There’s nothing more refreshing than a chilled glass of iced tea on a sunny day. But why stop at plain tea when you can elevate it with fresh fruits and fragrant herbs? These simple additions create naturally sweet, vibrant blends—without any artificial flavors or sweeteners.

Whether you love bold black tea, light green tea, or floral herbal infusions, this guide from Mark T. Wendell Tea Company shows you how to craft your own refreshing iced tea blends for the season.

Choose Your Base Tea

Start by selecting your base tea. Here are some great summer-friendly options from Mark T. Wendell Tea:

Black teas: They have bold and strong notes and pair beautifully with the citrus fruits and berries. 

Green teas: Light and grassy in flavor, green teas pair well with lemon, fresh mint, or melon for a crisp and cooling blend.

Herbal teas: They are caffeine-free and flavorful teas with herbs, and pair beautifully with multiple items to create endless combinations

White teas: They have delicate and floral notes, and pair beautifully with peach and lavender

Pick Your Fruits

Fresh fruits add natural sweetness, vibrant color, and extra flavor to your iced tea. Slice them thinly to help release their juices and aromas into your brew.. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Citrus: Lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit slices bring zing and brightness

  • Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries add sweetness and depth

  • Stone Fruits: Peaches, plums, and cherries lend a mellow, juicy taste

  • Tropical: Pineapple, mango, and kiwi offer a fun, exotic twist

  • Cucumber: Technically a fruit—and perfect for a clean, crisp flavor!

Enhance Your Iced Tea with Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs elevate iced tea by adding aroma, complexity, and a touch of elegance. To maximize flavor, gently bruise the herb leaves before adding them—this helps release their essential oils and natural fragrance. Here are some combinations:

  • Mint + Lemon: A classic and incredibly refreshing combination

  • Basil + Strawberry: Sweet and fragrant with a hint of pepperiness

  • Rosemary + Orange: Earthy and citrusy; exceptionally well suited to black tea

  • Lavender + Peach: Gentle and aromatic, perfect for white tea or herbal.

  • Thyme + Blackberry: An odd pairing that works very well together!

Let the Flavors Infuse Together

Step 1: Combine your brewed tea with the chosen fruits and herbs in a pitcher. Chill in the refrigerator for 2–4 hours to allow the flavors to infuse fully.

Step 2: Taste the tea. If you'd like it a bit sweeter, add honey, agave syrup, or fruit juice.

Step 3: Strain before serving for a clean look—or leave the ingredients in for a more rustic, visual appeal.

Serve and Enjoy

Pour your infused iced tea over ice and garnish with a fresh herb sprig or a fruit slice. Whether you’re entertaining guests or relaxing solo, this refreshing drink makes hydration feel like a treat.

Delicious Flavor Pairings to Try

Seasonal Flavors to Sip — Hot or Iced, Just How You Like It

Naturally flavored iced tea is a fresh, easy, and healthy way to drink enough fluid and enjoy the vibrant flavors of fresh fruit and herbs. Whether you are hosting some friends or just savoring a few minutes of your peace, having iced tea is a delightful way to make hydration feel like a treat. 

Whether served cold on a sunny afternoon or warm on a cozy evening, naturally flavored teas are a healthy and delicious way to stay hydrated.

Try these recipes using Mark T. Wendell’s premium blends, perfect for fruit infusions and herbal refreshers.

Love your creation? Share your #IcedTeaMoments and tag us—we’d love to feature your flavor inspirations!

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