How to Make Iced Green Tea

Co-authored by Katie Hake RDN, LD

Last Updated: June 17, 2024 References

Green tea is both healthy and tasty. It is usually enjoyed hot, but it can be just as good if it is served iced. It will also be more refreshing, especially on a hot day. If you aren't fond of plain green tea, you can always add extra goodies, such as honey, lemon juice, or ginger slices. You can even mix it with lemonade for a hot summer treat!

Ingredients

Hot Brew Iced Green Tea ^{[1]
X
Research source}

4 cups (950 milliliters) water
4 to 6 green tea bags
Ice
Honey (to taste, optional)

Serves 4

Cold Brew Iced Green Tea ^{[2]
X
Research source}

1 green tea bag
1 cup (240 milliliters) water
Ice
Honey (to taste, optional)

Serves 1

Iced Green Tea Lemonade ^{[3]
X
Research source}

½ cup (120 milliliters) boiling water
1 green tea bag
2 tablespoons granulated sugar, honey, or sweetener
Juice of 2 lemons
1 cup (240 milliliters) cold water
Ice

Serves 1 or 2

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making Hot Brew Iced Green Tea

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid46820-v4-728px-Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

If you would like to make a single serving, boil 1 cup (240 milliliters) of water in a kettle instead and pour it into a mug.
The more tea bags you use, the stronger your tea will become. If you would like to make a single serving, dip 1 tea bag into your mug.

Advertisement
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/aid46820-v4-728px-Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

Avoid steeping it for any longer, or the tea will turn bitter. ^{[5]
X
Research source
Dina Garcia, RD, LDN, CLT. Dietician/Nutritionist.} If you'd like a stronger tea, simply use more tea bags.
If you'd like, you can bob them up and down before taking them out to release any extra green tea goodness. Be sure to squeeze out any excess water from the bags before discarding them.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/aid46820-v4-728px-Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

It may take up to an hour, depending on how warm or cold it is where you live. ^{[5]
X
Research source} Don't put hot tea into the fridge; wait until it cools down a little first. If you put hot tea into the fridge, it may cause the surrounding food to go bad.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/aid46820-v4-728px-Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

This will take 1 to 2 hours. ^{[6]
X
Research source}
How much ice you add is up to you, just make sure that you leave enough room for the tea. If you are making a single serving, fill just one tall glass with ice.
8
Pour the chilled tea into the glasses, and stir in some honey, if desired. If you'd like to save some tea for later, pour it into a large mason jar or a pitcher, and put it into the fridge. The tea will last 3 to 5 days. ^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Try adding a sprig of mint to your glass of green tea for a refreshing twist! ^{[9]
  X
  Research source
  Dina Garcia, RD, LDN, CLT. Dietician/Nutritionist.}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making Cold Brew Iced Green Tea

Download Article

1
Fill a tall glass with 1 cup (240 milliliters) of cold or room temperature water. Brewing tea in hot water brings out the bitter flavors of tea. Brewing tea in cold or room temperature water does not do that. Instead, it gives you a smoother taste. ^{[9]
X
Research source}
- If you'd more servings, switch to a pitcher and add 1 cup (240 milliliters) of water for serving you want to make.
2
Add 1 green tea bag, or the equivalent of loose-leaf tea. Some people find that snipping the tea bag open and pouring the leaves directly into the cup results in a better flavor. ^{[10]
X
Research source}
- If you'd more servings, and add 1 tea bag per serving into the pitcher.
- A tea bag is equal to 1 tablespoon (2 to 3 grams) of loose-leaf tea.
This will give the tea enough time to brew and infuse the water with its delicate flavor. If you like a stronger brew, leave it in the fridge for 6 to 8 hours.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-12-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-12-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-12-Version-3.jpg\/aid46820-v4-728px-Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-12-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

If you are having more servings, take out more glasses. Plan on having 1 cup (240 milliliters) of iced tea per glass/serving.
Give them a squeeze to release any excess liquid. If you used loose-leaf tea, don't worry about it just yet.
If you used loose leaf tea, pour the tea through a strainer. If the tea leaves are finely ground, you may have to line the strainer with a coffee filter first.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-15-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-15-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-15-Version-3.jpg\/aid46820-v4-728px-Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-15-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

Be sure to stir the honey in well, if you are using it. If you made a lot of tea, store it in the fridge, and drink it within 3 to 5 days.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making Iced Green Tea Lemonade

Download Article

You will be making a consecrated green tea lemonade first using a small amount of hot water. Don't worry, you will be adding more water to your tea later.
If you'd like to use another type of sweetener, such as honey, skip the sugar; you will add the honey (or other sweetener) at the end. ^{[11]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-18-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-18-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-18-Version-3.jpg\/aid46820-v4-728px-Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-18-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

Give the bag a squeeze to get out any excess liquid.
If you'd like a little more tartness, add some lemon zest as well.
This will help dilute the consecrated tea mixture, and make it less tart.
How much ice you use is up to you, just make sure to leave enough room for the tea. This recipe is enough to make 1 large serving, or 2 smaller servings.
The tea might still be a little warm, so don't worry if the ice melts a little. This is normal.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/af\/Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-23-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-23-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/af\/Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-23-Version-3.jpg\/aid46820-v4-728px-Make-Iced-Green-Tea-Step-23-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

You can serve your green tea lemonade as it is, or you can give it a pop of color. Popular green tea lemonade garnishes include mint leaves and lemon slices.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Is there caffeine in iced green tea?

Katie Hake RDN, LD
Registered Dietitian, Nutritionist
Katie Hake is a Registered Dietitian, Licensed Nutritionist, Fitness Professional and the Owner of Katie Hake Health & Fitness, LLC. She specializes in constructing sustainable life changes in health and fitness. Katie received a dual degree BS in Dietetics and Nutrition & Fitness and Health from Purdue University.

Katie Hake RDN, LD

Registered Dietitian, Nutritionist

Expert Answer

Yes! Although green tea is primarily water based, it does contain a small amount of caffeine. That said, it can still be a great option to stay hydrated.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

If I want to use an artificial sweetener (like Splenda), do I add it at the end?

Community Answer

You can add it in at pretty much any time as long as the tea is fairly warm/hot, as it will not dissolve very well otherwise.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5
Question

Can I let the teabags steep at room temperature for 12 hours instead of letting them steep in the refrigerator?

Community Answer

Yes, but it will not taste the same.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

You can give your green tea extra flavor by adding some fresh ginger slices and/or mint leaves into the pot or pitcher while brewing it. ^{[12]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
After you added the ice, you can give your tea extra flavor by adding some sliced cucumber or lemon slices.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
There are many different varieties of green tea with added ingredients, such as lemongrass and mint. If you don't like regular green tea, you can might like one of these "enhanced" ones.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Show More Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Things You'll Need

Hot Brew Iced Green Tea

Large pot or saucepan
Stove
4 tall glasses or pitcher
Spoon
Fridge

Cold Brew Iced Green Tea

2 tall glasses
Fine mesh strainer
Coffee filter (optional)
Fridge
Spoon

Iced Green Tea Lemonade

Pot or saucepan
Lemon juicer
1 to 2 tall glasses
Spoon

You Might Also Like

[1]

[2]

[3]

[5]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[9]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

Log in

How to Make Iced Green Tea

Ingredients

Hot Brew Iced Green Tea ^{[1]
X
Research source}

Cold Brew Iced Green Tea ^{[2]
X
Research source}

Iced Green Tea Lemonade ^{[3]
X
Research source}