The days are getting longer and that means the heat will follow. The sea breeze helps. So does a cold jug of tea waiting in the fridge.
Iced tea is one of the easiest things you can make with loose leaf. There are two ways to do it. The cold method takes a night and asks nothing of you. The hot method has it ready the same day. Here is how we make both, and the blends we reach for when the weather warms up.
What you need
- A one litre jug, glass if you have it
- Four heaped tablespoons of loose leaf tea
- A fine sieve, or a strainer that sits over the jug
- Plenty of ice
- Fruit or fresh mint to finish
Brew it stronger than you would a hot cup. The ice softens it as it melts, so a brew that tastes bold in the jug tastes just right in the glass.
Why loose leaf for iced tea
Loose leaf has room to open up in the jug, and it gives you a full, rounded brew that holds its own against the ice. You can also see exactly what is going in: whole leaf, petals, peel and spice.
The cold method, overnight
This is the gentle way. Cold water draws the flavour out slowly, so the tea comes out smooth and mellow, with none of the bitterness a black or green tea can pick up when it is rushed.
- Spoon four heaped tablespoons of tea into the jug.
- Fill it with cool water. Tap water is fine, filtered is lovely.
- Cover the jug and leave it in the fridge overnight. Give it a stir if you think of it.
- In the morning, strain the leaves out through a sieve into a clean jug.
- Serve over ice with slices of fruit or a sprig of mint.
Some recipes leave the jug on the bench overnight. We keep ours in the fridge, so it stays fresh and it is cold and ready when you are.
The hot method, ready the same day
For when you want iced tea today, not tomorrow.
- Spoon four heaped tablespoons of tea into a heatproof jug.
- Pour over freshly boiled water.
- Let it steep for four to five minutes. Herbal blends can go longer, to taste.
- Strain out the leaves, let the tea cool, then chill it in the fridge.
- Pour over plenty of ice and finish with fruit and mint.
Green tea is the exception. Let the kettle rest to about 80 degrees and keep the steep short, or it can turn bitter. If you like your iced tea sweet, stir in honey or sugar while the tea is still warm and it will dissolve properly.
Which tea makes the best iced tea?
Almost any loose leaf makes a good iced tea, and herbal blends are the most forgiving of all. These are the ones we come back to every summer. You will find them together in our best iced teas collection.
Tea Garden. Our Gold winner at the Golden Leaf Awards. Australian grown green tea with strawberry, raspberry, apple, hibiscus and rose petals. Light, fruity and floral over ice. It is a green tea, so use the cooler water and a steep of one to two minutes.
Organic Saharan Sunset. Hibiscus with spearmint and rose. It pours a deep crimson, tart and fresh, and it is naturally caffeine free. Beautiful with a slice of orange.
Cape to Cairo. South African rooibos with rosehips, hibiscus and orange peel. Tangy, rounded and naturally caffeine free.
Calypso. A bright herbal blend of lemon balm and peppermint, with rosehips, ginger, orange peel, rose petals, jasmine flowers and cinnamon. Lovely with lemon.
Organic Moroccan Mint. Gunpowder green tea with spearmint and peppermint. In the markets of Marrakech it is poured hot and sweet as a welcome. Over ice it is just as generous. Let the kettle cool a little first and steep for two to three minutes.
Make it your own
The fruit is where you can play. A few pairings to start with:
- Organic Saharan Sunset with orange slices
- Tea Garden with fresh berries
- Cape to Cairo with lemon and fresh mint
- Calypso with cucumber and lemon
- Organic Moroccan Mint with extra mint and a squeeze of lemon
How long does iced tea keep?
Without fruit, a jug of iced tea keeps in the fridge for a day or two. Add the fruit as you pour, rather than to the jug.
Frequently asked questions
Can you cold brew any loose leaf tea?
Most of them, yes. Herbal blends are the most forgiving, and black and green teas cold brew beautifully because the slow, cool steep keeps them smooth.
How much loose leaf tea do you need for iced tea?
Four heaped tablespoons for a one litre jug. That is more than you would use for a hot pot, because the ice will dilute it.
Is iced tea caffeine free?
It depends on the tea. Herbal blends like Organic Saharan Sunset and Cape to Cairo are naturally caffeine free. Green and black teas, including Tea Garden and Organic Moroccan Mint, contain caffeine.
Can you make iced tea with tea bags?
Yes. Use a few more bags than you would for a hot pot, and follow either method above. Our tea bags work well for it.
Should iced tea be made hot or cold?
Both work. The cold method gives the smoothest result and takes a night. The hot method is quicker and gives a bolder brew.
Every order comes with a free sample sachet, so there is always something new for the next jug. And if you are passing through Cowaramup, call into the shop at 68 Bussell Highway and ask Cathy which blend she would put in your jug.