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14 Refreshing Iced Tea Cocktails You’ll Sip All Summer Long

By: Author Andrew Gray

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Some drinks just scream summer—and iced tea cocktails top the list.

They’re cold, easy to mix, and bring that clean, smooth tea flavor that feels like sunshine in a glass. These drinks go way beyond your standard spiked sweet tea. Think bold flavors, bright citrus, fresh herbs, and just the right pour of something strong.

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What makes them perfect is how easy they are to pull together. You don’t need a full bar setup—just some brewed tea, a few add-ins, and a little shake or stir. You can batch them for a party, sip one solo on the porch, or serve them with snacks when friends swing by.

We picked the best of the best—cocktails that start with brewed tea and finish with serious chill. Each one’s a guaranteed hit.

1. Spiked Peach Tea Bourbon Smash

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This one’s made for porch swings and hot afternoons. Strong black tea meets sweet peach nectar, a splash of lemon, and a good pour of bourbon. You get rich and smooth flavor from the tea, balanced by the sweetness of peach and a zippy hit of citrus.

The bourbon gives it depth without making it too heavy. It’s bold enough to be a proper cocktail but light enough to drink with BBQ or snacks. Add crushed ice and a mint sprig on top—it’s the summer version of cozy.

Keep some peach nectar on hand and this becomes your no-fail go-to.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Black tea adds bold, tannic structure to balance the sweetness
  • Peach nectar brings juicy, summery flavor
  • Lemon cuts through with needed brightness
  • Bourbon ties everything together with warmth

Ingredient Swap Ideas

  • Use white tea for a more delicate flavor
  • Try rye whiskey instead of bourbon for a spicier twist
  • Swap in apricot nectar or mango juice if peach isn’t available
  • Add fresh peach slices for garnish and extra aroma

Ingredients

  • 1 cup strong black tea, cooled
  • ½ cup peach nectar
  • 1.5 oz bourbon
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Crushed ice
  • Fresh mint for garnish

Instructions

  1. Brew the black tea and let it cool completely.
  2. In a shaker, add tea, peach nectar, lemon juice, and bourbon.
  3. Shake well with ice and strain into a glass over crushed ice.
  4. Garnish with a mint sprig and optional peach slice.

2. Green Tea Mojito Cooler

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This is a light, bright spin on the classic mojito—made with green tea instead of club soda. You still get fresh mint, lime, and rum, but the tea gives it a mellow, earthy finish that’s totally refreshing.

The green tea adds a subtle depth that balances the tart lime and keeps it from tasting too sweet. It’s the kind of cocktail that feels like a spa day but still delivers a little buzz.

Perfect for sipping slow with fresh fruit on the side.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Green tea keeps it light, clean, and refreshing
  • Lime and mint bring zing and herbal coolness
  • Rum adds warmth without overpowering
  • No syrupy sweetness—just real flavor

Ingredient Swap Ideas

  • Use white rum for a lighter flavor or dark rum for richness
  • Add cucumber slices for a spa-style twist
  • Swap green tea for jasmine tea for floral notes
  • Use honey instead of sugar for natural sweetness

Ingredients

  • 1 cup brewed green tea, cooled
  • 1.5 oz white rum
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 6–8 mint leaves
  • 1 tsp sugar or honey
  • Ice

Instructions

  1. In a shaker or glass, muddle mint leaves with lime juice and sugar.
  2. Add cooled green tea and rum.
  3. Fill with ice and stir or shake gently.
  4. Pour into a tall glass and garnish with extra mint or lime slice.

3. Hibiscus Gin Fizz

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This one’s as pretty as it is punchy. Bright pink hibiscus tea pairs with herbal gin and a splash of sparkling water to bring fizz. It’s floral, tart, and refreshingly dry—like a grown-up pink lemonade with way more personality.

It’s a showstopper in the glass and super easy to make ahead in batches. Chill the tea, keep the gin nearby, and you’ve got instant cocktail hour.

The color alone makes it perfect for parties or sunny afternoons.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Hibiscus tea brings tartness and bold color
  • Gin adds herbal depth that matches the floral tone
  • Sparkling water makes it light and bubbly
  • Lemon juice keeps it crisp and bright

Ingredient Swap Ideas

  • Use vodka instead of gin for a cleaner taste
  • Add elderflower liqueur for a floral twist
  • Swap lemon juice for lime juice for sharper citrus
  • Try adding rosemary or thyme for more herbal notes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup brewed hibiscus tea, cooled
  • 1.5 oz gin
  • ½ oz lemon juice
  • 2 oz sparkling water
  • Ice
  • Lemon wheel or edible flower for garnish

Instructions

  1. Brew hibiscus tea and chill completely.
  2. In a shaker, combine tea, gin, and lemon juice with ice. Shake lightly.
  3. Pour into a glass over ice and top with sparkling water.
  4. Garnish with lemon or edible flower.

