Orange Cinnamon Hydration Tea with Electrolytes

When the weather turns cooler, I love having something warm and flavorful to sip throughout the day. This Orange Cinnamon Hydration Tea with Electrolytes is a simple way to turn a few basic ingredients into a cozy, citrusy drink that's as enjoyable as it is easy to make.

Fresh oranges are simmered with a cinnamon stick to create a naturally fragrant tea with bright citrus flavor and gentle cinnamon warmth. Once the tea has steeped, I stir in unflavored electrolytes, then serve it with a fresh orange slice in each cup.

It's a lovely alternative to plain water when you're craving something with a little more flavor.

Why You'll Love This Orange Cinnamon Tea

There are only a handful of ingredients in this recipe, but they create a surprisingly flavorful drink.

Fresh oranges provide bright citrus flavor and natural sweetness, while cinnamon adds warmth and makes this tea feel especially cozy during the cooler months.

I also love that the recipe isn't dependent on added sugar. The orange provides plenty of natural flavor, and the unflavored electrolytes blend easily into the tea without competing with the citrus and cinnamon.

And while I especially enjoy this tea warm, it can also be chilled and poured over ice for a refreshing drink.

A Simple Way to Add Electrolytes

I use unflavored Saltr electrolytes in this recipe because they allow the orange and cinnamon flavors to remain the focus.

The electrolytes are added after the tea has finished simmering and steeping. This keeps the preparation simple and gives you an easy way to incorporate them into a flavorful homemade beverage.

Ingredients You'll Need

Oranges

Fresh oranges are the star of this tea. Thinly slicing them allows the citrus oils and flavor to infuse into the water as it simmers.

Cinnamon Stick

A whole cinnamon stick provides a gentle cinnamon flavor without overpowering the orange. I prefer using a cinnamon stick rather than ground cinnamon because it creates a cleaner tea.

Water

Four cups of water creates enough tea for several servings.

Unflavored Electrolytes

I use one packet of Saltr unflavored electrolytes. Since electrolyte products vary, use the amount recommended on the product you're using.

How to Make Orange Cinnamon Hydration Tea

• Start by thinly slicing two oranges. Set aside four slices to use when serving. Add the remaining orange slices, one cinnamon stick, and four cups of water to a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and simmer for about five minutes. You'll notice the water becoming fragrant as the orange and cinnamon infuse.

• Remove the saucepan from the heat, cover it, and let the tea steep for another 10 minutes.

• Remove the cinnamon stick and orange slices. Stir in the unflavored electrolytes until dissolved.

• To serve, place one of the reserved orange slices into each glass or cup and pour the warm tea over it.

• For an extra refreshing version, allow the tea to cool and serve it over ice.
  

Warm or Over Ice?

That's one of the things I love about this recipe—it works both ways.

For a cozy cup: Serve the tea warm with a fresh orange slice floating in the cup.

For iced tea: Let the tea cool completely, refrigerate it, and serve over plenty of ice with a fresh orange slice.

The iced version would be especially refreshing in the afternoon or after a workout.

Make It Part of Your Hydration Routine

I think of this recipe as a way to make hydration a little more enjoyable. Sometimes plain water just isn't what I'm craving, and having something lightly flavored and homemade makes it easier to reach for another glass.

The combination of orange and cinnamon also makes this tea feel right at home during the fall and winter months. It's simple enough for an everyday drink but pretty enough to serve when you have guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this tea ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the tea as directed, allow it to cool, and refrigerate it in a covered container. Add fresh orange slices when serving.

Can I serve it cold?

Absolutely. Chill the finished tea and serve it over ice for a refreshing orange-cinnamon electrolyte drink.

Can I use ground cinnamon?

I recommend a cinnamon stick for the cleanest result. Ground cinnamon can make the tea cloudy and may settle at the bottom of the glass.

Can I use another citrus fruit?

You can experiment with other citrus fruits such as lemon, lime, or grapefruit. Keep in mind that the flavor and sweetness will change depending on the fruit you use.

Orange Cinnamon Hydration Tea with Electrolytes Recipe