“Earl Grey, lemons and a splash of agave? It’s like your classic iced tea just got a zesty, sweet upgrade!”
If you're looking for a refreshing, simple and vegan-friendly drink, then this Earl Grey lemon iced tea is just what you need! Not only does it offer the bold flavour of Earl Grey tea, but it also brings in the tang of fresh lemons and a touch of natural sweetness from agave syrup. As a result, it creates the perfect balance of citrusy and smooth, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. It’s also super easy to make! Whether you’re lounging in the sun or hosting friends, this tea will bring those cool, summer vibes right to your glass.
Ingredients for Epic Vegan Iced Tea
- Earl Grey tea bags
- Boiling Water
- Lemons
- Agave Syrup
- Ice
Swap store-bought sodas with home-made drinks
Making homemade iced tea is a healthier, budget-friendly choice for everyone and it offers more control over ingredients than sugary sodas. Additionally, you can easily adjust the sweetness with natural options like agave and even experiment with adding fresh fruits or herbs. It’s also a fun way to get creative with your drinks, whether you’re relaxing solo or hosting friends. Moreover, for parents, it’s a smart option to give your kids a refreshing, guilt-free drink that you can feel good about. So, ditch the store-bought sodas and enjoy a healthier, customisable option right at home!
FAQ about Vegan Iced Tea
What are the best vegan-friendly garnishes for iced tea?
Fresh mint is always my first choice because it adds instant freshness. Lemon or lime slices work beautifully too. If you want to make it look special, try edible flowers like lavender, hibiscus, or elderflower. They bring a gentle aroma and turn a simple glass of iced tea into something you could serve at a summer party. And since I have a bunch of nasturtiums blooming in my garden bed, you will often spot those bright flowers in my recipes as well.
How can I brew iced tea that’s rich in flavour but without sugar?
You have a few good options. Let your tea steep long enough to develop flavour, but do not let it turn bitter. For natural sweetness, add fruit. Fresh berries, peaches, pineapple or orange slices slowly release flavour into the tea. Another option is cold brew. Steeping tea in cold water for several hours creates a smooth taste that usually needs no extra sugar.
What are the best vegan-friendly sweeteners?
Agave syrup is my go-to because it dissolves so easily. Maple syrup also works and adds a warm, caramel-like note. Rice syrup is another good choice if you prefer a mild flavour. Coconut sugar is great too, though I suggest dissolving it in warm water first. This way, it blends in smoothly even with cold tea.
Can you use sparkling water to make fizzy iced tea?
Yes, absolutely. Brew your tea, let it chill and then top it with sparkling water right before serving. The bubbles make it feel extra refreshing. For even more flavour, add a slice of citrus or a sprig of mint. The fizz carries the aroma and makes every sip brighter.
Help, I don’t like black teas…
No problem at all. Hibiscus and mint iced tea is one of my favourites. Hibiscus has a fruity, tangy flavour that pairs beautifully with mint. It is naturally caffeine-free, so you can sip it any time of day. Add a little agave if you want it sweeter or enjoy it tart and refreshing. The deep red colour also makes it gorgeous in a glass with ice. If you want more options, try green tea with lemon and ginger or rooibos with orange peel. Both taste amazing as iced tea.
Epic Vegan Iced Tea
Ingredients
- 3 Earl Grey tea bags
- 1 liter boiling water
- 12 tbsp fresh lemon juice about 4 lemons
- 3 tbsp agave/maple/rice syrup
Instructions
- Start by brewing the tea. Boil 1 liter of water, then steep the Earl Grey tea bags in the hot water for 5-7 minutes. Remove the tea bags.
- Next, sweeten with syrup of your choice. While the tea is still warm, stir in 3 tablespoons of agave syrup. You can add more later if needed.
- Now we want to add the lemon juice. Once the tea has cooled down, stir in the juice of around 4 lemons for that bright, tangy flavour. You can of course also use less, depending on your personal preference.
- It's time to chill the tea now so place the tea in the fridge to chill for at least an hour, or add ice to cool it down faster.
- You're done! Fill a glass with ice, pour in your chilled tea and feel free to garnish with lemon slices if you’re feeling fancy.
Keeping Your Iced Tea Fresh
Homemade iced tea usually keeps well in the fridge for about three to four days if you store it in a clean glass bottle or jar. I personally think it tastes best on the first two days, when the flavours are still fresh. If you are making it ahead for a party, just brew it a day before and chill it overnight so it is ready to pour. To keep it from getting watery, serve the tea cold from the fridge and only add ice cubes right before drinking. Another little trick is to freeze some of the tea itself into ice cubes, so as they melt, they will not dilute the flavour.
Craving more refreshing summer drinks?
Well in that case I can recommend checking out my Fantastic Strawberry Yoghurt Drink. Additionally, you could serve your next cake along with either an Epic Vegan Cold Cocoa or Incredible Vegan Cold Brew.
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you, I’m super curious! You can leave a comment below and tag @lordsoftheplants on Instagram and hashtag it #lordsoftheplants for me to see 🙂
