This Vanilla Black Tea Lemonade is the perfect balance of smooth, floral tea and bright citrusy lemonade.
Lightly sweet, deeply refreshing, and infused with fragrant vanilla—this is the kind of drink that makes summer afternoons feel a little more special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Combines the elegance of vanilla black tea with zesty lemonade
Naturally sweetened and refreshing without being overly sugary
Easy to prep ahead for guests, picnics, or summer sipping
No complicated tools or steeping required—just cold brew overnight
Customize your sweetness, tartness, or tea strength
Ingredient Highlights
Vanilla Black Tea
Sirocco vanilla black tea – Naturally fragrant and smooth
Filtered water – Helps bring out clean, balanced tea flavor
Homemade Lemonade
Fresh lemon juice – Adds bright, tangy citrus flavor
Granulated sugar – Just enough to balance the acidity
Water – Dilutes and mellows the lemon
Ice cubes & lemon slices – For a refreshing and beautiful finish
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use cold filtered water for a smoother, less bitter tea
Steep overnight for a strong, naturally sweet infusion
Adjust sugar and lemon juice in your lemonade to suit your taste
Make extra—this goes fast when served over ice!
Garnish with fresh mint or lemon wheels for a fancy touch
How to Make Vanilla Black Tea Lemonade
Step 1. Cold Brew the Vanilla Tea
In a jar or pitcher, combine about filtered water with vanilla black tea.
Stir gently, cover, and place in the fridge to steep overnight (or for at least 8–12 hours).
Step 2. Make the Homemade Lemonade
In a separate container, dissolve sugar in warm water.
Once fully dissolved, let it cool, then stir in fresh lemon juice.
Chill until ready to use.
Step 3. Assemble the Drink
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
Pour in about lemonade (adjust to glass size or your taste), and drop in a few lemon slices if desired.
Step 4. Top with Vanilla Tea
Pour the cold-brewed vanilla black tea over the lemonade to top off the glass.
Stir gently and enjoy immediately.
What to Serve It With
Perfect with light summer salads
Refreshing alongside grilled chicken or seafood
Serve with tea sandwiches or pastries for an afternoon tea twist
Great for picnics, brunches, or poolside lounging
Variations & Substitutions
Use Earl Grey tea for a floral citrus note
Try honey or agave instead of sugar for a natural sweetener
Add a splash of sparkling water for light fizz
Mix in mint leaves or lavender for a herbaceous flavor twist
Turn it into a cocktail with a splash of gin or vodka
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftover vanilla tea in the fridge for up to 3 days
Homemade lemonade can be stored for 2–3 days in an airtight container
Always assemble the drink fresh to preserve the fizz and flavor
Avoid storing fully mixed drinks with ice, as dilution will occur
FAQs
Can I use store-bought lemonade?
Yes, but the flavor may be sweeter or less bright than fresh-squeezed.
Try to find one with minimal additives.
How long can I steep the tea?
You can steep it for up to 24 hours, but 8–12 hours is ideal to extract flavor without bitterness.
Can I make this caffeine-free?
Use a decaf vanilla black tea or substitute with herbal rooibos vanilla tea.
What if I don’t have Sirocco tea?
Any high-quality vanilla black tea will work—loose leaf is ideal for bold flavor.
Can I use lemon concentrate instead of fresh juice?
Fresh lemon juice is always best, but you can use concentrate in a pinch.
Adjust sugar to balance.
Is this drink suitable for kids?
Yes! If you’re concerned about caffeine, just switch to a decaf or herbal version.
Can I batch this for a party?
Absolutely. Just scale up the tea and lemonade portions and serve in a pitcher with ice and lemon slices.
Final Thoughts
This Vanilla Black Tea Lemonade is one of those drinks that feels both fancy and effortless.
Whether you’re sipping it under the sun or serving it to guests, its floral tea notes and tangy lemonade blend into something truly special.
I love making a big batch and keeping it chilled in the fridge—it’s the little things that turn an ordinary day into a refreshing one.
