create an ice bath for quick cooling. Direct refrigeration can dilute your iced tea if you add ice later; the bath keeps the flavor intact. Storage Wisely: Use a sealed glass pitcher to store your Lavender Iced Tea for up to 48 hours. Floral notes can fade quickly, so enjoy it fresh! Lavender Iced Tea Variations and Substitutions Feel free to get creative with your Lavender Iced Tea, making it uniquely yours with these delightful twists! Caffeine-Free: Use rooibos tea instead of black tea for a naturally caffeine-free option. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a soothing sip all day long. Keto-Friendly Sweetener: Replace honey or agave syrup with monk fruit sweetener to keep things low-carb while maintaining that delightful sweetness. Your taste buds won’t miss a beat! Herbal Twist: Infuse some fresh mint leaves alongside the lavender to add a refreshing cooling effect. The combination is nothing short of a summer dream. Fruit Infusion: Toss in a handful of fresh berries, like raspberries or blueberries, during the steeping process for a burst of natural sweetness and color. This will elevate the flavor profile beautifully. Lemonade Splash: Add a splash of lemonade after steeping for a bright, tangy note to your lavender tea. The vibrant citrus can transform it into a summer favorite! Coconut Water Base: Use coconut water instead of plain water for a hydrating and slightly sweet alternative while adding an exotic twist to your drink. Combine this with your favorite fruit for an added boost! Spiced Option: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a few slices of fresh ginger during steeping for some extra warmth and depth. These spices can make your iced tea feel cozy even in the heat! Consider serving your lavender iced tea alongside dishes like Philly Cheesesteak Customize for a harmonious pairing, or enjoy it with a light salad to keep things fresh. The options are endless, and the adventure awaits as you sip your way through summer! Lavender Iced Tea Recipe FAQs How do I select the best dried culinary lavender? Absolutely! When choosing dried culinary lavender, look for vibrant purple color, and a fragrant aroma. Avoid lavender with dark spots or any signs of mold, as this indicates poor quality. Culinary lavender should be specifically labeled for food use, ensuring a delicious and safe addition to your tea. What’s the best way to store Lavender Iced Tea? Store your Lavender Iced Tea in a sealed glass pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. This helps retain its aromatic flavor. To prevent unwanted odors from impacting your tea, ensure the container is airtight, thereby maintaining the delightful floral notes until you’re ready to sip! Can I freeze Lavender Iced Tea? Certainly! To freeze your iced tea, pour it into silicone molds and freeze until solid. This can take a few hours. You’ll be left with lavender-infused ice cubes that you can use in future drinks! These are perfect for adding flavor without diluting your tea, keeping it refreshing and aromatic. What should I do if my tea becomes too bitter? If your Lavender Iced Tea turns bitter, it’s likely due to over-steeping or squeezing the tea bags. To resolve this, I recommend starting fresh by ensuring you only steep the tea for 10 minutes. Hold off from squeezing tea bags while removing them, as this can release astringent tannins, which contribute to that unwanted bitterness. Is Lavender Iced Tea suitable for my diet? Very! This recipe caters to various dietary preferences including vegan and keto options. To make it vegan, simply sweeten with agave syrup instead of honey, and for a keto-friendly version, substitute honey with monk fruit sweetener. This way, everyone can enjoy a refreshing glass without worry! Lavender Iced Tea: Your Refreshing Summer Sip Awaits Lavender Iced Tea is a refreshing beverage combining floral lavender and robust black tea, perfect for summer gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes minsChilling Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes minsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins Servings: 4 cupsCourse: DrinksCuisine: AmericanCalories: 60 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Tea Base2 tablespoons Dried Culinary Lavender Provides the distinct floral aroma and flavor2 tablespoons Black Tea Leaves Can be substituted with rooibos for a caffeine-free option4 cups Water Acts as the brewing medium; coconut water can be used for added nutrientsFor Sweetening2-3 tablespoons Honey or Agave Syrup Adds sweetness and dissolves better in warm tea; substitute monk fruit sweetener for a sugar-free versionFor ServingIce Cubes Chills the beverage for immediate enjoymentLemon Slices Enhance both presentation and flavorFresh Lavender Sprigs Optional for garnish; use edible flowers in ice cubes for visual appeal Equipment 1-quart heatproof pitcher Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Lavender Iced TeaBegin by sterilizing a 1-quart heatproof pitcher. Rinse it with hot water to ensure the optimal steeping temperature is maintained.Layer dried culinary lavender at the bottom of the infuser or directly in the pitcher, followed by the black tea leaves.Heat your water to a temperature between 195–205°F (90–96°C). Pour it slowly over the tea-lavender blend and cover the pitcher to retain heat.After 10 minutes, carefully remove the infuser or tea bags from the broth.Stir in honey or agave syrup while the tea is still warm.Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for 75 minutes.Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled Lavender Iced Tea over them. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and sprigs of lavender. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 60kcalCarbohydrates: 15gSodium: 5mgPotassium: 30mgSugar: 12gVitamin C: 1mgIron: 1mg NotesStore Lavender Iced Tea in a sealed glass pitcher for up to 48 hours to maintain its aromatic flavor. Enjoy fresh! Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!