4. Sweet Tea Vodka Lemonade

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A Southern classic with a twist—sweet black tea, tart lemonade, and a good splash of vodka. It’s bold, familiar, and dangerously easy to sip. The tea adds backbone while the lemonade keeps it zippy and bright.

This one tastes like backyard parties, porch swings, and long sunsets. You can batch it ahead and pour over ice when you’re ready.

It’s hard to mess up and always a hit.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Black tea keeps it rich and grounded
  • Lemonade balances sweetness and acid
  • Vodka blends in without overpowering
  • It’s easy to batch for crowds

Ingredient Swap Ideas

  • Use lemon tea instead of black for extra citrus
  • Try honey lemonade instead of classic sugar-based
  • Add muddled basil for a savory edge
  • Use flavored vodka like peach or raspberry

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sweetened black tea, chilled
  • ¾ cup lemonade
  • 1.5 oz vodka
  • Ice
  • Lemon wedge for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a glass, combine chilled tea, lemonade, and vodka.
  2. Stir well and add ice.
  3. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
  4. Sip slow—it’s smooth.

5. Blackberry Earl Grey Spritz

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This cocktail brings bold, bergamot-rich Earl Grey together with fresh blackberries and bubbles. The fruit gives natural sweetness and color, while the sparkling water keeps it light and fresh. A hint of lemon rounds out the depth of the tea.

It’s elegant without being fussy—perfect for brunch, book clubs, or an end-of-day unwind. You’ll get layered flavor with almost no effort, and the color alone is worth making it.

It’s a total upgrade to your usual afternoon tea.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Earl Grey tea adds fragrant citrus and depth
  • Blackberries bring natural tart-sweetness and rich color
  • Sparkling water keeps it bubbly and refreshing
  • Lemon adds the right amount of zip

Ingredient Swap Ideas

  • Use raspberries or blueberries instead of blackberries
  • Swap Earl Grey for English breakfast or oolong
  • Add a splash of elderflower liqueur for floral depth
  • Use tonic water instead of sparkling for a more bitter edge

Ingredients

  • 1 cup brewed Earl Grey tea, chilled
  • 1.5 oz vodka or gin
  • 4–5 blackberries
  • ½ oz lemon juice
  • 2 oz sparkling water
  • Ice

Instructions

  1. Muddle blackberries with lemon juice in a shaker.
  2. Add tea and vodka or gin with ice. Shake gently.
  3. Strain into a glass over fresh ice.
  4. Top with sparkling water and a few whole berries.

6. Thai Iced Tea Rum Punch

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This one’s bold, creamy, and a little indulgent. Thai iced tea’s signature flavor—sweet, spicy, and dark orange—is the perfect base for a tropical cocktail. Rum adds richness while coconut milk softens the edge.

It tastes like a beach vacation in a glass—sweet and spiced, but surprisingly smooth. Sip it slowly on a hot day, or serve it as a fun dessert drink after dinner.

It’s different, dramatic, and seriously good.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Thai tea offers strong flavor and color that holds up to rum
  • Coconut milk balances the boldness with creaminess
  • Spices from the tea add natural complexity
  • Rum plays off the sweetness without overpowering

Ingredient Swap Ideas

  • Use spiced rum for extra depth
  • Replace coconut milk with oat milk or condensed milk
  • Try honey instead of sugar for a mellow sweetener
  • Add cardamom or cinnamon for more spice

Ingredients

  • 1 cup brewed Thai tea, cooled
  • 1.5 oz dark or spiced rum
  • 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk or coconut milk
  • 1 tsp sugar (if using coconut milk)
  • Ice

Instructions

  1. Brew Thai tea and let cool completely.
  2. In a shaker or mixing glass, combine tea, rum, milk, and sugar (if needed).
  3. Shake well with ice.
  4. Pour into a tall glass filled with more ice.

7. Chamomile Honey Whiskey Tea

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Soft, floral, and subtly sweet—this is your mellow sipper. Chamomile tea gives it a calming base, honey adds a gentle sweetness, and a pour of whiskey makes it nightcap-worthy without being too strong.

It’s the cocktail version of your favorite sleepy-time tea, but with enough backbone to serve to guests. Great for late afternoon, post-dinner, or whenever you want to wind down without going full boozy.

