This Lychee Iced Tea is a refreshing, subtly sweet, and floral drink that combines the tropical flavor of lychee with the earthy depth of black tea. Served over ice with whole lychee fruits floating in the glass, it’s the kind of beverage I love to sip on during warm afternoons or to share at gatherings for a unique, crowd-pleasing treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how this recipe balances both refreshing and indulgent qualities. The lychee adds a natural sweetness that makes the tea taste exotic without needing lots of sugar. It’s easy to prepare, and I can make it ahead of time for parties or just keep a pitcher in the fridge to enjoy throughout the day. Plus, the presentation—tall glasses with ice, fruit, and mint—makes it look so inviting.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3 black tea bags (or green tea for a lighter flavor)

• 1 can lychee fruit (in syrup or juice)

• 4 cups water

• Ice cubes

• Fresh mint leaves – garnish

• Extra lychee fruit – garnish

• 2–3 tablespoons simple syrup (optional, depending on sweetness preference)

Directions

1. I make black tea to my preferred strength and let it cool.

2. I pour the tea into a pitcher along with the entire can of lychee and its juice. When I want it less sweet, I reduce the juice a bit. Sometimes, I blend a few lychees into pulp for extra flavor.

3. I mix everything well.

4. I serve the tea in large glasses filled with ice and lychee fruit. For a fun twist, I shake the tea with ice to create a foamy top.

5. I garnish each glass with fresh mint and enjoy with a long spoon to scoop out the lychee fruits.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 5 servings. It takes around 5 minutes to make the tea and another 20–25 minutes for cooling and assembling, so the total time is about 30 minutes.

Variations

• I sometimes swap the black tea for jasmine or green tea for a lighter taste.

• When I want bubbles, I add sparkling water before serving.

• A squeeze of lemon juice gives the drink a tangy, citrusy kick.

• For a creamy version, I stir in a splash of milk or plant-based cream.

• Adding tapioca pearls makes it more like a fun boba-style treat.

• I also enjoy adding lemongrass tea to the mix for a fresh, aromatic twist.

Storage/Reheating

I usually make this tea in advance and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I stir it before serving because the fruit settles at the bottom. I always add ice right before drinking so the tea doesn’t get diluted. Since it’s a cold drink, there’s no reheating needed.

FAQs

What does lychee taste like?

I find lychee to be sweet, floral, and slightly citrusy. To me, it tastes like a mix of grapes, watermelon, and a hint of rose.

Can I use fresh lychees instead of canned?

Yes, when fresh lychees are in season, I peel and remove the seeds before using them. I usually add a little sugar or sweetener since fresh lychees don’t have syrup like the canned ones.

Can I make this tea ahead of time?

Absolutely, I like to make a big batch and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, but I always add ice just before serving to keep it chilled and refreshing.

Is lychee iced tea caffeinated?

Yes, since I make it with black tea, it does have caffeine. When I want a caffeine-free version, I replace the black tea with rooibos or another herbal tea.

Can I use a sugar substitute?

Yes, I sometimes use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of syrup to keep the drink lighter. I adjust the sweetness based on my preference.

Conclusion

This Lychee Iced Tea is a refreshing and versatile drink that I enjoy making for both myself and guests. Its floral sweetness, combined with the earthy taste of tea, makes it unique yet simple. Whether I serve it plain, sparkling, or creamy, it always feels like a tropical escape in a glass.