Skip the drive-thru and whip up this delightful copycat Panera iced green tea in your own kitchen. With a tropical green tea base and just the right amount of sweet, this refreshing beverage is perfect for those sunny afternoons or whenever you need a little pick-me-up!

Let’s get started—it’s simple, delicious, and won’t break the bank!

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Panera Iced Green Tea

Perfect for Entertaining: Impress your guests with this homemade iced tea that feels gourmet yet comes together in a flash. You can even brew it days in advance; the flavors only improve as it sits!

Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: A few simple pantry staples are all you need for this vibrant and delicious tropical tea that tastes much more complex than its easy preparation suggests.

Year-Round Refreshment: This iced green tea is a perfect sip no matter the season—ideal for hot summer days or as a warm hug during the winter months.

Endless Customization: This recipe serves as a fantastic base for countless variations. Want it sweeter, mintier, or perhaps with a different tropical tea blend? Feel free to add fresh fruit slices or swap sugar for honey to make it unique!

Ingredients

• Green Tea: The star of the show!
• Water: Essential for brewing and making the simple syrup.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness, balancing the earthy notes of the green tea.
• Fresh Mint (Optional): This optional garnish elevates the tea’s flavor with a cool, aromatic freshness.
• Ice: Vital for chilling the tea and serving it refreshingly cold.

How to Make Copycat Panera Iced Green Tea

Making this iced green tea is as easy as 1-2-3!

1. Heat the water. Bring 3 cups of water to almost a boil, then remove it from the heat.
2. Steep the tea. Pour 2 cups of the hot water into a heat-proof pitcher, toss in the tea bags, and let them steep for about 3 minutes.
3. Make the simple syrup. In the remaining 1 cup of hot water, dissolve the granulated sugar to create a syrup.
4. Combine the tea and syrup. Take out the tea bags and add 1 cup of cold water to cool it down. Stir in the simple syrup to sweeten.
5. Serve over ice. Pour the tea over glasses filled with ice and garnish with fresh mint if desired.

Tips for the Best Iced Green Tea

Ensure your iced tea turns out perfectly with these handy tips:

• Choose Quality Tea: For a flavor close to Panera’s blend, opt for quality teas like Republic of Tea’s PassionFruit Papaya Green Tea or Sweet Tropical Green Tea.
• Rinse Your Tea Bags: A quick rinse with cool water before steeping can enhance the tea’s smoothness.
• Avoid Boiling: Steep the green tea at temperatures between 175–185°F to prevent bitterness. Use a kitchen thermometer or let boiling water rest for 2–3 minutes before adding the tea bags.
• Adjust Your Sweetness: For more control over sweetness, keep the tea and simple syrup separate. Guests can mix in their preferred sweetness level individually.
• Enhance Mint Flavor: Lightly bruise the mint leaves before garnishing to release their aromatic oils.
• Ice Upgrade: Make ice cubes using the brewed tea to prevent dilution as they melt, maintaining the delightful flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some creative ideas to switch things up:

• Alternative Sweeteners: Swap the simple syrup for honey, agave syrup, or pure maple syrup. You can even try stevia or erythritol for a low-calorie option!
• Flavor Your Simple Syrup: Infuse the syrup with lime, fresh ginger, or mint while heating for an extra flavor boost. Just strain before adding it to the tea!
• Get Creative with Garnishes: Garnish your iced tea with mint, lime slices, fresh berries, or even frozen passion fruit for a delightful touch.
• Make It Fruity: Add a splash of fresh lime, lemon, or orange juice to amplify the tropical notes. Fresh pineapple, peaches, or mango can also add a fun fruity twist!

How to Store

Keep any leftover iced green tea fresh with these storage tips:

To Store: Put your tea in an air-tight container or pitcher and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For optimal flavor, try to enjoy it within the first couple of days. If you notice any settling before serving, just give it a quick stir and pour over fresh ice.

Feel free to prepare your simple syrup in advance as well. It can be stored in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to a week!