If you love sweet tea, this recipe takes it to the next level with bright citrus and tart cranberries.
It’s refreshing, a little tangy, and just sweet enough—perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon or serving at a family gathering.
The cranberry and orange combo makes it a great drink for holidays, too!
Let’s make a batch that’s bursting with flavor.
🍊 What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 4 black tea bags
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup cranberry juice (100% juice, unsweetened)
- ½ cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- ⅓ cup honey (or sugar, to taste)
- 1 orange, sliced for garnish
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- Ice cubes
Tools
- Medium saucepan
- Large heatproof pitcher
- Citrus juicer
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Knife & cutting board
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- Brew Strong Tea – Since we’re adding juice and ice, making a strong tea base ensures the flavor isn’t watered down.
- Adjust Sweetness – Taste before adding too much honey or sugar. Cranberry juice can be tart, but orange juice naturally sweetens the tea.
- Chill Fast – If you’re short on time, pour the hot tea over a pitcher of ice to cool it quickly.
- Use Fresh Juice – Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the best flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
- Cranberry Garnish Tip – Frozen cranberries act as little ice cubes without watering down your tea!
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Swap honey for maple syrup or simple syrup.
- Use green tea instead of black for a lighter flavor.
- Add a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy twist.
- Try lemon juice instead of orange for a citrusy tart flavor.
⏳ Make-Ahead Tip
- Brew the tea ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add the orange slices and cranberries just before serving to keep flavors fresh.
📝 How to Make Crisp Orange Cranberry Sweet Tea
Step 1: Brew the Tea
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat and add the 4 black tea bags. Let steep for 5–7 minutes, then remove the tea bags.
Step 2: Sweeten the Tea
While the tea is still warm, stir in ⅓ cup honey (or sugar) until fully dissolved.
Step 3: Add the Juices
Pour 1 cup cranberry juice and ½ cup fresh orange juice into the tea. Stir well.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice, pour the chilled tea over, and garnish with orange slices and fresh cranberries.
🥶 Leftovers & Storage
- Fridge: Store in a covered pitcher for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
- Freeze: Pour leftover tea into an ice cube tray to make flavored ice cubes for future drinks!
Time to Sip & Enjoy!
This sweet tea is crisp, fruity, and refreshing—perfect for any season.
Whether you’re making a big batch for a party or just a cozy afternoon treat, it’s sure to be a hit.
Try it out and let me know how it turned out in the comments!
Got any fun variations?
I’d love to hear them! ☕🍊🍷
