Description
This refreshing homemade iced tea blends ripe honeydew melon, fresh mint, and green tea for a naturally sweet, antioxidant-rich summer drink. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for cooling off on hot days or impressing guests with its vibrant color and flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 green tea bags (or about 2 1/2 teaspoons loose-leaf green tea)
- 4 cups filtered water
- 2 cups honeydew melon, cubed (about 10 oz)
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, packed (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2–3 tablespoons honey or agave syrup, to taste
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Extra honeydew melon balls or cubes, for garnish (optional)
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
- Sprigs of fresh mint, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of filtered water to a boil, then cool slightly to about 175°F.
- Add 4 green tea bags (or loose-leaf in a tea infuser) and half the mint leaves (about 1/4 cup) to a large heatproof pitcher.
- Pour the hot water over the tea and mint. Steep for 3–5 minutes, tasting at 3 minutes for desired strength.
- Remove tea bags and mint (or strain if using loose-leaf). Let tea cool to room temperature, about 10 minutes.
- While tea cools, add honeydew cubes, remaining mint leaves, lemon juice, and honey or agave to a blender.
- Blend on high until completely smooth.
- Pour the honeydew-mint puree into the cooled green tea and stir to combine.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pitcher for a smooth finish (optional).
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until very cold.
- To serve, fill glasses with ice and honeydew balls or cubes. Pour iced tea over ice, garnish with lemon slices and mint sprigs. Stir and enjoy.
Notes
For best results, use ripe, fragrant honeydew and fresh mint. Adjust sweetener to taste or omit for a lower-sugar version. Straining the puree yields a smoother drink, but you can leave it pulpy if preferred. Chill thoroughly before serving for maximum refreshment. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and stir before serving. For a vegan version, use agave or maple syrup instead of honey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (about 8 oz / 240 ml)
- Calories: 55
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: honeydew mint iced tea, green tea drink, summer drinks, homemade iced tea, fruit iced tea, healthy drinks, mint tea, honeydew recipes, non-alcoholic, vegan option, gluten-free