8 Homemade Iced Teas Your Kids Will Love — And You’ll Want at Every Garden Party

I sweeten with honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup.

Simple syrup recipe: mix 1 kg brown sugar with 1 liter water, heat gently and simmer for 3–4 minutes until bubbling, then store in a jar. It keeps well in the fridge.

This one starts with black tea—I use high-quality Earl Grey because the bergamot oil adds a special touch. Brew 2 liters the usual way and cool it down. Sweeten with simple syrup and plenty of fresh lime and lemon juice. Fresh herbs like lemon balm and mint brighten it up beautifully. Serve over ice, of course.

Rooibos tea pairs best here. Brew 2 liters and cool. Remove seeds from 2 pomegranates, puree most with a hand blender, then strain to keep only the juice. Mix this into the cold rooibos tea. Freeze the leftover seeds in water as pomegranate ice cubes. Sweeten with honey and fresh lime juice to taste. Serve with the pomegranate ice cubes and a sprinkle of fresh mint.

Use good-quality fruit tea (not flavored black tea), brewed and cooled. Slice strawberries and chop mint. Also, puree some strawberries with a blender. Before serving, add a little simple syrup and fresh orange juice (yes, really—it’s delicious). Serve over ice with the tea, strawberry puree, fruit pieces, mint, and a splash of sparkling water.

This calls for strong black tea. Sweeten the cooled tea with honey, then add fresh lemon juice and rosemary. It’s best reserved for adults at the garden party; if it’s an adult-only event, a splash of rum can elevate it even more.

One of my favorites—both kids and adults love it. Once you try it, you’ll keep making it. Use peach fruit tea (not peach-flavored black tea). Cool the brewed tea and sweeten with maple syrup. Add fresh orange juice, then toss in ripe peach slices, orange rounds, and lime wedges. Serve over ice.

I brew black tea, but rooibos works well too. Cool it down. Slice pineapple and ginger—quantities vary by taste, so serve them sliced in a bowl so everyone can add what they like. Sweeten the tea with honey, squeeze in some lemon juice, and sprinkle a pinch of turmeric, stirring well. Before serving, top with a splash of soda water if you like. Don’t forget the ice in the glasses!

My kids love this one, though it’s a bit divisive. It only works with black tea. Instead of lemon, pour in ice-cold milk and sweeten with simple syrup. Serve with ice and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Seriously, it’s delicious.

Brew green tea—it can be flavored or plain, it’s up to you. Add thin slices of lemon and lime to the cooled tea, and brighten it with cucumber or kiwi if you like. A few drops of lemon juice and fresh mint leaves complement it perfectly. Sweetening is optional, but I love a touch of maple syrup.