Smooth, floral, and quietly complex.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Chamomile adds a natural floral softness
  • Honey sweetens without overwhelming
  • Whiskey adds depth and balance
  • Served chilled for maximum refreshment

Ingredient Swap Ideas

  • Use lavender tea or rooibos for a similar feel
  • Swap honey for agave or maple syrup
  • Try bourbon instead of blended whiskey
  • Add lemon juice for more brightness

Ingredients

  • 1 cup brewed chamomile tea, chilled
  • 1.5 oz whiskey or bourbon
  • 1 tbsp honey (adjust to taste)
  • Ice
  • Lemon slice for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Stir honey into hot tea and let it cool.
  2. In a shaker or glass, combine chilled tea and whiskey over ice.
  3. Stir well and pour into a short glass.
  4. Garnish with lemon if using.

8. Minty Matcha Vodka Cooler

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This is clean, green, and full of energy. Matcha gives it a subtle earthy bitterness and natural caffeine, while mint cools everything down. Vodka gives it the punch, and a splash of lemon brightens the whole drink.

It’s not too sweet, not too strong—just chilled and refreshing with a little bite. A great cocktail if you want something unique that still goes down easy.

It feels like a cocktail and a pick-me-up in one.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Matcha brings earthy bitterness and natural caffeine
  • Mint adds fresh coolness to balance the edge
  • Lemon keeps it crisp and drinkable
  • Vodka keeps the flavor clean and light

Ingredient Swap Ideas

  • Use gin instead of vodka for more botanicals
  • Add cucumber for a spa twist
  • Use lime instead of lemon for a sharper citrus kick
  • Swap in green tea if matcha isn’t your thing

Ingredients

  • ½ tsp matcha powder
  • 1 oz hot water
  • 1.5 oz vodka
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • 6–8 mint leaves
  • 1 tsp simple syrup or honey
  • Ice

Instructions

  1. Whisk matcha with hot water until smooth. Let cool slightly.
  2. Muddle mint with lemon juice and syrup in a shaker.
  3. Add matcha and vodka with ice. Shake well.
  4. Strain into a glass over ice and garnish with mint.

9. Spicy Ginger Tea Margarita

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This one kicks like a classic margarita but chills like iced tea. Ginger tea lays the foundation with spice and warmth, while lime juice, tequila, and triple sec bring the classic margarita flavor you expect. The result? Sharp, bold, and perfect for hot afternoons.

The ginger keeps it from tasting too sweet, while the tequila brings the bite. It’s the kind of drink that hits the spot when tacos are on the table—or when you’re just feeling spicy.

Add a chili salt rim if you want to go all in.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Ginger tea gives a spicy, refreshing base
  • Lime juice balances heat with sharp citrus
  • Tequila + triple sec = classic margarita flavor
  • Less sugar, more depth

Ingredient Swap Ideas

  • Use mezcal for a smoky twist
  • Swap triple sec with Cointreau for a smoother orange note
  • Add jalapeño slices for extra kick
  • Use green tea if ginger tea is too bold

Ingredients

  • 1 cup brewed ginger tea, cooled
  • 1.5 oz tequila
  • ½ oz triple sec
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • Salt or chili salt for rim
  • Ice

Instructions

  1. Run a lime wedge around your glass and dip the rim in salt or chili salt.
  2. In a shaker, combine tea, tequila, triple sec, and lime juice with ice.
  3. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
  4. Garnish with a lime wedge.

10. Sparkling Citrus White Tea Punch

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Light, crisp, and packed with citrus—this punch is pure sunshine in a glass. White tea gives it a soft, clean flavor while orange and lemon juices add brightness. The real magic comes from the sparkling water or prosecco to finish it off.

It’s the ultimate brunch drink: not too strong, not too sweet, but totally refreshing. Make a big pitcher and let everyone serve themselves.

Bonus: it looks gorgeous with citrus slices floating on top.

Why This Recipe Works

  • White tea keeps the flavor light and mellow
  • Citrus adds brightness and balances sweetness
  • Sparkling top gives it party appeal
  • Easy to batch for brunch or BBQs

Ingredient Swap Ideas

  • Use prosecco or cava for a boozier bubbly version
  • Add blood orange juice for color and depth
  • Toss in pomegranate seeds for garnish
  • Use green tea for more earthy flavor

Ingredients

  • 2 cups brewed white tea, chilled
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp honey or simple syrup (optional)
  • 1 cup sparkling water or prosecco
  • Citrus slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. Brew white tea and let it chill completely.
  2. In a pitcher, combine tea, orange juice, lemon juice, and sweetener. Stir well.
  3. Add sparkling water or prosecco right before serving.
  4. Garnish with slices of lemon, orange, or lime.

11. Blackberry Mint Iced Green Tea Martini

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This green tea martini is clean and crisp, with juicy blackberries and cool mint muddled right into the base. The green tea keeps it grounded, and the vodka gives it that sleek cocktail edge.

It’s an herbaceous, not-too-sweet drink that still feels like a treat. Great when you want something slightly fancy but still easy to sip outside on a hot day.

