Your new favorite summer drink is light, fruity, and very refreshing.
Hey!
You can prepare this Cold Brew Plum Iced Tea at home in no time and it’s so good.
It tastes smooth and mellow like cold brew black tea and sweet and juicy like ripe plums.
No boiling water, no waiting for tea to cool down—just steep, chill, and drink!
I started making this last summer when we bought too many plums at the farmer’s market.
My kids beg for it all the time now (yes, I also make a version without caffeine for them).
It’s great for hot afternoons, hanging out in the backyard, or when you just want something fancy without all the effort.
- No cooking, simply steeping and chilling
- You may easily change it by using any tea or fruit.
- Herbal tea is safe for kids.
- Looks so nice in a glass
- Not too sweet, but refreshing and good for you
Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups of cold, filtered water
- Four bags of black tea (or herbal tea if you don’t want caffeine)
- Two ripe plums, cut into thin slices
- 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup (optional; taste and adjust)
- Cubes of ice
- Fresh mint (optional, for garnish)
Equipment
- Big glass pitcher or jar with a lid
- Cutting board and knife
- Stirring spoon
- Strainer (not needed if you use loose tea)
- Serving glasses
Instructions
Step 1: Put the tea bags and water in a pitcher.
Put four black tea bags in a big glass pitcher. Add 4 cups of cold, filtered water.
Step 2: Put in the cut plums
Cut two ripe plums into thin slices and add them to the pitcher with the tea.
Step 3: Put a lid on it and put it in the fridge.
Put the pitcher in the fridge for 8 to 12 hours to steep after covering it.
Step 4: Add sugar (optional)
Take the tea bags out of the fridge and out of the box. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup to taste. Mix well.
Step 5: Put on ice and decorate
Put ice cubes in cups, pour in the tea, and top with a sprig of fresh mint.
Tips & Variations
- Use plums that are ripe; the juicier, the better! They add extra flavor and natural sweetness.
- Let it sit in the fridge overnight. The longer it steeps, the smoother it tastes.
- Put in the sweetener after the tea has steeped. This way, it combines better and you can manage the taste.
- Use a fruity herbal tea for youngsters, such as hibiscus or peach. Still really good!
- Add some sparkling water when you serve to make it shimmer.
- Tea: Use green tea, white tea, or fruit teas that don’t have caffeine.
- Instead of plums, try peaches, cherries, or berries.
- Sweetener: Use agave, maple syrup, or nothing at all instead of honey.
- Mint: Add lemon balm or basil for a new flavor.
- Make a lot and store it in the fridge for up to four days.
- Cut up the plums ahead of time and freeze them. They’ll work as fruity ice cubes!
Storage and Serving Suggestions
- You may keep it in the fridge for up to four days in a sealed pitcher or jar.
- Before you pour, give it a short toss to mix it up.
- Don’t put it in the freezer; it will change the way it feels.
Serve with:
- A light summer salad, like watermelon and cucumber!
- Fruit skewers or fresh fruit
- Small muffins or tea sandwiches
- Cheese and crackers—seriously, give it a try!
FAQs
Is it possible to do this with hot tea instead?
Yes, simply make it hot and then let it cool down. But cold brew tastes smoother.
What if I don’t like plums?
Instead, try peaches, nectarines, or even cherries!
Is this safe for kids?
Yes, just drink a tea that doesn’t have caffeine or herbs.
Is it okay to add alcohol to make it a drink?
Of course. A little bit of vodka or white wine makes it feel like summer.
Final Thoughts
I hope you try this iced tea with cold brew plums! It’s a great way to drink something spectacular without having to cook anything. If you do make it, please leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out or share your favorite way to make it different. I love hearing what you think about!
Stay cool, 🍑🧊💛