When you’re looking for a drink that’s both refreshing and full of unique flavor, the Apricot and Cardamom Iced Tea delivers. This tea offers the sweetness of ripe apricots paired with the aromatic warmth of cardamom, creating a drink that’s light, flavorful, and wonderfully fragrant. It’s the kind of iced tea that stands out from the usual options, making it perfect for summer picnics, afternoon relaxation, or when you want to treat yourself to something a little special.
To start, the apricot provides a natural sweetness that balances the earthiness of the black or green tea base. When steeped, the apricots release their juices, infusing the tea with a rich, fruity flavor. The cardamom, a spice often used in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines, adds a slightly peppery, citrusy note that complements the sweetness of the apricots without overpowering them. The result is a beautifully balanced iced tea that’s both refreshing and comforting.
Making this tea is simple. Steep your choice of black or green tea (depending on your preference) and add fresh apricot slices while the tea is still hot, allowing them to infuse their flavor. A pinch of ground cardamom is all you need to bring that signature spice to the mix. Once cooled, the tea can be served over ice, and if you like, sweeten it with a little honey or agave syrup.
For extra depth of flavor, you can add a splash of fresh lemon juice or garnish with a few sprigs of mint, enhancing the refreshing qualities of the drink.
The Apricot and Cardamom Iced Tea is perfect for those who crave something more than just traditional iced tea. It’s elegant yet simple, offering a combination of flavors that feels both exotic and comforting. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just enjoying a quiet afternoon, this iced tea provides the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Ingredients
- 4 apricots fresh, pitted and sliced
- 4 cups water
- 4 cardamom pods crushed
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ice cubes for serving
- mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the sliced apricots, water, cardamom pods, honey, and lemon juice.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Strain the mixture to remove the apricot and cardamom solids.
- Transfer the strained liquid to a pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled apricot and cardamom tea over the ice.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and enjoy!
I’m not much of a tea drinker, but this made me a fan. Sweet but not too sweet! 🙂
Sweet but not too sweet? How can that be? Isn’t sweet just sweet? 🤔
I’m not a tea person either, but I gotta try this! Apricots and cardamom sounds good! Thanks for sharing!
I can’t read the instructions well. What do you mean by strain? I just poured it. 😬
Straining just means to pour the mixture through a fine mesh to get rid of the bits. Don’t worry too much, it happens! 😅
I don’t know about this. Cardamom taste kinda strange to me. Maybe I used too much?
I get that! Cardamom can be a bit overwhelming if you’re not used to it. Maybe try a little less next time?
Nah, I think cardamom’s great! But everyone has different taste buds, ya know? Just experiment until ya like it!
I didn’t have fresh apricots, used canned ones instead. It tasted weird. Not sure if I will try again.
Delicious! Reminds me of summer. Might try with other fruits like peaches next time!
This recipe is pretty good, but I think it could use more honey! Maybe a pinch more?
Easy to make and refreshing! I added some ginger for an extra kick. Will make again! 🙂
Ginger? Isn’t that too much for an iced tea? I prefer it plain. Just my taste, I guess.
Sounds delicious! I love the idea of adding ginger. Will definitely try that next time!
Very easy to make! I skipped the honey and added some sugar instead, turned out great! My kids loved it.
OMG this is a delight. Perfect for summer afternoons! My kids loved it too!
Cardamom is a spice, right? I always just have it in my curry. Haha, didn’t expect it in tea!
Cool recipe! Just wondering if I could use dried apricots instead of fresh. Anyone tried that?
I don’t get why people love this. Cardamom is too strong and overpowers everything.
Why would anyone put apricots in tea? That’s weird. Just stick to lemon, it’s classic!
Not a fan. The cardamom was too strong for my taste. I expected a lighter flavor.
I get that! Cardamom can be pretty powerful. Maybe try using less next time? Or even skip it altogether?
I thought it was delicious! Cardamom gives it a special twist, not everyone’s cup of tea tho. Just add more apricots!
Apricots?? I confuse them with peaches sometimes, lol. Still turned out okay! Yum!
Eh, I dunno about this one. Cardamom sounds weird. Who drinks cardamom tea?
I don’t get why everyone loves this. It just tastes like… water with fruit. Meh.
Tried it but didn’t turn out like I thought. Maybe I added too much honey? 🤷♂️
This iced tea is sooo refreshing! The apricots add a hint of sweetness, I love it!
This tea is sooo good! The apricot and cardamom combo is just perfect. I loved it!
So easy to make, and my kids loved it! I skipped the mint, but still turned out great. 😍
I don’t understand why you don’t just use tea bags. Apricots don’t belong here!
But tea bags just ain’t the same! Fresh fruit makes it taste way better. Try it before knocking it!
Apricots too mushy after boiling! Kinda ruined the texture for me. Should’ve used dried ones?
so good! i made it for my picnic and everyone loved it. will def make again!
That sounds amazing! I’ll have to try making it for my next gathering. Thanks for sharing!
Yum! Best drink for summer. I didn’t have cardamom and used cinnamon instead. Still yummy!
This tea was very refreshing! The apricot and cardamom flavors blended well together. Definitely a summer hit for my family.
Mint leaves are a must! They make it look fancy and taste better. 10/10!
Mint is the best part! Totally agree with you! Makes everything better.
OMG! I made this for my book club and they went nuts! Definitely will make again!
This is a perfect refresher for summer. The mint adds something special too. Love it!
This sounds great but I don’t like cardamom. Can I leave it out? Will it still taste good?
I totally agree! The mint really makes it feel refreshing. Perfect for hot days!
Why would you put cardamom in iced tea?? It’s just wrong. Stick to lemonade.
I thought cardamom was like spice, right? This was way too spicy for me. I like sweet drinks, not this.
Cardamom can be pretty strong, but it adds a unique flavor! Maybe try using less next time?
Sweet drinks are nice, but it’s still good to try new things! You could add more honey to sweeten it up?
I don’t understand why you need to boil this. Isn’t it just tea? Seems extra.
This iced tea is amazing! The flavor of apricot and cardamom together is perfect!
I made this with my kids! They thought it was fun. Didn’t taste the cardamom much tho.