What teas can be used for iced tea?
You can use all kinds of teas to brew your iced tea, whether it's green or black, white or rooibos – the most important thing is to find a flavor that suits you.
To achieve the best result, it's important to brew with good loose leaf tea, so it can have plenty of contact with the water and give the tea depth and strength.
We recommend cold brewing iced tea, meaning letting it steep in cold water for 8-12 hours. This way, you avoid the tea becoming bitter during the process.
When choosing the perfect tea for your iced tea, it's a bit like being a child in a candy store – the possibilities are endless, and each tea has its own unique characteristics.
Black Tea – The Classic Favorite
Black tea is known for its robust flavor and dark color and is a timeless classic for brewing iced tea. The tea has a strong, full-bodied aroma that pairs well with the sweetness of sugar, and it retains its distinctive taste even when cooled.
Green Tea – The Fresh Alternative
Green tea is a fantastic option for those seeking a lighter and more subtle flavor experience. The tea has a mild taste, providing a refreshing flavor, perfect for summer.
White Tea – The Delicate Choice
White tea is the most delicate of all tea varieties and is known for its soft and light flavor. It's perfect for those seeking a more nuanced tea experience and a lighter aroma.
Oolong Tea – The Best of Both Worlds
Oolong tea is an exciting hybrid between black and green tea, offering a unique flavor profile that is both full-bodied and aromatic. With notes ranging from sweetness to an almost nutty depth, oolong is an exciting choice for experimental iced tea brewers.
Herbal Tea – Caffeine-Free Indulgence
For those who prefer a caffeine-free option, herbal tea is an excellent choice. With its wide range of flavors, from the deep, earthy tones of rooibos to the bright, floral sweetness of chamomile, herbal tea opens up a world of possibilities.
How to Brew Your Own Homemade Iced Tea
- Use a bottle or pitcher that you can place in the refrigerator – preferably with a swing-top lid, but a good large soda bottle also works well.
- You can use a tea filter or put the tea directly into the pitcher or bottle. How much tea you need depends on how strong you like your iced tea. But you should typically use a larger amount than when brewing hot tea – we recommend 15 - 20 g per liter.
- Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and let it steep – possibly overnight; 8-12 hours gives the best result.
- If you like your tea a little sweetened, you can make a sugar syrup from 1 part sugar and 1 part water. Boil it in a pot until it bubbles slightly, and then place the syrup in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can sweeten your tea with a little acacia honey.
- Once the iced tea has steeped, it's ready to be filtered and served. You can also add a little lemon juice to taste.
- Serve it with ice cubes and a slice of lemon.
