Drinks

Iced Lychee Tea Recipe

Name: Iced Lychee Tea Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2g jasmine green tea leaves; 6-8 fresh lychee, peeled and deseeded; 1/4 cup hot water; Ice cubes; 1 black tea bag; 6-8 fresh lychee, peeled and deseeded; 1/4 cup hot water; 4 slices lime; 1 tbsp. syrup of choice; Ice cubes

Byanna orden August 27, 2025August 27, 2025

Jump to Recipe

Looking for the ultimate summertime refresher? You simply have to try Iced Lychee Tea! This gorgeous drink weaves together cooling teas and sweet, floral lychee for a beverage that’s as pretty as it is satisfying. With layers of delicate green jasmine or robust black tea, juicy bursts of lychee, and a splash of lime, each sip feels like a mini-vacation in a glass. Whether you’re lounging on a sunny afternoon or serving guests something extra special, Iced Lychee Tea is a recipe you’ll want to keep on hand all year long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Iced Lychee Tea is its simplicity. Every ingredient is there for a reason, contributing to that perfect blend of aroma, color, and flavor. Here’s what goes into your glass:

Jasmine green tea leaves or tea bag: Adds delicate floral notes and a light, fresh color to the base.
Black tea bag: For a richer, bolder option that pairs beautifully with lychee.
Fresh lychee or canned: The star of the show! Juicy, sweet, and unmistakably tropical—peel and pit before using.
Filtered hot water: Essential for drawing out the purest tea flavors—keep it hot, but not boiling, for green tea.
Ice cubes: Chill the finished tea instantly so you get that ultra-refreshing experience.
Lime slices: For a pop of zesty brightness that really helps the lychee flavor sing.
Syrup of choice: Whether it’s simple syrup, honey, or agave, just a touch sweetens the drink and balances the tartness.

How to Make Iced Lychee Tea

Step 1: Brew the Jasmine Green Tea

Start by placing 2 grams of quality jasmine green tea leaves—about one heaping teaspoon—or one tea bag into your teapot or heatproof vessel. Pour in 1/4 cup of hot, filtered water (ideally around 170°F, not boiling), and let it steep gently for 3 to 5 minutes. The goal is to coax out the lovely, gentle jasmine notes without any bitterness. Once steeped, strain out the tea leaves and set aside the fragrant liquid to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Black Tea

If you’re making the black tea version of Iced Lychee Tea, simply drop one black tea bag into your mug, add 1/4 cup of freshly boiled water, and steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Black tea creates a deeper, more robust flavor base that pairs perfectly with sweet lychee. After steeping, remove the bag and allow the tea to cool to room temperature—ice will handle the rest!

Step 3: Peel and Muddle the Lychee

For the freshest flavor, peel your lychee fruits and remove the seeds. If you’re using canned lychee, drain them well. Place 6 to 8 lychees into a cocktail shaker or large jar. Give them a gentle muddle with a spoon or muddler to release all that sweet, aromatic juice. This melds their flavor beautifully with the tea.

Step 4: Build the Tea and Shake

Add ice cubes to your shaker with the muddled lychees. Pour in your cooled jasmine green tea (or black tea, if that’s your preference). For the black tea version, toss in four lime slices and 1 tablespoon of your favorite syrup for a truly layered and vibrant drink. Give everything a vigorous shake to blend the flavors and create an ultra-refreshing, slightly frothy concoction.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Strain the shaken Iced Lychee Tea into glasses piled high with fresh ice. You’ll immediately notice that delicate aroma and sparkling clarity. Top each glass with a few extra lychee pieces and a lime slice to make it as beautiful as it is delicious. Sip and enjoy the spa-like sensation!

How to Serve Iced Lychee Tea

Garnishes

There’s no denying it: Iced Lychee Tea is already a stunner! For an extra flourish, top your glass with whole lychee fruits, a few lime wheels, and even a sprig of fresh mint. The mint doesn’t just look gorgeous—it adds a cool aroma that pairs wonderfully with the lush sweetness of the lychee.

Side Dishes

Iced Lychee Tea is naturally light and clean, making it a great match for a range of Asian-inspired snacks. Think crispy spring rolls, steamed dumplings, or even a simple fruit salad. The tea’s gentle sweetness and aromatic edge help balance savory or spicy bites perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to really wow your guests? Try serving Iced Lychee Tea in stylish mason jars, tall highball glasses, or even teacups for a classy twist. Skewer extra lychee and lime slices on a cocktail pick for a festive touch, or freeze edible flowers in your ice cubes for a garden-party feel. This tea is versatile enough for teatime and party time alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Iced Lychee Tea, strain out any remaining fruit and store the liquid in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and bright for up to two days. Just be sure to add fresh ice and garnishes when serving again to keep it tasting vibrant.

Freezing

Turn leftovers into lychee tea ice cubes so you’ll never water down your next batch! Simply pour Iced Lychee Tea into an ice cube tray and freeze solid. These cubes make the next glass extra frosty and flavorful—or drop them into sparkling water for a bubbly treat.

Reheating

Iced Lychee Tea is meant to be enjoyed cold, so reheating isn’t recommended. If your batch has cooled too much in the fridge, simply pour it over fresh ice or give it a quick whirl in a cocktail shaker to liven it up again before serving.

FAQs

Can I use dried lychee instead of fresh or canned?

Dried lychee is much sweeter and more concentrated. For Iced Lychee Tea, it’s best to rehydrate them in hot water first, but you won’t get the same juicy texture as with fresh or canned. Go with what’s available—just adjust sweetness levels as needed!

What’s the best tea for making Iced Lychee Tea?

Classic jasmine green tea gives the drink a very light, aromatic base, while black tea delivers a stronger, deeper flavor. Both are wonderful, but feel free to experiment with oolong or even white tea for a different twist!

Is it possible to make this drink ahead for parties?

Absolutely! Brew your tea and muddle your lychees several hours in advance, then chill until ready to serve. When guests arrive, simply shake with ice and garnish. It’s a showstopper for gatherings.

Can I sweeten with something besides syrup?

Of course! Honey, agave, or even coconut sugar all make lovely alternative sweeteners for Iced Lychee Tea. Just be sure to dissolve them fully in the hot tea for a smooth sip.

How do I scale the recipe for a crowd?

To serve a group, multiply the ingredients as needed and combine everything in a large pitcher. Don’t forget to reserve plenty of ice and garnishes so every glass feels as special as a single serve!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to brighten up your routine or impress at your next gathering, Iced Lychee Tea is truly a must-try. Give it a go, experiment with the add-ins, and discover just how refreshing and irresistible this little taste of the tropics can be!