Fruit Citrus Tea with Pineapple

Fruit tea is the ultimate summer refreshment and it has brightened up many of my family picnics and parties with its blend of sweet citrus and subtle spice. Whether you need a cool batch drink for gatherings or just want to sip something fruity on a hot afternoon this recipe never fails to please.

When I first made this fruit tea for a neighborhood potluck I watched everyone go back for seconds and some even asked for the recipe on the spot. Now it is my go to drink when I want to impress with barely any effort.

Ingredients

• Water: Eight cups help create the base and make the drink light and refreshing
• Family size tea bags (or six standard bags): Use black tea for classic flavor and make sure bags are fresh for the best aroma
• Cinnamon stick: Adds subtle spice, choose plump and fragrant sticks for richer flavor
• Sugar: One cup strikes a perfect balance with the tart juice; you can use less if preferred and always use fine granulated sugar for smooth dissolving
• Frozen orange juice concentrate: Half cup provides tang and brightness, make sure it is thawed for easy mixing
• Frozen lemonade concentrate: Half cup brings zippy flavor, also thaw before using and look for brands with real lemon oil
• Pineapple juice: Half cup adds tropical sweetness, try to pick juice with no added sugar or from fresh pressed pineapples for depth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil and Steep:

Heat two quarts of water in a large saucepan until it reaches a rolling boil then immediately remove from the heat. Drop in your tea bags and the cinnamon stick making sure to tie the bag strings together for easy removal. Cover the pan and let the tea steep for eight to ten minutes to fully extract flavor.

Sweeten:

Once the tea is done steeping take out the tea bags but leave the cinnamon stick in the pot. Add the sugar and stir patiently until all the sugar granules are fully dissolved in the hot tea. This helps distribute the sweetness evenly throughout the drink.

Add Juices:

Pour in the thawed orange juice concentrate and lemonade concentrate along with pineapple juice. Stir well to blend all the flavors thoroughly. The liquid should turn a rich golden color and smell zesty from the citrus.

Chill and Infuse:

Carefully pour the fruit tea into a large pitcher leaving the cinnamon stick in so its flavor continues to infuse as the tea cools. Let chill in the fridge for several hours or overnight until cold. Strain out the cinnamon stick just before serving.

Serve and Garnish:

Fill glasses all the way with ice and pour the chilled fruit tea on top. For a festive touch garnish each glass with slices of fresh orange or lemon and a few mint sprigs if you have them. This makes each glass look and taste like a treat.

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The cinnamon stick is my favorite detail in this recipe as it gives a soft warmth that surprises people but never overpowers the fresh juice flavor. My family loves guessing what the secret ingredient is at every gathering.

Storage Tips

This fruit tea keeps perfectly in the refrigerator for three to four days. Store it in a glass pitcher or jar with a lid to help maintain its brightness. Shake or stir before serving as the juices can sometimes settle at the bottom. If you want to make it even further in advance mix the tea base and store the juice separately then combine when ready to chill and serve.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap out the black tea for green tea or a fruity herbal blend for a twist. If you do not have orange juice concentrate fresh squeezed orange juice plus a bit more sugar works. For pineapple juice try mango or passion fruit nectar for a different tropical note. Agave syrup or honey can replace sugar if you want a less processed option.

Serving Suggestions

For a stunning presentation add thinly sliced oranges lemons or even strawberries to your pitcher. Top each glass with sparkling water for a little fizz or freeze fruit pieces in ice cubes ahead of time for a fun touch. This tea pairs well with picnic foods such as sandwiches grilled chicken or baked goods like scones and pound cake.

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This fruit tea ensures every sip tastes like summer in a glass.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of tea is best for fruit tea?

Black tea works best, but you can also use green or herbal blends if you prefer a lighter taste.

→ Can I use fresh juice instead of concentrates?

Yes, substitute with freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice for a brighter, more natural flavor.

→ How do I serve this fruit tea?

Pour over ice and garnish with citrus slices or fresh mint for a colorful and aromatic presentation.

→ Can I reduce the sugar for a less sweet tea?

Absolutely. Adjust the sugar to your preference or use honey for a different sweetness profile.

→ How long can I store this in the fridge?

Store chilled for up to 3 days. Stir before serving as ingredients may settle.

→ What fruits can I add for variation?

Try berries, peach slices, or apple rings for extra flavor and color.