Citrus & Herb Tea with Mint, Lemon Balm & Orange Peel

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

1. Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a teapot or saucepan.
2. Remove from heat and add mint, lemon balm, and orange peel.
3. 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. 💛

For the fuller picture, download Rooted in Grace — it costs nothing.