Tennessee Fruit Tea

My fruit tea is a refreshing blend of Southern sweet tea, fresh oranges, lemons, and pineapple juice. Its roots started right here in Nashville, Tennessee, which is where my husband and I fell in love with it almost 4 years ago! Mine is sweetened with pure cane sugar and pure fruit juices for a wholesome twist. I hope you love this old Southern favorite as much as we do!

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Every spring, once our Tennessee weather gets warm, I make a batch of my fruit tea. It’s kind of become a marker of spring for us in our house! We enjoy it all spring and summer long, even into fall. It’s such a refreshing drink to beat the Southern heat!

Inspiration Behind My Fruit Tea Recipe

The first time my husband and I were introduced to Tennessee fruit tea was at Biscuit Love here in the Nashville area. After one sip we looked at each other in excitement, it was so good!

Ever since we’ve sought it out at any restaurant that serves it, which is most here in Middle Tennessee. From the Loveless Cafe, to nicer downtown restaurants, to even a roadside coffee stand here in our small town.

After a few years of enjoying it, I wanted to recreate my favorite version right here in our home. We love Biscuit Love’s fruit tea the most so that’s the one I tried to replicate mine after. I hope you love it just as much as we do!

What is Tennessee Fruit Tea? And What’s in it?

Tennessee fruit tea originated here in Nashville. Not what the rest of the world calls fruit tea—a floral tea bag—but rather Southern fruit tea, which combines sweet tea and citrus fruit juices. It’s also called tea punch.

This fruit tea is a blend of Southern sweet tea, orange juice, pineapple juice, and lemon juice. It’s popular at luncheons, tea time, coffee shops, restaurants, and BBQ spots around the Middle Tennessee area.

Even though its roots are here in Nashville, you’ll find it all over the South and in many different flavors. Some people like to add mint or even leave one of the citrus fruits out.

Why We Love This Fruit Tea and Think You Will Too!

1. So Easy to Make: The steps are so simple to follow and it only takes 20 minutes!
2. Refreshing, Perfect for Summer: It’s so refreshing for hot summer days.
3. Wholesome Ingredients: Each ingredient is wholesome; no refined sugars or fruit concentrates!
4. Perfect for Hosting: This drink is the best for hosting all year round! 

Best Tea to Use

My favorite tea brand is Luzianne Tea for making Southern fruit tea. It’s a New Orleans company that uses orange pekoe tea for a smooth, delicious flavor. The type of tea you use will alter the flavor. If you can’t find Luzianne tea in the grocery store, you can order it online.

My Tips for Making Southern Fruit Tea

1. Read the entire recipe before you get started so you know what to expect.
2. Use fresh oranges, not orange juice. It really makes a difference!
3. Add pure cane sugar, not refined sugar; it’s the same sweetness but more wholesome
4. Use pure pineapple juice, like RW Knudsen’s at Walmart, not concentrate.
5. Make sure you let it chill before enjoying; it gets better with time!

Ingredients You’ll Need (with notes and substitutions)

Note: Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post for measurements

• Luzianne tea bags: or any black tea
• water: I use filtered
• baking soda: this helps remove any bitterness
• pure cane sugar: the best wholesome sweetener for sweet tea
• medium-sized navel oranges: I use organic but regular works as well
• pure pineapple juice, no sugar added: I like to use R.W. Knudsen’s at Walmart
• lemon juice: use fresh or pure bottled juice

Helpful Kitchen Tools for this Recipe

This section contains affiliate links to items I use and love for this recipe. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• fine mesh strainer
• medium-sized pot
• pitcher

How to Make Tennessee Fruit Tea

Note: Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post for the full written recipe.

Add 3 cups of water and the tea bags to a medium-sized pot. Warm on high heat, moving tea bags around occasionally, just until it starts making noise before it begins to boil. Take off heat immediately and set on a trivet or cooling rack.

After pot is removed from heat, let tea bags steep (sit in the pot) for 5 minutes. Move them around occasionally. Then remove and discard bags, do not squeeze.

Add baking soda and cane sugar to the pot. Stir until dissolved.

Pour tea mixture into a pitcher and add the remaining 3 cups of water. Stir to combine, and set aside.

Place a fine mesh strainer over the top of pitcher and squeeze oranges to add the juice. Remove strainer and stir to combine. Add pineapple juice and lemon juice (squeeze fresh lemons over a strainer). Stir to combine.

Refrigerate until chilled (preferably a couple of hours) or for best flavor, overnight. Stir before serving, separation is normal. When ready, pour over ice and enjoy!

My Favorite Ways to Serve Fruit Tea

I absolutely love serving this tea on warm days! It goes great with any meal or snack. You can also serve it while guests come to visit, take it to a potluck, or just sip on it after spending time outside.

Here are a few snacks and meals I love enjoying alongside a glass of iced fruit tea:

• Sourdough Southern Cheese Straws
• Sourdough Croissants
• Sourdough Chicken Minis
• Smoky Pulled Chicken Sliders (with Nashville-Style Vinegar Slaw)
• BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza (Grilled or Baked)
• Oven-Baked Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

Storage Instructions

Store fruit tea in a glass pitcher or container for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. It is best enjoyed within the first 2-3 days. Before serving, be sure to shake or stir the tea. It may separate while in the fridge; this is normal. 

Frequently Asked Questions