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! ☕🍊🍷