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How to make iced tea at home
23 Nov 2022 • 9 min read
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- How to make iced tea at home
Looking for a thirst-quenching drink that’s perfect for sipping over in the summer months? Turn your attention towards iced tea.
From zingy peppermint to lemon iced tea, there are so many variations of iced tea to try – all of which can easily be made in your kitchen at home with very few ingredients and in very little time.
What is iced tea?
Iced tea is a refreshing beverage that has been enjoyed around the world for centuries and it’s typically made from steeped herbal tea mixed with cool water and ice.1 Iced tea can be made with a variety of ingredients to suit all tastebuds and can even come in iced tea powder.
Is iced tea healthy?
Iced tea is an extremely popular drink worldwide, with approximately 75-80% of tea consumed in the USA being iced. But, is iced tea good for you?
Well, depending on how you choose to make iced tea, it can be a truly refreshing beverage and a healthy alternative to fizzy drinks or sugary juices.
Many iced tea recipes require you to use sugar, however, there are easy ways around this. Why not make your iced tea zesty instead of sweet or use a natural sweetener or sugar alternative such as honey or agave syrup? You could even slice up some apple slices to give it a sweeter flavour or add in a few frozen strawberries for a fruity tang.
Just make sure you stick to the recommended serving size to avoid consuming too much sugar!
How to make iced tea
It couldn’t be simpler to make this fragrant cold drink. All you’ll need to make a full jug of iced tea is:1
- Four teabags of your chosen tea
- Water
- Ice cubes
- Sweeteners (if desired)
Method:
- Place the four teabags in a large jug (preferably 1-litre capacity).
- Fill it to about a third full of boiling water and leave to brew for 5-10 minutes.
- Next, pour in cold water until the jug is two-thirds to three-quarters full.
- Add any sweeteners, whether that’s honey or sliced fruits, or extra flavouring to taste.
- Top up the jug with ice cubes and enjoy!
7 healthier iced tea recipes
After a little inspiration when it comes to creating some of this lip-smacking drink?
Here are 7 different types of iced tea to treat your taste buds with:
1. Black tea with honey and lemon
This is one of the more traditional iced tea options and you can make it using a range of different black teas, from Assam through to Earl Grey. Stir in a teaspoon or two of honey and throw in some lemon slices before serving.
2. Tangy ginger and lemon
This type of iced tea packs a real punch when it comes to flavour. Try using our Heath & Heather Organic Lemon & Ginger tea. You could even grate in some fresh ginger for an even zestier taste.
3. Chamomile and mint
The subtle floral fragrance of chamomile pairs up perfectly with aromatic mint. You could even add in a few sprigs of fresh mint to enhance the flavour even further. If chamomile and mint iced tea isn’t quite sweet enough for you, try stirring a dash of agave nectar in or a sprinkle of stevia.
4. Fragrant lavender and echinacea
Echinacea has a light floral taste. As it can sometimes taste a little bitter, lavender and echinacea is a pleasant combo which works well for those fond of more floral-tasting iced teas.
5. Fruity raspberry leaf and apple
Fruit iced teas can be a real treat on a sunny day and there are fewer options tastier than raspberry leaf. If you want to add a little extra sweetness to it, try tossing in some sliced apples. Other fantastic picks include blackcurrant, orange and coconut. Find out more about raspberry leaf tea and its benefits here.
6. Spiced apple and cinnamon
Apple and cinnamon are a match made in heaven which tastes equally as delicious iced as it does hot. For an even more intense apple taste, add some sliced apple pieces. Lemon slices are also a great option if you want a little less sweetness.
7. Peach iced tea
One of the most popular iced teas is peach iced tea. With a refreshing fruity favour, it’s hard to resist and a perfect choice for a cooling summer drink. Simply make using peach tea bags and even add slices of fresh peaches for extra sweetness and flavour.
The final say
Quick, tasty, and easy to make, there’s nothing better than a cold glass of iced tea on a hot day. A delicious way to stay hydrated, iced tea can be made with various flavours – just make sure to not add too much sugar!
Check out our full range of teas to discover all your favourite flavours as well as utterly unique options which you can easily transform into a refreshing iced tea drink.
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