The Best Lemon Verbena Iced Tea You'll Make All Summer

Lemon verbena iced tea is one of the most refreshing herbal teas you can make during the summer.

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Fresh lemon verbena leaves have a naturally bright citrus flavor with light floral notes, making this caffeine-free tea perfect for hot afternoons, relaxing on the porch, or serving at summer gatherings.

The best part? It only takes a few minutes to make and can be enjoyed sweetened or unsweetened.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Naturally caffeine-free
Fresh lemony flavor without lemons
Easy to make with fresh herbs
Perfect for hot summer days
Delicious sweetened with honey or simple syrup

What Does Lemon Verbena Taste Like?

Lemon verbena has one of the strongest natural lemon aromas of any herb. Unlike lemon balm, which has a mild citrus flavor, lemon verbena has a bright, clean lemon taste with delicate floral notes.

It makes an incredibly refreshing iced tea that tastes light and crisp.

Ingredients

1 cup fresh lemon verbena leaves, lightly packed
4 cups water
Honey, simple syrup, or sugar to taste (optional)
Ice
Lemon slices for garnish (optional)

How to Make Lemon Verbena Iced Tea

Step 1: Bring the Water to a Boil

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan or kettle.

Step 2: Steep the Herbs

Place the fresh lemon verbena leaves in a heat-safe pitcher or large glass jar.

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Pour the boiling water over the leaves.

Cover and steep for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Strain

Remove the leaves using a fine mesh strainer.

If desired, stir in honey or your favorite sweetener while the tea is still warm.

Step 4: Chill

Allow the tea to cool before refrigerating until cold.

Serve over ice with fresh lemon slices or a sprig of lemon verbena.

Tips for the Best Lemon Verbena Tea

Harvest leaves before the plant flowers for the best flavor.
Slightly bruise the leaves before steeping to release more of the natural oils.
Adjust the steeping time depending on how strong you like your tea.
Add a few mint leaves for an extra refreshing twist.

Variations

Lemon Verbena Mint Tea

Add a handful of fresh mint leaves while steeping for a cool, refreshing flavor.

Lemon Verbena Honey Tea

Sweeten with local honey for a naturally soothing herbal tea.

Lemon Verbena Citrus Tea

Add fresh lemon or orange slices while the tea chills for extra citrus flavor.

Sparkling Lemon Verbena Tea

Replace half of the chilled tea with sparkling water just before serving for a light herbal spritzer.

How to Store

Store lemon verbena iced tea in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried lemon verbena?

Yes. Use about 2 tablespoons of dried lemon verbena in place of the fresh leaves.

Is lemon verbena tea caffeine-free?

Yes. Lemon verbena is naturally caffeine-free, making it a wonderful choice any time of day.

Can I drink lemon verbena tea hot?

Absolutely! This recipe is just as delicious served warm during cooler months.

Can I grow lemon verbena at home?

Yes. Lemon verbena grows well in containers and herb gardens and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil.

More Herbal Tea Recipes You’ll Love

This refreshing lemon verbena iced tea is a simple way to enjoy one of the most fragrant herbs from your garden.

Whether you serve it at backyard gatherings or sip it on a quiet afternoon, it’s a naturally delicious drink you’ll want to make all summer long.

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