Iced tea is practically synonymous with summer. It's the perfect refreshment on a hot day, and the mere idea of a cold pitcher filled to the brim summons fond memories of summers past. From the first clink of ice in a glass to the last rejuvenating sip, it's a soothing treat meant to be enjoyed by everyone under the sun.
Without tea bags or Tea Forté's iced tea pyramid infusers on hand, it may sound complicated to brew a batch of this beloved seasonal favorite, but the process of making it with loose leaf tea is more straightforward than it might seem. It's actually a simple three-step recipe: steeping the leaves with the appropriate time and temperature, letting it cool, and serving it over ice.
Our double-walled POOM Glasses make the perfect vessel for serving refreshing iced tea. Photo by @tinathelen
Perfect Summer Iced Tea Blends
While Tea Forté offers a phenomenal selection of specialty Tea Over Ice ® blends and iced teaware, you can also steep any of your favorite hot tea blends and simply serve them chilled over ice. The loose tea blend you choose is completely up to you, and there's a broad array of sumptuous flavor profiles to choose from. We've broken things down into 3 categories:
1. Floral Iced Teas
For a floral iced tea, consider a blend like Cherry Blossom, an impressionistic cherry blossom green tea. For something a little sweeter, try Wildflower Honey Citrus, an ambrosial citric summer green tea. Peach Brûlée is a black tea blend with hints of peach and cream, and for some berry goodness, Black Currant is a fruit-forward black tea selection with burst of currant. Looking to cut out the caffeine? Try our Mango Citron herbal blend, a lush tropical getaway in a glass.
Get creative this summer and try some of your favorite loose tea blends over ice.
2. Classic Summer Cocktail
To get creative with your iced tea selection, consider blends that offer elements often found in classic summer cocktails: Radiance has a distinct rosemary note reminiscent of the garnish used in an ice-cold gin & tonic, complementing its grapefruit base. Try it in our recipe, Sparkling Love Affair. The upside of teas from the Wellbeing Collection are their energizing ingredients (including powerhouse antioxidants) and non-alcoholic nature make them a bottomless energy drink on a hot day.
3. Flavor-Forward Iced Teas
Last but not least, for a flavor-forward iced tea with unforgettable pink hue, try the gently tart Hibiscus Blossom for a light, fruity taste. Summer Strawberry, Lemon Sunshine and Mystic Açai are our newest summer flavors, bursting with fruit flavors and perfect for iced tea enjoyment. Pink Papaya Nectar and Tropical Passion Flower are tropical tasting favorites and delicious over ice as well.
Make it even easier
Specialty iced teaware like the Tea Jay Iced Tea Maker make it easy to brew an extra concentrated batch of loose leaf tea for iced tea making. It comes complete with a loose tea filter, glass carafe, and lid to quickly steep, dilute, chill, and serve in just minutes. The carafe can also be stored in the refrigerator if you can't drink it all in one sitting. For more iced tea preparation methods and ideas, click here and make it a thirst-quenching summer to remember.
Making iced tea with loose tea is easy with the Tea Jay Iced Tea Maker.
STEEPING ICED TEA WITH LOOSE TEA
Make a batch of iced tea at home in your own pitcher:
Prepare the hot water: Heat the water in a tea kettle, following the temperature and timing guidelines, see below for details.*
Prepare the loose tea: Use 2 teaspoons of loose leaf tea per 1 cup of water. Add an additional 1-2 teaspoons per cup for a stronger, bolder flavor, or if using a delicately-flavored tea.
- Once the water is ready, pour the tea leaves and hot water into a large heat-proof pitcher and steep for the blend's recommended period of time. Once steeped, pour the hot tea concentrate into a serving pitcher, straining out the tea leaves with a infuser basket or fine-mesh strainer.
- To sweeten, add 1/4 cup of sugar or honey per 1 gallon of tea and adjust to taste. Stir well until fully dissolved.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or let cool to room temperature and serve over extra ice.
Optional: For a tasty and decorative flourish, add slices of citrus, sprigs of fresh mint, or a garnish of your choice.
*Steeping Guidelines: For black and herbal teas, steep at 208˚F for 3-5 minutes for black teas, and 5+ minutes for herbals. For oolong teas, steep at 175-185˚F for 3-5 minutes. For green and white teas, steep at 175-185˚F to for 2-3 minutes to avoid burning the delicate leaves.
