There’s something so refreshing about a tall glass of iced tea on a warm day—especially when it’s bursting with tropical flavor.
The first time I tried passion fruit in tea, I was hooked.
That sweet-tart brightness brings an instant island vibe, and paired with bold black tea, it’s magic in a glass.
This iced passion fruit black tea is not only stunning to look at, but it’s also super simple to make at home.
No fancy tools, just fresh fruit, tea, and a little sweetener to balance it all out.
Why I Love This Recipe
Naturally refreshing with the tropical zing of passion fruit.
No preservatives or artificial flavorings—just real fruit and tea.
Quick to make with pantry ingredients.
Lightly sweetened to let the fruit shine.
Perfect for summer gatherings or a daily afternoon pick-me-up.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Black tea bags – Choose a strong, full-bodied tea like English Breakfast or Assam for best flavor.
Passion fruit pulp – Use fresh if you can; it adds tang, sweetness, and texture from the seeds.
Vegan granulated sugar – Or sub with maple syrup or honey, depending on your preference.
Water – You’ll steep the tea in half, then dilute with cool water for smooth flavor.
Ice – Essential for that chilled, refreshing finish.
Mint (optional) – Adds a cooling herbal note and makes each glass beautiful.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Steep your tea for no more than 3–4 minutes to avoid bitterness.
Taste your passion fruit before adding—it can vary in sweetness and tartness.
Adjust the sugar to taste; the fruit might already be sweet enough.
Strain the pulp if you prefer a smoother tea without seeds.
Chill the tea in advance for best flavor and color when serving over ice.
How to Make Iced Passion Fruit Black Tea
Step 1: Brew the Tea
Bring half of the water to a boil. Remove from heat and add the black tea bags.
Let them steep for 3–4 minutes, then remove the tea bags.
Step 2: Sweeten the Tea
While the tea is still warm, add granulated sugar and whisk until fully dissolved.
Step 3: Cool It Down
Add the remaining cool water to the sweet tea to lower the temperature quickly.
Step 4: Add Passion Fruit
Stir in the fresh passion fruit pulp.
If you want a smoother drink, you can strain out the seeds first.
Step 5: Serve Cold
Fill serving glasses with ice.
Pour the tea over the ice and garnish with fresh mint if desired. Serve immediately!
What to Serve It With
This tea pairs perfectly with:
A fruit platter or summer salad
Light sandwiches or wraps
Coconut cookies or shortbread
Grilled seafood or tropical BBQ dishes
Variations / Substitutions
No passion fruit? Try mango or pineapple puree for a different tropical twist.
Prefer caffeine-free? Use rooibos or herbal hibiscus tea instead of black tea.
Want it sparkling? Swap half the water with sparkling water just before serving.
Less sweet? Reduce or skip the sugar entirely for a tarter version.
Storage & Leftovers
Store any leftover tea in a sealed jar or pitcher in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Stir before serving as the pulp may settle at the bottom.
Do not freeze as the fruit pulp can turn mushy and affect texture.
Add ice right before serving to keep the flavor concentrated.
FAQs
Can I make this tea ahead of time?
Yes! Brew and chill it ahead, but add the passion fruit and ice just before serving.
Do I have to use fresh passion fruit?
Fresh is best, but you can use frozen pulp or bottled purée without added sugar.
Can I use green tea instead of black tea?
Definitely—green tea gives a lighter, more floral flavor that works great with passion fruit.
How do I make this sugar-free?
Simply leave out the sugar or use stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, just maintain the same ratios. Use a large pitcher and lots of ice!
What if I don’t like the seeds?
Strain the pulp through a fine mesh sieve before adding it to the tea.
Will it taste too tart?
Not if you balance it with a bit of sweetener. Taste and adjust to your liking.
Final Thoughts
This iced passion fruit black tea is sunshine in a glass.
It’s my go-to when I want something refreshing but homemade.
Bursting with real fruit and balanced with smooth tea, it’s a perfect drink for hot days, backyard brunches, or anytime you need a tropical escape.
Bonus? Everyone always asks for the recipe.
