Light, fruity, and super refreshing — your new summer favorite.
Hey there!
This Cold Brew Plum Iced Tea is seriously one of the easiest and yummiest drinks you can make at home.
It’s got that smooth, mellow flavor from cold brew black tea and the juicy sweetness of ripe plums.
No boiling water, no waiting for tea to cool — just steep, chill, and sip!
I started making this last summer when we had way too many plums from the farmer’s market.
Now my kids ask for it all the time (yes, I make a caffeine-free version for them too!).
It’s perfect for hot afternoons, backyard hangs, or just when you want something a little fancy without the fuss.
Why I Love This Recipe
- No cooking, just steep and chill
- Super easy to customize — use any tea or fruit
- Kid-friendly with herbal tea
- Looks so pretty in a glass
- Refreshing and healthy, not too sweet
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- 4 black tea bags (or herbal tea for caffeine-free)
- 2 ripe plums, thinly sliced
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint (for garnish, optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large glass pitcher or jar (with lid)
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon for stirring
- Strainer (optional, if using loose tea)
- Glasses for serving
Pro Tips
- Use ripe plums – The juicier, the better! They give more flavor and natural sweetness.
- Chill it overnight – The longer it steeps, the smoother the tea tastes.
- Add the sweetener after steeping – It mixes better and lets you control the flavor.
- For kids, use a fruity herbal tea – Like hibiscus or peach. Still super tasty!
- Make it sparkle – Add a splash of sparkling water when serving for a fun twist.
Substitutions & Variations
- Tea: Use green tea, white tea, or caffeine-free fruit teas
- Fruit: Try peaches, cherries, or berries instead of plums
- Sweetener: Swap honey for agave, maple syrup, or skip it entirely
- Mint: Add basil or lemon balm for a fresh twist
Make-Ahead Tips
- Make a big batch and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Slice the plums ahead and freeze them — they’ll double as fruity ice cubes!
How to Make Cold Brew Plum Iced Tea
Step 1: Add tea bags and water to a pitcher
Place 4 black tea bags into a large glass pitcher. Pour in 4 cups of cold filtered water.
Step 2: Add sliced plums
Thinly slice 2 ripe plums and drop them into the pitcher with the tea.
Step 3: Cover and refrigerate
Cover the pitcher and place it in the fridge for 8–12 hours to steep.
Step 4: Sweeten (optional)
Remove from the fridge and take out tea bags. Add 1–2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to taste. Stir well.
Step 5: Serve over ice and garnish
Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour in the tea, and add a fresh mint sprig on top.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store in the fridge in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 4 days
- Give it a quick stir before pouring — the fruit can settle
- Don’t freeze it — the texture gets weird
What to Serve With
- A light summer salad (like cucumber watermelon!)
- Fresh fruit or fruit skewers
- Mini tea sandwiches or muffins
- Cheese and crackers — seriously, try it!
FAQ
Can I make this with hot tea instead?
Yep, just brew it hot then cool it down. But cold brew gives a smoother taste.
What if I don’t like plums?
Use peaches, nectarines, or even cherries instead!
Is this okay for kids?
Totally, just use an herbal or caffeine-free tea.
Can I add alcohol to make it a cocktail?
Absolutely. A splash of vodka or white wine makes it super summery.
Let’s Wrap It Up
I hope you give this Cold Brew Plum Iced Tea a try! It’s such a fun way to sip something special without needing to cook a thing. If you do make it, drop a comment below and tell me how it went — or share your favorite twist on it. I love hearing what you come up with!
Stay cool,
🍑🧊💛
