Pure black tea by itself is our timeless favorite but we suggest experimenting with naturally flavored black tea recipes at home, since it is so simple to make. In this blog, we will share step-by-step instructions for two of our favorite black tea recipes, all made with natural ingredients that offer numerous health benefits. Along with the detailed instructions, we will also provide essential tips, do’s and don’ts for each step, ensuring you can enjoy the perfect cup of iced or flavored black tea anytime you like at home.

Take note that the recipes discussed are based on our experience with Svamingo Ceylon black tea, which is high-grown, delicately smooth, and naturally fragrant - ideal for iced and flavored black tea recipes. It is important to choose the right black tea to start with!

Before you get started, what you will need:

• 2 teaspoons (2g) of black tea leaves
• A water boiling pan or kettle
• A tea pot for brewing tea leaves
• 1 lemon slice for lemon black tea
• 2-3 mint leaves for mint black tea
• 2-3 tulsi leaves for tulsi black tea
  
• 1 tablespoon of natural honey as sweetener

Note: if you don't have a tea pot, you can use any other normal pot that can hold up to 300-400ml of water.

Below 4 foundational steps are common for all our black tea recipes, hot or ice:

1. Boil 300-400ml fresh water to boiling hot (hint: rapid surface bubbles)
2. Add 2 teaspoons (2g) of loose black tea leaves to a pot
3. Pour the boiling hot water over fresh black tea leaves in pot
4. Let it steep for 4-5 minutes max, avoid over steeping!

TIP 1: Boiling hot water with rapid bubbles, around 212°F (100°C), is considered ideal for black tea. Wait for the rapid bubbles to rise to surface.

TIP 2: Steep for no more than 5 minutes to prevent over-extraction of tea leaves and get a well balanced tea taste.

OK, now we are ready!

Recipe 1: Iced black tea (flavored & unflavored)

We love iced black tea made with our black Ceylon tea. It is refreshingly smooth, energy booster, balanced in taste, and perfect drink for summer days. Brew a tea pot first thing in the morning, and you will have a refreshing treat all day long.

Steps for preparing unflavored iced black tea

1. Boil 300-400ml fresh water to boiling hot (212°F /100°C)
2. Add 2 teaspoons of loose black tea leaves to a pot
3. Pour the boiling hot water over fresh black tea leaves in pot
4. Let it steep for 4-5 minutes max, no more!
   
5. Remove the pot lid and stir the tea well
6. Put tea pot in the freeze to rest for 2-3 hours
7. Stir again, then pour the iced black tea into a cup
8. Add a few ice cubes on top if you like

TIP 1: Since the tea leaves rest for hours in freeze before you enjoy iced black tea, make sure not to go over the suggested 2 teaspoons for a well-balanced, not overly strong tea flavor.

TIP 2: Don't add excessive ice cubes, or it might dilute the tea flavor. Add just the right amount (2-3 pieces) for a refreshing iced drink.

Additional steps for flavored iced black tea

• Iced lemon black Tea: Add a slice of lemon to the pot before refrigerating (step 5)
• Iced mint black Tea: Add 2–3 mint leaves to the pot before refrigerating (step 5)
• Iced tulsi black Tea: Add 2–3 tulsi leaves to the pot before refrigerating (step 5)

TIP: Since the extra flavor ingredients (lemon slice/mint leaves/tulsi leaves) will be steeping with tea leaves in the tea pot for hours in freeze, we recommend not exceeding the suggested amount to maintain the naturally fragrant taste of Svamingo Ceylon black tea with a hint of added flavor.

Recipe 2: Black tea with lemon and honey

Black tea with lemon is our absolute favorite amongst flavored black tea recipes! Adding natural lemon and honey not only improves the black tea flavor but also boosts the antioxidant benefits of your black tea. Like black tea, lemon is packed with antioxidants. Adding honey is optional if you would like some sweetener.

Steps for preparing black tea with lemon and honey

1. Boil 300-400ml fresh water to boiling hot (hint: rapid surface bubbles)
2. Add 2 teaspoons (2g) of loose black tea leaves to a pot
3. Pour the boiling hot water over fresh black tea leaves in pot
4. Add a slice of lemon along with black tea leaves
5. Let it steep for 4-5 minutes max, avoid over steeping!
6. Open the pot lid and let it rest open for few more mins
7. Add a pinch of honey as per your need, stir well before drinking

TIP: We recommend to wait for the flavor tea to cool down a bit for the flavor to settle well with tea instead of consuming hot (step 6).

Health benefits of black tea with lemon and honey

• Rich in Antioxidants – Theaflavins in black tea and vitamin C in lemon fight harmful free radicals and protect body cells.
• Boosts Heart Health – Helps lower bad cholesterol, supports healthy blood circulation, and regulates blood pressure.
• Aids Digestion & Detox – Improves gut health, reduces bloating, and supports liver detoxification.
• Strengthens Immunity – Antibacterial properties of black tea and vitamin C in lemon enhance immune defense.
• Enhances Mental Alertness – Moderate caffeine improves focus, while lemon helps reduce stress and uplift mood.
• Promotes Skin Health – Antioxidants slow aging, while lemon brightens skin and helps control acne.
  

Let us know in comments which is your favorite black tea recipe and why.