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.