Kiwi Mint Cold Brew Green Tea: Refreshingly Invigorating
There’s nothing quite like sipping on a refreshing Kiwi Mint Cold Brew Green Tea on a scorching summer day. Imagine the vibrant flavors dancing on your palate—tart, sweet, and invigorating, all while being low-calorie at just 60 calories per serving. I created this delightful recipe to keep my hydration game strong during those busy weeks when meal prepping felt like a chore. With its unique infusion of kiwi and mint, this drink not only quenches your thirst but also revitalizes your spirit and provides a healthy boost of antioxidants.
The first time I made this Kiwi Mint Cold Brew Green Tea was on a sweltering Saturday afternoon when my kids were running wild in the backyard. I blended fresh kiwi and fragrant mint leaves, and as the cold brew steeped, my youngest exclaimed, “Mom, it smells like summer!” The bright green hue and enticing aroma drew everyone in, and before I knew it, my teenagers were eagerly asking for seconds. It was heartwarming to see them enjoy something so refreshing and nutritious—proof that even on hot days, wholesome can be delicious!
Ingredients for the Kiwi Mint Cold Brew Green Tea
Each ingredient in this dish plays an essential role in flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
4 cups water (filtered): Acts as the base for brewing, ensuring a clean and crisp taste.
4 teaspoons green tea leaves (or 4 tea bags): Provides a delicate, earthy flavor that forms the foundation of this refreshing drink.
2 medium kiwis (peeled and diced): Adds a sweet and tangy burst, enhancing the overall freshness.
10 leaves fresh mint (torn): Infuses a cooling herbal note that complements the kiwi beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons honey (or to taste): Offers a natural sweetness that balances the tartness of the kiwi.
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend starting with the green tea since it needs to steep for at least 2 hours or overnight, ensuring you have a flavorful base ready to enjoy.
Step 1: In a pitcher, add the green tea leaves or tea bags to the filtered water. Make sure the water is cold, as this will help extract delicate flavors without making the tea bitter. I usually use high-quality loose-leaf green tea for the best taste—if you’re using tea bags, opt for a good brand that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Stir gently to ensure the leaves or bags are fully submerged.
Step 2: Let it steep in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for a stronger flavor. The longer it steeps, the more aromatic and refreshing it becomes—so don’t rush this step! If you’re like me and enjoy a robust tea, I recommend going for the full overnight steep for maximum infusion of those delightful green tea notes.
Step 3: After steeping, remove the tea leaves or bags and add the diced kiwi and torn mint leaves to the pitcher. The bright flavors of kiwi and mint will elevate your cold brew beautifully. I love using ripe kiwis, as they add just the right amount of sweetness and tartness; you’ll want them to be fragrant and slightly soft but not overly mushy. Gently stir to combine these fresh ingredients with your brewed tea.
Step 4: If desired, stir in honey for sweetness. Since everyone’s taste preferences vary, start with about 2 tablespoons and adjust according to your liking. I usually keep it light since my family prefers a hint of natural sweetness without overpowering the other flavors. Mix well until the honey is fully dissolved—this might take a minute or two.
Step 5: Serve the cold brew tea over ice and garnish with additional mint leaves if desired. The ice will keep your drink refreshingly cool on hot days! I recommend using large ice cubes so they melt slower and don’t dilute your drink too quickly. A few extra mint sprigs on top not only look appealing but also enhance that fresh aroma.
Step 6: Enjoy your refreshing Kiwi Mint Cold Brew Green Tea! This drink is perfect for sipping throughout the day—its combination of antioxidants from green tea, vitamins from kiwi, and refreshing mint makes it not just tasty but also invigorating!
What to Serve with Kiwi Mint Cold Brew Green Tea
This drink is already incredibly filling and balanced, but these sides add extra variety and nutrition to round out your meal perfectly.
