Easy Cold Brew Peach Iced Tea: Your Refreshing Olive Garden Copycat Recipe
Imagine a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly, and a tall glass of perfectly chilled, sweet, and fruity iced tea in your hand. This isn’t just any iced tea; it’s a delightful **peach iced tea**, incredibly easy to make with the convenience of cold brew tea bags. Forget the fuss of boiling water, waiting for it to cool, and complex brewing methods. Our simple recipe allows you to quickly mix a few key ingredients, garnish with fresh peach slices, and serve up a refreshing drink that tastes just like the popular version from Olive Garden. Get ready to elevate your beverage game with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Why This Easy Cold Brew Peach Iced Tea Recipe Is a Must-Try
For years, we’ve been huge fans of the signature peach tea served at Olive Garden. Its perfectly balanced sweetness and vibrant peach flavor make it an irresistible beverage. This recipe was born from our desire to recreate that same delicious experience at home, and we’ve successfully crafted a simple, quick, and remarkably similar copycat version that you’re going to love. What makes this particular recipe stand out from other iced tea recipes?
- Effortless Cold Brew Method: The biggest advantage here is the use of cold brew tea bags. This eliminates the need for boiling water and then waiting for the tea to cool down, saving you valuable time and effort. Cold brewing also results in a smoother, less bitter tea, as the hot water extraction of tannins is bypassed.
- Instant Gratification: While we highly recommend chilling your prepared tea in the fridge for optimal refreshment – because truly, iced tea is best served perfectly cold! – the actual preparation takes mere minutes. This means you can whip up a batch on a whim, perfect for unexpected guests or a sudden craving.
- Authentic Flavor Profile: Our recipe closely mimics the beloved taste of Olive Garden’s peach tea. The combination of black tea with sweet peach nectar creates a harmonious blend that is both familiar and incredibly satisfying. It’s sweet, but not overly so, with a prominent, natural peach essence.
- Simple Ingredients: You won’t need a pantry full of obscure items. Just a few basic ingredients come together to create a spectacular drink.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, enjoying a quiet afternoon on the porch, or simply looking for a refreshing drink to accompany your meal, this peach iced tea is a versatile choice that always hits the spot.
RELATED: You might also like this refreshing recipe – Iced Tea Cocktail
Key Ingredients for Your Homemade Peach Iced Tea
Crafting this delicious peach iced tea requires just a few simple ingredients. You’ll find the precise measurements, detailed instructions, and all the ingredients in the convenient printable recipe card located at the end of this post. For now, let’s take a closer look at the essential components that bring this refreshing beverage to life.
Ingredient Spotlight: Tips for Best Results and Substitutions
Choosing the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect Olive Garden-style peach iced tea flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips or substitutions:
TEA BAGS – For ultimate convenience and a smooth, mellow flavor, I highly recommend using Lipton Cold Brew Tea Bags. Just two of these bags are enough to create a full 2-quart pitcher of delicious tea, and they eliminate the need for any boiling or cooling time. While Lipton is our preferred brand for its consistent quality and availability, feel free to use any brand of cold brew tea bags you like. The beauty of cold brew is its ability to extract flavor without the bitterness often associated with hot brewing, giving you a naturally sweeter base. If you don’t have cold brew bags, you can still make this recipe with traditional black tea bags; simply brew them with hot water, allow to cool completely, and then proceed with the recipe steps.
PEACH NECTAR – This is the star ingredient that delivers the authentic peach flavor. Peach nectars are typically sold in 12-ounce cans and can often be found in the international or Mexican food aisle of most grocery stores. I’ve had excellent results with both Kern’s and Jumex brands, which are widely available. Nectar is thicker and more concentrated than juice, providing a richer peach essence that syrup simply can’t replicate. If you can’t find peach nectar in a large can, many stores also carry smaller 5.5-ounce mini-cans, which are perfect if you’re making just a couple of glasses of iced tea at a time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other fruit nectars too! Mango nectar, for example, makes a fantastic tropical variation.