Think of it as the laid-back cousin to a classic fruit martini.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Green tea softens the sharpness of the vodka
  • Blackberries give rich color and flavor
  • Mint keeps it bright and cooling
  • Simple, fresh ingredients come together quickly

Ingredient Swap Ideas

  • Use raspberries or strawberries instead of blackberries
  • Try gin in place of vodka for more botanical notes
  • Use jasmine green tea for a floral twist
  • Swap mint for basil for a savory edge

Ingredients

  • 1 cup brewed green tea, chilled
  • 1.5 oz vodka
  • 4–5 fresh blackberries
  • 6 mint leaves
  • ½ oz lemon juice
  • Ice

Instructions

  1. In a shaker, muddle blackberries and mint with lemon juice.
  2. Add vodka, green tea, and ice. Shake well.
  3. Double strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
  4. Garnish with a single mint leaf or berry.

12. Arnold Palmer Rum Cooler

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Half tea, half lemonade—this is your classic Arnold Palmer with a boozy upgrade. A little rum turns it into an easy summer cocktail with just the right balance of smooth tea and tangy citrus.

Use black tea to keep things bold, or go with a fruit-flavored tea for extra flair. Serve it over plenty of ice and garnish with lemon—it’s low-maintenance but still feels like something special.

It’s familiar, chill, and made for sipping slow.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Lemonade adds the tart, sweet bite everyone loves
  • Black tea keeps it grounded and refreshing
  • Rum adds body without being overpowering
  • Fast to make and easy to scale

Ingredient Swap Ideas

  • Use spiced rum or dark rum for added depth
  • Add muddled mint or basil for herbal notes
  • Try peach or raspberry tea for a twist
  • Swap lemonade for limeade for more tang

Ingredients

  • ½ cup brewed black tea, chilled
  • ½ cup lemonade
  • 1.5 oz white or dark rum
  • Ice
  • Lemon wheel for garnish

Instructions

  1. Combine tea, lemonade, and rum in a glass filled with ice.
  2. Stir well to blend.
  3. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
  4. Serve chilled and relaxed.

13. Pineapple Oolong Rum Refresher

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Tropical and smooth with a hint of mystery, this cocktail brings together the rich, toasty notes of oolong tea with bright pineapple juice and a splash of rum. It’s laid-back but layered—like a tiki drink with a clean, modern edge.

The oolong adds a roasted depth that balances the sweetness of pineapple. A touch of lime keeps it snappy, and the whole thing drinks like a beach vacation in a glass—without needing a blender.

This one’s perfect for poolside lounging or late-day sips.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Oolong tea brings toasty, almost nutty flavor
  • Pineapple adds tropical brightness and natural sweetness
  • Lime lifts the whole drink with sharp citrus
  • Rum keeps it smooth and balanced

Ingredient Swap Ideas

  • Use green tea if you want something milder
  • Swap rum for coconut rum or vodka for a different vibe
  • Add a dash of bitters for a spiced finish
  • Mix in orange juice to round it out

Ingredients

  • 1 cup brewed oolong tea, chilled
  • ¾ cup pineapple juice
  • 1.5 oz light or coconut rum
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • Ice
  • Pineapple wedge for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a shaker, combine oolong tea, pineapple juice, lime juice, and rum.
  2. Shake with ice and strain into a tall glass of fresh ice.
  3. Garnish with a pineapple wedge or mint sprig.
  4. Serve chilled with a straw or stir stick.

14. Blueberry Lavender Vodka Cooler

This last one feels like a garden party in a glass. Floral lavender tea blends with sweet muddled blueberries and a splash of vodka to create something soft, fragrant, and stunning in color. Add a little lemon and club soda, and you’ve got a lightly fizzy, aromatic drink that’s just different enough.

It’s relaxing, slightly sweet, and always impressive—especially when served with crushed ice and floating berries.

Perfect for golden hour or weekend chill-outs.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Lavender tea brings subtle floral notes without bitterness
  • Blueberries offer color and natural sweetness
  • Vodka keeps the flavor clean and balanced
  • Sparkling water adds fizz without extra sugar

Ingredient Swap Ideas

  • Use hibiscus or chamomile tea for different floral notes
  • Swap vodka for gin or elderflower liqueur
  • Add honey or agave if you want it sweeter
  • Mix in fresh basil or thyme for an herbal upgrade

Ingredients

  • 1 cup brewed lavender tea, chilled
  • 1.5 oz vodka
  • ¼ cup fresh blueberries
  • ½ oz lemon juice
  • 2 oz sparkling water
  • Ice

Instructions

  1. Muddle blueberries and lemon juice in the bottom of a shaker.
  2. Add vodka and lavender tea with ice. Shake gently.
  3. Strain into a glass filled with ice and top with sparkling water.
  4. Garnish with extra berries or a sprig of lavender.