iced tea recipe

As the blazing Aussie sun beats down, a refreshing selection of iced tea recipes awaits your choice – ready to quench your thirst and provide respite.

While the choices are vast, the classic contender - black tea - reigns supreme with its robust character. However, don't count out the rich green tea or the soothing herbal infusions like the minty liquorice and mint, the tangy lemon and ginger or the fruity explosion of superfruit blends – they’re milder but amazing as iced tea.

To help you cope with the rising mercury, we're here to spill the recipe – the iced tea recipe, that is! And this iced tea recipe will enhance your summer experiences with every one of its icy sips.

what is iced tea?

Iced tea is like a cool oasis in a sweltering world. This beloved chilled beverage is crafted by infusing tea leaves in cold water, extracting their flavours and then cooling the brew further over ice.

A versatile canvas, iced tea recipe can be crafted from an array of tea types and herbal ingredients – each painting a unique taste profile on the palate. While black tea boasts a robust and invigorating character, green tea adds a touch of earthy freshness and herbal infusions offer a soothing, aromatic embrace.

Once you steep the ingredients of your choice, sweeten the drink with sugar, honey or fruit syrups and let the iced tea flavours beat the heat for you.

shop now >> summer teas collection

how to make iced tea?

Discover how to make iced tea with this simple iced tea recipe that we’ve compiled for you.

equipment:

• Pan/kettle

Here’s a list of all that goes into the iced tea recipe.

ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 4-6 black tea bags
• Sugar, to taste (optional)
• Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

Time to dive into all the steps of our iced tea recipe.

instructions

boil the water: Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a boil in a kettle or pot. Once it's rolling, turn off the heat.

add the tea bags: Drop in 4 – 6 tea bags of your chosen type – black tea for a robust kick, green tea for a soothing touch or herbal for a variety of taste. Pop the lid on and let them steep for around 5 to 10 minutes. If you like it stronger, steep a bit longer.

sweeten it: If you're looking to add a touch of sweetness, now's the time. Add sugar or your preferred sweetener to the tea while it's still warm, stirring it in until it's dissolved.

cool down: Once your tea is steeped and sweetened, remove the tea bags and allow the brew to cool down. Accelerate the process by chilling it in the refrigerator.

chill out with ice: Fill your glasses with ice cubes – they're the life of this cool iced tea recipe! Gently pour the cooled tea over the ice in your glasses. Garnish and enjoy.

secret tips and tricks to make best iced tea

tea variety: When it comes to crafting the perfect iced tea recipe, the type of tea you choose sets the stage for the flavour you get to enjoy. Kickstart your taste adventure by experimenting with different tea types. But irrespective of the variety you choose, always opt for high-quality pyramid bags for optimal flavour infusion.

steeping time: Steep those tea bags for only about 10 minutes. Anything longer, and you're skirting the edge of bitterness. The goal of your iced tea recipe is to extract the flavours from the tea leaves without letting bitterness affect the taste.

sweetener: Dissolve sugar in warm tea before cooling it down – this ensures even distribution and no sugar crystals at the bottom. But if you want some sweetness in your iced tea recipe without diving into the sugar pot, there's a better alternative – juice or lemonade.

presentation: Fancy glassware and garnishes aren't just for show – they add to the whole experience of your iced tea recipe. Serve your masterpiece in a jar, garnish with fresh herbs or fruits, and let your iced tea shine like the star it is.

variations in iced tea

The beauty of an iced tea recipe lies in its versatility – it's like a canvas waiting for your artistic touch. So, once you’ve mastered our simple iced tea recipe, experiment and learn how to make iced tea variations.

fruity fiesta: Elevate your iced tea with a splash of fruity goodness in the peach iced tea. Or experiment with berries or tropical fruits like pineapple for a vibrant explosion of flavour.

minty fresh: Channel your inner cool with the lemon iced tea. Throw in a handful of fresh mint leaves or even a peppermint tea bag for an invigorating twist to your iced tea recipe.

herbal oasis: Dive into the world of herbal infusions. Chamomile or hibiscus can transform your iced tea recipe into a tranquil elixir perfect for relaxing.

spice it Up: Warm up your taste buds with a touch of spice. Add cinnamon sticks or a pinch of ginger for a cosy, comforting vibe.

boozy bliss: For the adults in the room, consider a dash of your favourite spirits – vodka or rum can take your iced tea to party mode.

also check >> long island iced tea recipe

ways to store your leftover iced tea

After you’ve tried our iced tea recipe and enjoyed your drink, you may want to learn the art of keeping those delightful sips fresh for later. Storing leftover iced tea is easy. Just pop any leftover iced tea in an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. This will keep it fresh and flavourful for up to a few days. Just remember to stir before sipping as the flavours might meld and mellow a bit over time.

conclusion

In the world of thirst quenchers, iced tea is a timeless companion. Mastering how to make iced tea unlocks a world of flavours – from the robust embrace of black tea to the soothing notes of herbal infusions. As flavours mingle, this simple iced tea recipe transforms into a refreshing art - a perfect chill for sweltering days and laid-back moments.

Whether you're kicking back by the pool or firing up the barbie in the backyard, let this iced tea recipe be your passport to a chilled, flavourful escape – one sip at a time.

faqs on iced tea recipe

Q. how to make iced tea step by step?

A. Here’s your iced tea recipe:

• Boil 4 cups of water and then turn off the heat.
• Add 4 tea bags of choice to the water.
• Steep for 5-10 minutes.
• Remove tea bags and sweeten it.
• Allow the brew to cool in the refrigerator.
• Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour cooled tea and enjoy.

Q. what is the ratio of tea to water for iced tea?

A. For a perfectly balanced iced tea recipe, a common ratio is 1 tea bag or 1 teaspoon of loose tea leaves for every 250ml of water. Adjust the ratio based on personal preference – a bit more tea for a robust flavour or slightly less for a milder brew.

Q. do you steep tea longer for iced tea?

A. When it comes to an iced tea recipe, the sweet spot for steeping is usually 3 to 5 minutes. Any longer, and you might bid adieu to that delicate tea flavour and make it bitter. But if you’re going for cold steeping, then be ready for around 10-12 hours of steeping.

Q. which tea is best for iced tea?

A. When it comes to the popular choice for an iced tea recipe, black tea takes the cake. Its bold flavour stands up well to ice and sweeteners. Green tea offers a milder, refreshing twist. For an herbal iced tea recipe, chamomile or fruity infusions shine. But the best brew? Well…the one that you like the most!