GRANULATED SUGAR – We use granulated sugar to achieve the perfect level of sweetness, mirroring the restaurant’s version. You can adjust the amount to your personal preference, adding a little more for a sweeter tea or slightly less for a more subtle touch. If you prefer to avoid refined sugar, alternatives like honey or maple syrup can be used, but note that they will subtly alter the flavor profile. Ensure whatever sweetener you choose dissolves completely for an even taste throughout the pitcher.
WATER – Simple filtered water works best for a clean, crisp tea flavor. Avoid tap water if it has a strong chlorine taste, as this can impact the overall quality of your iced tea.
ICE & FRESH PEACH SLICES (Optional Garnish) – While ice is essential for a truly “iced” tea, fresh peach slices are the perfect optional garnish. They add a beautiful visual appeal and a burst of fresh peach aroma, enhancing the drinking experience. A sprig of fresh mint or a lemon slice can also provide a lovely touch.
How to Make This Refreshing Peach Iced Tea: Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. For a quick reference, you can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions at the bottom of the page.
- Steep the Tea: Begin by adding two cold brew tea bags to a 2-quart pitcher filled with cold water. Allow the tea bags to steep for a minimum of 5 minutes. If you prefer a stronger, more robust iced tea, you can certainly let them steep for a longer duration, up to 10-15 minutes. Watch as the water slowly transforms into a rich amber color, indicating the tea is infusing beautifully.
- Remove Tea Bags: Once your desired tea strength is reached, carefully remove the tea bags from the pitcher. Gently squeeze any excess liquid from the bags back into the pitcher to maximize flavor, then discard them. This step ensures you get all the delicious tea essence without any lingering bitterness.
- Dissolve the Sugar: Add the granulated sugar to the steeped tea. Stir vigorously with a long spoon until the sugar has completely dissolved. It’s crucial to ensure there are no granules remaining at the bottom of the pitcher for a consistently sweet beverage.
- Add Peach Nectar: Pour the entire can of peach nectar into the sweetened tea. Stir everything together thoroughly until the nectar is fully incorporated and the mixture has a uniform color and consistency. This step is where the magic happens, infusing your tea with that irresistible peach flavor.
- Chill and Serve: For the best experience, transfer your peach iced tea to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1-2 hours. When ready to serve, fill glasses with plenty of ice and pour the chilled tea over it. For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, garnish each glass with fresh peach slices. Enjoy your perfectly refreshing homemade peach iced tea!
Tips for the Perfect Pitcher of Peach Iced Tea
- Adjust Sweetness: The recipe calls for ½ cup of sugar, which gives a balanced sweetness similar to the Olive Garden version. However, taste preferences vary! Feel free to start with ¼ cup and add more to your liking after the peach nectar has been mixed in. You can also use a sugar substitute if preferred.
- Steeping Time Matters: While 5 minutes is a good baseline for cold brew, don’t hesitate to steep longer if you like a bolder tea flavor. Conversely, for a very light tea, 3-4 minutes might suffice. Experiment to find your perfect strength.
- Chill Thoroughly: Iced tea is always best when it’s genuinely cold. Allow at least an hour or two in the refrigerator before serving. You can even make it a day ahead to ensure it’s perfectly chilled.
- Prevent Dilution: To keep your tea from getting watered down, consider making extra tea and freezing it into ice cubes. This way, as the ice melts, it simply adds more delicious tea flavor instead of diluting it.
- Use a Good Pitcher: A 2-quart pitcher is ideal for this recipe. Ensure it has a lid for easy storage in the refrigerator.
Delicious Variations and Serving Ideas
While this classic peach iced tea is fantastic on its own, there are many ways to customize it and make it even more special:
- Fruity Twists: Muddle a few fresh raspberries, blackberries, or even some thinly sliced strawberries in the bottom of your serving glass before adding the tea for an extra burst of berry flavor. Lemon or lime slices also complement peach beautifully.
- Herbal Infusion: Add a sprig of fresh mint or a few basil leaves to the pitcher while the tea is chilling for an aromatic lift.
- Spiced Peach Tea: For a warmer, comforting note, especially in cooler months, consider adding a cinnamon stick or a few slices of fresh ginger to the tea while it steeps.
- Sparkling Peach Tea: For a bubbly treat, mix your peach iced tea with a splash of seltzer water or sparkling wine (for an adult version!) just before serving.