Cucumber Tomato Salad: This refreshing salad features diced cucumbers and ripe tomatoes tossed in a light vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. The crispness of the cucumbers complements the coolness of the mint in the tea, while the acidity from the tomatoes brightens each sip. With only about 50 calories per serving, this low-calorie dish is perfect for warm days, making it a staple at our family picnics.
Quinoa Pilaf with Lemon and Herbs: Fluffy quinoa cooked in vegetable broth and tossed with lemon zest, parsley, and green onions provides a hearty base that enhances the flavors of the green tea. The nutty texture of quinoa offers a satisfying contrast to the smooth drink while adding an impressive 8 grams of protein per cup. We often prepare this pilaf in bulk for meal prep; it pairs excellently with various dishes throughout the week.
Avocado Toast with Sea Salt: Creamy avocado spread on whole grain bread topped with a sprinkle of sea salt creates a rich counterpart to the lightness of your cold brew tea. The healthy fats from the avocado not only provide sustained energy but also keep you full longer—ideal for those busy days when we need lasting fuel. My kids love customizing their toast with different toppings, making it a fun and nutritious option any time.
Mango Salsa: A vibrant mix of diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro adds a tropical flair that echoes the fresh kiwi in your drink. This sweet-and-spicy salsa pairs beautifully with chips or grilled proteins while providing a burst of vitamins A and C—great for boosting immunity. It’s often a hit at family gatherings, where we serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for an easy yet flavorful meal.
Chickpea Hummus with Veggie Sticks: Creamy chickpea hummus seasoned with garlic, tahini, and lemon is perfect for dipping crunchy vegetable sticks like carrots and bell peppers. The earthiness of the chickpeas offers a satisfying contrast to the fruity notes in your drink while packing around 5 grams of protein per serving. This has become our go-to afternoon snack; it’s nutritious enough to fuel my kids through their after-school activities!
Storage & Serving Tips
To store your Kiwi Mint Cold Brew Green Tea for meal prep, transfer the green tea base into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For the fresh components, keep the diced kiwis and torn mint leaves in separate small containers to maintain their freshness and texture. If you choose to add honey as a sweetener, store it in a small jar alongside the fruits and herbs so each serving can be customized according to taste.
When it comes to serving this refreshing beverage, simply pour the cold brew tea over ice and add your desired quantity of diced kiwi and mint leaves. If you’ve stored them separately, combine them just before serving for optimal freshness. Avoid reheating the tea, as it’s meant to be enjoyed cold; microwaving will alter its flavor and temperature profile significantly. Instead, serve cold straight from the fridge or over ice for a delightful refreshment.
Pro tip: To batch cook this recipe for the week, consider doubling the green tea base by using 8 cups of water with 8 teaspoons of green tea leaves or 8 bags. This can be prepped on Sunday and portioned into four containers for easy access throughout the week. Family members can self-assemble their drinks by adding their preferred amount of kiwi and mint right before enjoying. For variety, try swapping kiwis with peaches or strawberries one day, and replace mint with basil for a different flavor profile. To keep mint at its best during storage, consider adding it fresh to each individual serving rather than mixing it into the tea ahead of time.
Conclusion
This Kiwi Mint Cold Brew Green Tea has become one of those recipes I make at least once a week because it’s refreshingly light, packs only 60 calories per serving, and is perfect for hot days. The secret that sets this drink apart is the vibrant infusion of fresh mint leaves that elevates the green tea base, providing an invigorating twist you won’t find in typical iced teas. Give this one a try this week. I promise it’ll become a regular rotation drink in your house too.
Kiwi Mint Cold Brew Green Tea
Ingredients
Method
- In a pitcher, add the green tea leaves or tea bags to the filtered water.
- Let it steep in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for a stronger flavor.
- After steeping, remove the tea leaves or bags and add the diced kiwi and torn mint leaves to the pitcher.
- If desired, stir in honey for sweetness.
- Serve the cold brew tea over ice and garnish with additional mint leaves if desired.
- Enjoy your refreshing Kiwi Mint Cold Brew Green Tea!
