I recently came into possession of some local Hawaiian honey, and one of the first things I made with it was this refreshing citrus honey tea punch! Tea punch deserves more love—forget the overly sweet artificial mixes and watered-down party punches. This vibrant drink transforms simple ingredients into a refreshing, flavor-packed beverage, blending fragrant citrus juices, floral honey, and bold black tea for a deliciously balanced drink that’s perfect for sipping on warm summer nights! Lemon lime soda poured on top is the finishing touch to make this punch extra refreshing.

The magic of this citrus honey tea punch lies in its ease: just steep the tea, stir in the honey, add a generous squeeze of fresh citrus, and chill. It combines the simplicity of iced tea with the refreshing flavor of citrus punch. Smack some fresh mint, load up a tall glass with ice and serve away!

The tea provides a deep, tannic backbone, while the honey adds natural sweetness, and the citrus infuses a bright, zesty lift. It’s a simple recipe but chic enough to make for gatherings, warm afternoons, or cozy evenings. Stirred with plenty of ice, this tea was made for sippin’!

Picture the bold, sun-kissed flavors of freshly squeezed citrus—orange, lemon, and lime —combined with a drizzle of golden honey for just enough sweetness, steeped with fragrant tea for depth, and served either ice-cold or warmed. This recipe takes a simple concept and elevates it into a revitalizing drink that you’ll want to keep on hand!

It’s also packed with vitamin C thanks to all of the fresh citrus juice, which when served warm, is a soothing drink that calms a sore throat and is beneficial for the immune system. Skip the fizzy soda or sparkling water if you want to try this tea punch warm!

Everything You Need to Make the Best Citrus Honey Tea Punch

Black Tea: The backbone of the punch! Choose a bold black tea like Lipton or Assam for a rich, full-bodied flavor.

Honey: The natural sweetener here, honey adds depth and heady, floral notes to the tea. Opt for a less smoky, more floral honey like orange blossom, alfalfa, or acacia varieties!

Citrus: Fresh lemons, limes and oranges bring a bright, zesty contrast to the tea’s deep flavors. Always use freshly squeezed juice for maximum fresh flavor.

Fresh Mint: Mint makes a great garnish, enhancing the drink’s freshness and aroma. You can also use fresh basil here or lemon balm!

Some Fizz: For a fizzy twist, add lemon-lime soda or sparkling water to balance the flavors and add a refreshing, crisp finish.

Substitutions When Making This Citrus Honey Punch Tea

Citrus Juice

For convenience, you can store-bought citrus juice in a major pinch, but if you prefer a fresher taste, you can easily swap in freshly squeezed oranges, lemons, and limes or a mix of all of them in equal amounts. A standard orange yields about ½ cup of juice, so adjust accordingly to match the recipe. If using fresh juice, consider straining it to remove pulp for a smoother tea experience.

Honey

As for the honey, any variety works, but if you want a slightly different depth of flavor, try swapping in agave syrup or maple syrup. You can also swap for equal parts sweetener like stevia or monkfruit if you need a low sugar alternative. Since some sweeteners can be more powerful than regular sugar, taste as you go to ensure it’s not too sweet for your liking!

Honey lends a floral touch of sweetness that complements the citrus beautifully, but these alternatives will still bring a pleasant natural sweetness to the punch. If you’re aiming for an extra layer of complexity, a touch of vanilla or a cinnamon stick can also enhance the flavor profile without overpowering the refreshing citrus notes.

How To Store Citrus Honey Tea Punch

This citrus honey punch tea stays fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. For best results, let the tea cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or a sealed glass pitcher.

If you’ve added citrus slices for extra flavor, consider removing them before storing, as they can turn bitter over time. It is also best to hold off on adding the lemon-lime soda if you are planning to serve the tea at a later time, so you can keep the tea punch from falling flat.

When ready to enjoy, simply pour a glass and serve chilled, or if you prefer it warm, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat until just warmed through for a soothing drink. Avoid boiling, as high heat can alter the delicate honey and citrus flavors.