This Iced Guava White Tea Lemonade is fruity, bright, refreshing, and perfect for hot days. Inspired by the discontinued Starbucks Guava White Tea Lemonade, this homemade version is easy to make, lighter on sugar, and full of tropical flavor.
With white tea, guava juice, fresh lemon juice, and plenty of ice, this drink is crisp, sweet, slightly tangy, and incredibly satisfying. It tastes like something you would order from a café, but you can make it at home for a fraction of the price.
Why You’ll Love This Iced Guava White Tea Lemonade
This drink is simple, refreshing, and made with just a handful of ingredients. It is perfect for summer afternoons, brunch, backyard dinners, or anytime you want something fruity and cold.
The guava juice gives the drink a tropical sweetness, while the lemon juice adds brightness and balance. White tea keeps the flavor light and delicate, making this drink smooth instead of heavy.
You can also customize it easily. Make it sweeter, more tart, stronger in tea flavor, or even creamy with a splash of coconut milk.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Steeping Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2 small drinks or 1 large drink
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American-Inspired
Calories: About 71 per serving
Ingredients
- ½ cup hot water
- 1 teaspoon honey, optional
- 1 white tea bag
- ½ cup ice cubes, plus more for serving
- 1 cup guava juice or guava nectar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste
Ingredient Notes
White Tea
White tea has a light, delicate flavor that pairs beautifully with guava and lemon. It keeps the drink refreshing without making it too strong or bitter.
If you cannot find white tea, green tea is a great substitute. Black tea can also work, but it will create a stronger, bolder flavor.
For extra tea flavor, use 2 white tea bags instead of 1.
Guava Juice
Guava juice or guava nectar gives this drink its tropical fruity flavor. Guava nectar is usually sweeter and thicker than regular juice, so taste before adding extra sweetener.
Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but fresh lemon makes the drink brighter and more refreshing.
Honey
Honey is optional. Depending on your guava juice, the drink may already be sweet enough. You can also use sugar, agave, maple syrup, or simple syrup.
Ice
Ice is important for chilling the tea quickly and giving the drink that classic iced lemonade feel.
How to Make Iced Guava White Tea Lemonade
Step 1: Brew the Tea
Add ½ cup hot water to a heat-safe measuring cup.
Stir in the honey if using.
Add the white tea bag and let it steep for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Chill the Tea
After 10 minutes, add ½ cup ice cubes directly to the brewed tea.
Let the tea continue steeping for another 10 minutes as the ice melts.
This method cools the tea while keeping the flavor strong and smooth.
Remove and discard the tea bag.
Step 3: Add the Guava and Lemon
Stir in the guava juice and fresh lemon juice.
Taste and adjust if needed. Add more lemon juice for tartness or more honey for sweetness.
Step 4: Serve Over Ice
Fill 1 large glass or 2 small glasses with ice.
Pour the guava white tea lemonade over the ice.
Serve immediately and enjoy cold.
Tips for the Best Guava White Tea Lemonade
Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
Steep the tea long enough so the flavor does not get lost once mixed with juice and ice.
Taste before adding honey because guava juice can already be sweet.
Use chilled guava juice if you want the drink extra cold.
For a stronger tea flavor, use two tea bags.
Do not over-steep black tea if using it as a substitute, because it can become bitter.
Easy Variations
Frozen Guava White Tea Lemonade
Brew the tea ahead of time and freeze it in ice cube trays. Blend the tea cubes with guava juice and lemon juice for a frozen version.
Guava Limeade Tea
Replace the lemon juice with fresh lime juice for a sharper tropical flavor.
Coconut Guava White Tea Lemonade
Add ¼ to ½ cup coconut milk for a creamy tropical drink.
Guava Green Tea Lemonade
Use green tea instead of white tea for a slightly stronger earthy flavor.
Mango Guava Lemonade Tea
Replace half of the guava juice with mango juice for a sweeter tropical blend.
Pineapple Guava Tea Lemonade
Use half guava juice and half pineapple juice for a bright island-style drink.
Make Ahead Instructions
You can brew the tea up to 1 day in advance.
Store the brewed tea in the refrigerator until ready to mix.
For best flavor, mix the guava juice and lemon juice just before serving, but the fully mixed drink can also be stored in the fridge.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover guava white tea lemonade in a covered jar or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Stir before serving.
Serve over fresh ice for the best texture and flavor.
Serving Ideas
This drink is perfect on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with light meals and summer recipes.
Serve it with:
- Grilled chicken
- Turkey sandwiches
- Summer salads
- Fruit salad
- Burgers
- Chicken wraps
- Picnic lunches
- Brunch dishes
- Avocado toast
- Pasta salad
It is especially refreshing with spicy food because the fruity sweetness balances the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use green tea instead of white tea?
Yes. Green tea works well and gives the drink a slightly stronger flavor.
Can I make this without sweetener?
Yes. If your guava juice is sweet enough, you can skip the honey completely.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Yes, but fresh lemon juice tastes much better and gives a brighter flavor.
Can I make a big batch?
Yes. Double or triple the recipe and store it in a pitcher in the refrigerator. Add ice only when serving.
Can I use lemonade instead of lemon juice?
Yes, but the drink will be much sweeter. If using lemonade, reduce or skip the honey.
Can I add coconut milk?
Yes. Coconut milk makes the drink creamy and tropical. Start with ¼ cup and add more to taste.
Recipe Card
Iced Guava White Tea Lemonade
A refreshing homemade guava white tea lemonade inspired by the discontinued Starbucks favorite. Fruity, bright, lightly sweet, and perfect for hot days.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Steeping Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2 small drinks or 1 large drink
Ingredients
- ½ cup hot water
- 1 teaspoon honey, optional
- 1 white tea bag
- ½ cup ice cubes, plus more for serving
- 1 cup guava juice or guava nectar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste
Instructions
- Add hot water to a large measuring cup.
- Stir in honey if using.
- Add the white tea bag and steep for 10 minutes.
- Add ½ cup ice cubes and let the tea steep for 10 more minutes as the ice melts.
- Remove and discard the tea bag.
- Stir in guava juice and lemon juice.
- Fill glasses with ice.
- Pour the guava white tea lemonade over the ice.
- Taste and adjust with more lemon juice or honey if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
For a stronger tea flavor, use 2 white tea bags.
For a less sweet drink, use unsweetened guava juice and skip the honey.
For a creamy version, add a splash of coconut milk.
For a frozen drink, freeze the brewed tea into ice cubes and blend with guava juice and lemon juice.
Nutrition Estimate
Per serving:
- Calories: 71
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 16g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 8mg
- Vitamin C: 32mg
Nutrition may vary depending on the brand of guava juice and sweetener used.
Final Thoughts
This Iced Guava White Tea Lemonade is the perfect drink when you want something fruity, refreshing, and easy to make at home. It has tropical guava flavor, delicate white tea, and just enough lemon to make every sip bright and cooling.
Whether you are missing the Starbucks version or simply want a beautiful homemade iced drink, this recipe is a keeper.