Chill Out with Unusual Iced Tea Slushie

Imagine transforming your ordinary iced tea into a vibrant, slushy wonder that sparks childhood memories. This recipe takes a simple tea and infuses it with a splash of unexpected ingredients like fresh herbs or citrus zest, creating a refreshing twist perfect for scorching days. It’s more than just a cold drink; it’s an experience of flavor and texture that awakens your senses.

Crafting this iced tea slushie in unconventional ways means messiness is part of the fun. You’ll love how the ice-cold blend dances on your palate, offering a chilled burst with every sip. Plus, it’s an excellent conversation starter—especially when you serve it with a funky straw or layered in a pretty glass. This recipe invites you to play with flavors and make a cool treat uniquely yours.

Herbed Citrus Iced Tea Slushie

This icy beverage combines brewed black tea infused with fresh herbs and citrus zest, blended into a smooth, slushy consistency. The result is a vibrant, refreshing drink with a bright flavor profile and a cool, textured appearance, perfect for hot days or as a lively party treat.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Beverages

Calories: 100

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups water for brewing tea
• 4 bags black tea or equivalent loose leaf
• 1/4 cup honey or to taste
• 1 lemon lemon zested and juiced
• 1 orange orange zested and juiced
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves or other herbs like basil
• 2 cups ice crushed or cubed

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Blender
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Fine-mesh strainer

Method

 

1. Bring water to a boil in a saucepan, then remove from heat and steep the tea bags for 5 minutes, filling your kitchen with a fragrant aroma.
2. Remove the tea bags and stir in honey while the tea is still warm, ensuring it dissolves completely for a balanced sweetness.
3. Pour the brewed tea into a pitcher, then add the citrus zest and freshly squeezed juice from the lemon and orange for a bright, zesty flavor.
4. Chop or gently bruise the mint leaves and add them to the tea mixture, allowing their fresh aroma to infuse into the drink.
5. Fill a blender with the citrus-infused tea and ice, then blend until the mixture is smooth, frosty, and slightly thickened, with a vibrant color and icy texture.
6. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed by adding a bit more honey through the blender and blending briefly to incorporate.
7. Pour the slushy mixture into chilled glasses, garnishing with a mint sprig or citrus slice for a colorful, inviting presentation.
8. Serve immediately with a funky straw or layered in a clear glass to showcase its vibrant hue and icy texture, perfect for a hot day.

Notes

For an extra flavor twist, experiment with other herbs or add a splash of sparkling water before serving.

As summer hits its peak, this iced tea slushie becomes your go-to for instant refreshment. It’s easy to customize with your favorite tea flavors or add a splash of fruit juice for extra zing. No matter how you tweak it, this chilly delight keeps your day cool and lively.

Enjoy the simple pleasure of a homemade slushie that’s both visually appealing and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for lazy afternoons, casual gatherings, or as an Instagram-worthy snack. Keep experimenting, and let this recipe inspire your next cooling creation.

Lily Hayes

Hi, I’m Lily Hayes, the cook, writer, and heart behind Loving This Process. This blog is built on a simple idea that food is not just about the final dish, but about everything that happens while you’re making it. The thinking, the tasting, the adjusting, the learning, and the quiet moments in between. Food has been a constant presence in my life, not as something flashy or perfect, but as something deeply grounding. Cooking has always felt like a process worth savoring, even when it’s messy, slow, or imperfect.