This refreshing New England Iced Tea Mocktail captures the bright citrus flavor and signature cranberry finish of the classic coastal drink—without any alcohol. It’s crisp, slightly tart, lightly sweet, and perfect for summer gatherings, beach-themed parties, or anytime you want a vibrant and refreshing beverage.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This mocktail delivers a beautiful balance of citrus and cranberry flavors with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s simple to prepare, uses easy-to-find ingredients, and looks stunning served over ice with a fresh lemon garnish. The layered flavors make it feel special enough for celebrations while remaining easy enough for everyday enjoyment. It’s also fully family-friendly and suitable for all ages.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 ounce fresh lime juice
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
1 ounce orange juice
2 ounces cranberry juice
4 ounces brewed black tea, cooled
1 to 1 1/2 cups ice cubes
Lemon slice, optional for garnish
Directions
Brew black tea and allow it to cool completely. For best flavor, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
In a mixing glass or tumbler, combine the sugar, fresh lime juice, lemon juice, and orange juice. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Add the cooled black tea and mix thoroughly.
Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
Pour the citrus-tea mixture over the ice.
Top with cranberry juice. Stir gently to combine.
Garnish with a lemon slice if desired and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Servings: 1 drink
Prep time: 5 minutes
Chilling time (for tea): 30 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
To make multiple servings, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of drinks needed.
Variations
Sparkling Version: Replace half of the black tea with sparkling water for a fizzy twist.
Honey Sweetened: Substitute the sugar with 1 1/2 tablespoons of honey or simple syrup for a smoother sweetness.
Berry Boost: Add a few muddled fresh raspberries or strawberries before pouring in the mixture.
Herbal Twist: Use half black tea and half herbal tea, such as hibiscus, for a more vibrant color and floral flavor.
Less Sweet Option: Reduce sugar to 1 tablespoon and increase cranberry juice slightly for a tarter finish.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store the tea and citrus mixture (without ice) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add cranberry juice and ice just before serving.
Reheating: This beverage is meant to be served cold and does not require reheating. If the tea has been refrigerated, simply stir and serve over fresh ice.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon and lime juice?
Fresh juice is recommended for the brightest flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
What type of black tea works best?
Standard black tea bags such as English breakfast or orange pekoe work very well in this recipe.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the base mixture in advance and refrigerate it. Add ice and cranberry juice just before serving.
Is this drink very sweet?
It has a balanced sweetness. You can easily adjust the sugar to suit your taste.
Can I use green tea instead of black tea?
Yes, green tea will create a lighter flavor profile while still tasting refreshing.
What glass should I serve it in?
A highball glass is ideal, but any tall glass works well.
Can I turn this into a large batch for a party?
Absolutely. Multiply all ingredients by the number of servings and mix in a large pitcher.
Why is cranberry juice added last?
Adding it last helps preserve its bright color and fresh flavor.
Can I freeze this drink?
It’s not recommended to freeze the full drink, but you can freeze brewed tea into ice cubes to prevent dilution.
What garnish pairs well besides lemon?
Fresh mint leaves, orange slices, or a few cranberries make excellent garnishes.
Conclusion
This New England Iced Tea Mocktail offers the same refreshing citrus and cranberry charm of the traditional coastal favorite, reimagined in a family-friendly way. It’s easy to prepare, visually appealing, and perfectly suited for warm weather gatherings or relaxing afternoons. Once you try it, it may just become your go-to refreshing drink all year round.
This New England Iced Tea Mocktail is a refreshing, alcohol-free drink featuring bright citrus juices, chilled black tea, and a vibrant cranberry finish. Lightly sweet and perfectly balanced, it’s ideal for summer gatherings or anytime you want a crisp, family-friendly beverage.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 ounce fresh lime juice
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
1 ounce orange juice
2 ounces cranberry juice
4 ounces brewed black tea, cooled
1 to 1 1/2 cups ice cubes
Lemon slice, optional for garnish
Instructions
Brew black tea and allow it to cool completely. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.
In a glass or mixing cup, combine sugar, lime juice, lemon juice, and orange juice. Stir until sugar dissolves.
Add the cooled black tea and mix well.
Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
Pour the citrus-tea mixture over the ice.
Top with cranberry juice and stir gently to combine.
Garnish with a lemon slice if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly squeezed citrus juice for the brightest flavor.
Adjust sugar to taste for a sweeter or tarter drink.
Add cranberry juice just before serving to maintain vibrant color.
Store base mixture without ice for up to 2 days refrigerated.
For a fizzy variation, replace half the tea with sparkling water.
