There are 3 main ways to make iced tea; hot steep, cold steep, and a concentrated reduction. Not all teas work as 'iced tea' due to their flavour profile.

The rule of thumb is to use bold teas with high viscosity and full bodied flavours such as a Berry Blend, Lemon Myrtle Ginger, or Moroccan Mint Green Tea blend. 

Iced Tea Recipe via hot steep method

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Steps (using the Lemon Myrtle Ginger Tea Blend)

1. Place 2 heaped teaspoons of the loose leaf tea per 200ml of water 
   (ensure the loose leaf is either in a large open strainer or directly in a teapot to give it enough room to expand) 
2. Boil kettle to 100° C and pour water over tea leaves
3. Allow to leaves to infuse for a minimum of 10 minutes
4. Add sweetener (sugar, agave, or honey) to taste while warm (but not hot)
5. Allow to cool for at least 20 minutes, remove tea leaves, and serve over ice with fresh fruit garnish

 

Iced Tea Recipe via cold steep method

Preparation Time: 12 hours

This method produces a milder iced tea flavour.

Steps (using the Berry Tea Blend) 

1. Place 3 heaped teaspoons of the loose leaf tea per 200ml in room temperature water
2. Dissolve sugar or honey in small amount of hot water (30ml max)
3. Add the sweetener into the tea mix and sit in fridge for a minimum of 12 hours
4. Add sliced fruit or fresh rosemary in tea mix 1 hour before serving 
5. Serve chilled over ice 

 

Iced Tea Recipe via reduction method 

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

1. Place 3 heaped teaspoons of loose leaf tea per 2 cups of water (approx 400ml) in a small pot and bring to boil
2. Reduce to medium heat and allow the liquid to reduce toward a glaze
3. Mix frequently to ensure loose leaf tea doesn't stick to the bottom
4. Strain out tea leaves and continue reducing the tea mix on medium heat
5. When the reduction becomes the consistency of maple syrup, remove from heat
6. Allow to cool and serve over ice with fresh mint leaves or sliced fruit

Specific teas designed for iced tea

Berry blend

 

 

Lemon Myrtle Ginger