Making Iced Tea - A Beginner's Guide

By Andrew Gadsden

Thu 25 Sep 2008


Iced Tea is delicious in the Summer, and easier to make than you might think.


Iced Tea is a great drink, and so easy to make. On a hot summer's afternoon, what could be better than to relax in a sunny garden with a fresh, delicious jug of home-made Iced Tea and a newspaper?

So here are some pointers:

  • Choose a suitable tea.   As a general principle, choose teas that are light, bright and not too full-bodied.  Assams for example are seldom suitable as they are rich and will continue brewing as you chill them.  This produces a bitter and unpleasant result.
  • Use loose-leaf tea and make it properly!   Just because you're chilling it does not mean that you should skimp on making the tea with care and attention.  Quite the opposite!  Iced Tea is not forgiving of poor preparation.   So use loose leaf tea, and follow the brewing instructions on your tasting notes.
  • Once the tea is brewed, transfer it straight to a jug, cover it and put it in the fridge.
  • Leave for an hour or more, then add ice cubes if desired.
  • You can also add herbs and other ingredients if you wish - try fresh mint, parsley, sage and borage. Many iced teas are delicious added to alcoholic or non-alcoholic cocktails.   We recommend you taste the tea before you add extra ingredients.
  • Serve in highball tumblers decorated with a sprig of mint and enjoy!