- Adult Version: Transform this into a delightful cocktail by adding a shot of peach schnapps, vodka, or bourbon to individual glasses. It makes for a fantastic summer libation!
- Serving for a Crowd: For larger gatherings, consider making a double batch and serving it in a beverage dispenser with plenty of ice and fresh peach slices floating inside.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peach Iced Tea
While we highly recommend cold brew tea bags for their convenience and smoother flavor profile, you absolutely do not have to use them. You can still make this delicious peach iced tea using traditional black tea bags. Simply brew your black tea with hot water as you normally would, then allow it to cool completely to room temperature before proceeding with the rest of the recipe steps (adding sugar and peach nectar). The key is to ensure the tea is cold before mixing in the other ingredients for the best refreshing taste.
Yes, you can! If you prefer to use fresh peaches, you’ll need to create a peach simple syrup. Slice 2-3 ripe peaches, combine them with ½ cup water and ½ cup sugar in a saucepan, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the peaches soften and the sugar dissolves. Mash the peaches, strain the mixture, and let the syrup cool completely. You can then add this peach syrup to your brewed tea in place of the nectar and granulated sugar, adjusting to taste.
When stored in a sealed pitcher or airtight container in the refrigerator, your homemade peach iced tea will typically stay fresh for 3-5 days. Beyond that, the flavor might start to diminish, and the tea could become cloudy. Always give it a quick sniff and taste test before serving if it’s been in the fridge for a few days.
Absolutely! The sweetness level is entirely adjustable to your preference. Start by reducing the granulated sugar amount by half, or even omitting it entirely if your peach nectar is already quite sweet. Taste the tea after adding the nectar and adjust the sugar from there. You can also dilute it slightly with plain cold water if it’s too sweet for your liking.
A perfectly refreshing glass of iced peach tea truly hits the spot, especially during the warm summer months. While it’s an undeniable favorite for backyard barbecues and lazy pool days, we find ourselves enjoying this delightful beverage year-round. Its bright, fruity notes bring a little sunshine to any day, making it a staple in our kitchen. Prepare a pitcher today and taste the simple joy of homemade iced tea!
Explore More Delicious Peach Recipes
If you love the sweet, juicy flavor of peaches as much as we do, you’re in for a treat! Beyond this refreshing iced tea, there’s a whole world of peach-infused delights waiting to be discovered. From comforting baked goods to other thirst-quenching beverages, peaches bring a unique sweetness and aroma to a variety of dishes. Here are some of our favorite peach recipes to inspire your next culinary adventure:
- Peach Bread
- Cherry Peach Slushie
- Peach Cobbler Dump Cake
- Deep Dish Peach Pie
- Peach Mojito
- Peach Pie Cocktail
- Peach Upside Down Cake
I absolutely love to bake and cook, and there’s nothing I enjoy more than sharing my kitchen experiences and delicious recipes with all of you! Remembering to come back each day for new culinary inspiration can sometimes be a challenge, which is why I’ve made it easy for you. I offer a convenient newsletter that delivers a brand new recipe directly to your inbox every time one posts. Simply subscribe here and start receiving your free daily recipes, ensuring you never miss out on a tasty creation!
Peach Iced Tea (Olive Garden Copycat)
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 2 Cold Brew iced tea bags
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 11 ounce can peach nectar
- Ice
- Sliced peaches optional garnish
Things You’ll Need
-
2 quart pitcher
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Wooden spoon
Before You Begin
- While we use cold brew tea bags, you can still make this tea the traditional way. Simply brew your tea with hot water, allow it to cool completely, then continue with the recipe steps.
Instructions
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Add two cold brew tea bags to a 2-quart pitcher of water. Allow to steep for 5 minutes, or longer if you prefer your iced tea stronger.
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Remove the tea bags and gently squeeze out excess, then discard.
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Stir the sugar into the tea, stirring until it dissolves.
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Add peach nectar to the tea and stir well.
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Serve over ice. Garnish with fresh peach slices.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post originally appeared here on June 12, 2014 and has since been updated with new photos and expert tips to provide the most comprehensive and delightful experience.