Iced Tea Recipes: 3 Brewing Methods
The three brewing methods described below are simply guidelines, and choosing which to use may be dependent on your personal time clock. Each method produces 16 ounces (2 cups) of tea, but feel free to adjust ratios to make desired amount. Individuals also have the autonomy to select tea type, whether it be loose leaf or tea bags and green, black, or other tea assortments.
Method 1: Cold Brew
In a pitcher, pour two cups of cold water over two tea bags. Allow to sit in the fridge for at least eight to 12 hours, or overnight, and pour over ice when ready to serve.
Method 2: Hot Brew
Pour a cup of hot water (around 190 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit) over two tea bags and steep for five minutes. Dilute the tea by adding a cup of cold water, pour over ice, and serve.
Method 3: Sun Brew
Whether in a sunny window or outside in the full sun, follow the cold brew method ratio and allow the tea to steep for at least six hours. If steeping outside, sterilize the tea bags under hot water to lessen the risk of bacterial contamination.
Additional Tea Tips
- A good cup of tea starts with high quality water. Though tap water is mostly acceptable, using spring or filtered water is highly recommended for a smoother, more desirable taste.
- Teas generally steep between three to five minutes, though varying types have differing steep time recommendations:
- One minute: Green tea
- Three to six minutes: Black tea
- Six to eight minutes: Oolong tea
- Eight to 12 minutes: Herbal tea
- Rather than steeping tea longer for stronger tea, add more of it. Most tea ratios are one tea bag or teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per 6 to 8 ounces of water (approximately one cup), though can be manipulated to satisfy preference.
9 Refreshing Iced Tea Recipes
1. Peach Tea
Blend pitted peaches in a food processor for approximately one minute, or until they have been broken down into a smooth liquid. Stir the peach puree into either black or green tea.
2. Chai Tea
Served warm or chilled, the spices of Chai tea are nonetheless desirable. Sure you can purchase the already prepared chai tea bags, or can you be extra zealous and create this homemade recipe.
3. Tropical Green Tea
To prepared green tea, add fresh lemon and lime juice, along with a few frozen pineapple chunks. Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge and bask in the tropics (or at least the flavors of)!
4. Blueberry Mint Tea
In the bottom of a tall glass, muddle mint leaves and fresh blueberries. Add ice cubes, pour black tea atop, and garnish with a fresh mint sprig and blueberries.
5. Watermelon and Basil Tea
To desired tea, add ¼ cup of cubed, bite-sized watermelon pieces along with a couple sprigs of basil. Lightly muddle and stir to develop and enrich the flavors.
6. Sparkling Cranberry Tea
Muddle fresh cranberries in the bottom of a glass then add ice and green tea. Top with a splash of seltzer water for a refreshing, bubbly tea drink!
7. Arnold Palmer
Named after the golf legend, Arnold Palmer, the drink is a mixture of iced tea and lemonade.
8. Tea Popsicle
From glass to on a popsicle stick, try freezing your tea. Compared to artificially flavored and sugar-packed popsicles, the use of tea is a more natural way to keep hydrated and cool during warm summer days. Simply pour preferred tea (including the refreshing ideas above) into popsicle molds, freeze, and enjoy!
9. Mar(tea)ni
Swap out your tea cup for a martini glass! Although an unconventional mixer, tea has “steeped” up and proven itself to be a valuable player behind the bar. (And no, not as a long island iced tea…) From this Earl grey martini to a tea tini vodka cocktail, have fun experimenting with various flavors.
