Citrus & Herb Tea with Mint, Lemon Balm & Orange Peel
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I genuinely trust and believe will bring value to my readers. Also, some of the content was created with strategic use of AI tools. For more information, please visit the Privacy Policy page. Thank you for supporting my blog and helping me continue to provide valuable content.
🌿 Introduction
Some teas carry a brightness that feels like sunshine in a cup. This citrus and herb blend is one of those—mint and lemon balm mingling with orange peel for a drink that refreshes and restores. It’s as lovely hot in the winter as it is iced in the summer, a year-round reminder that simple herbs and fruit can create something extraordinary.
I love blending this tea with dried herbs from the garden—it feels like bottling light, fragrance, and grace to pour out whenever needed.
✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍊 Bright, refreshing, and caffeine-free
- 🌿 Easy to make with fresh or dried herbs
- 🫖 Lovely served hot or chilled
- 🍯 Naturally sweetened with honey if desired
📋 Quick Reference Snapshot
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Steep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups
- Skill: Easy
- Equipment: Teapot or saucepan, strainer, mugs or pitcher
- Dietary: Vegan, gluten-free
Key Ingredients at a Glance: Mint, lemon balm, orange peel
🌿 Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 2 Tbsp dried mint (or ½ cup fresh) 🌱
- 2 Tbsp dried lemon balm (or ½ cup fresh) 🌿
- 1 Tbsp dried orange peel (or zest of 1 fresh orange) 🍊
- Optional: 1–2 tsp honey or maple syrup for sweetness 🍯
🔄 Seasonal Swaps
- 🍋 Add lemon peel or zest for sharper citrus notes
- 🌼 Blend with chamomile for a calming version
- 🌱 Try basil or thyme for a more savory herbal twist
- 🧊 Serve over ice with sparkling water for a refreshing summer spritzer
🌱 From My Garden
Mint and lemon balm are two of my most abundant herbs—they spread easily and generously, often more than I can use fresh. Drying them for tea ensures their brightness carries into cooler months. Paired with dried citrus peel, it’s a little sip of summer stored in a jar.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Steep the Tea
- Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a teapot or saucepan.
- Remove from heat and add mint, lemon balm, and orange peel.
- Cover and steep for 10 minutes.
Strain & Serve
4. Strain into mugs or pitcher.
5. Sweeten with honey if desired.
6. Serve hot or chilled.
🍽️ Serving & Pairing Suggestions
- Pair with Rosemary Shortbread Cookies (Scottish Garden Twist)
- Serve alongside Apple Crisp with Oats & Warm Spices
- Enjoy as a refreshing sip with Herbed Cream Cheese Spread with Chives & Dill
🥡 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store brewed tea in fridge up to 3 days
- Freeze into ice cubes for quick iced tea
- Dried herbs and peel keep up to 1 year in sealed jar
🤝 Community & Connection
- Instagram — Share your golden trays and tag me @southersoils 🌿📸
- Subscribe — Weekly recipes, seasonal tips, and free printable guides ✉️🍂
- Facebook Group — A warm community to swap ideas and share what’s growing 🌱🫶
🛒 Favorites from My Kitchen to Yours
- Loose-leaf tea infuser 🫖
- Mason jars for dried herbs 🌿
- Heatproof glass mugs ☕
- Small saucepan with spout for easy pouring 🍲
🌻 Related on Southern Soil Sunshine
- Chamomile Tea with Honey & Evening Blessing
- Golden Milk Latte with Turmeric, Ginger & Honey
- Herb-Infused Honey with Rosemary, Thyme & Lavender
💭 Final Thoughts
This tea reminds me that refreshment doesn’t have to be complicated. Just a few herbs, a bit of peel, some hot water—and the garden’s brightness fills your cup. 💛
4 Comments