Iced tea is a way of drinking tea that is perfect for hot days or just when you feel like something fresh. While many people are quick to reach for ready-made iced tea or tea in bags, making iced tea with fresh loose tea offers a whole new dimension of flavour. With loose tea, you can better control the strength and intensity of the tea, and you can choose from many different flavours, from light and delicate to robust and spicy.
There are different methods of making iced tea, each with their own benefits and flavour profiles. In this blog, we will discuss three popular ways to make iced tea with fresh loose tea: the hot method, cold brew (cold extraction), and the so-called ‘flash brew’ method.
1. The Hot Method: Traditional Iced Tea
Hot brewing is probably the most well-known way to make iced tea. It is quick, easy and produces strong, flavourful tea. The trick with this method is that you brew the tea with hot water, then cool it with ice or by leaving the tea in the fridge.
Ingredients:
- 6-8 grams of loose tea (about 2-3 teaspoons)
- 500 ml hot water
- Ice cubes
- Optional: honey, sugar, or another sweetener of your choice
Instructions:
- Heat water to the right temperature for the tea you are using.
- Add the loose tea to the water and steep for the recommended time (e.g. 2-3 minutes for green tea, 3-5 minutes for black tea). Use more tea than you normally would for a hot tea, as the melting ice will dilute the tea.
- If you want to sweeten the tea, this is the best time to add sugar, honey or another sweetener so that it dissolves well in the hot tea.
- Pour the hot tea over a glass filled with ice. The ice will cool the tea quickly and dilute the tea to the desired strength. Add more ice if needed.
- Garnish the iced tea with a slice of lemon, mint leaves or any other fresh flavouring, depending on your preference.
Benefits:
- This method is perfect if you want a quick refreshing iced tea.
- Since you start with hot water, the flavours of the tea come out fully.
Tea tip:
For black tea and oolong, this method is ideal, as the higher temperatures bring out the powerful flavours well. For example, try our Classic Strong English or a fruity black tea for a rich, full-bodied iced tea.
2. Cold Brew Method: Gentle and Slow Extraction
Cold brew (or cold extraction) has become a popular method, especially in the coffee world, but it also works very well for tea. In this method, you let the loose tea slowly steep in cold water over an extended period of time. The result is a smooth, pure flavour without the bitterness that sometimes comes with hot water.
Ingredients:
- 6-8 grams of loose tea
- 1 litre of cold water
- A large jug or glass bottle
- Optional: lemon slices, mint, berries, or other flavourings
Instructions:
- Put the loose tea in a large jug or bottle and add cold water. Stir briefly to distribute the leaves.
- Place the jug or bottle in the fridge and let the tea steep slowly. For green tea, 4-6 hours is enough, while black tea and oolong can steep for 8-12 hours for a more intense flavour.
- Strain the tea to remove the tea leaves and pour the cold tea into glasses filled with ice. Add any additional flavouring such as lemon slices or fresh mint for a fresh touch.
Benefits:
- Cold brew tea has a milder and rounder flavour because the tannins are less likely to be released in cold water. This means the tea is less likely to turn bitter.
- You can make cold brew tea in advance and store it in the fridge for several days.
Tea tip:
Cold brew is perfect for delicate teas like green tea, white tea, and light oolongs. Try a jasmine green tea or a tea with citrus notes for a refreshing and light iced tea.
3. Flash Brew Method: Quick Cooling for Instant Freshness
The flash brew method is a hybrid between the hot and cold brew methods. You brew the tea with hot water, but immediately use lots of ice to cool the tea down quickly. This is a great method for making a quick cup of iced tea without compromising on flavour.
Ingredients:
- 6-8 grams of loose tea
- 250 ml hot water
- 250 ml ice cubes (8-12 standard ice cubes)
- Optional: sweeteners or flavourings such as mint, lemon or syrups
Instructions:
- Brew your loose tea as you normally would, but with half the normal amount of water. For example, use 250 ml of hot water and let the tea steep for the recommended time.
- Pour the hot, concentrated tea directly over a large glass or jug filled with ice. The ice will melt quickly and cool the tea immediately, giving you a fresh and flavourful iced tea without having to wait.
- Add extra ice if desired and serve immediately. You can also garnish the iced tea with fresh herbs or fruit for an extra touch of flavour.
Benefits:
- Flash brew is perfect when you are in a hurry but still want tasty iced tea.
- This method retains the intensity and freshness of the tea, without the long waiting time of cold brew.
Tea tip:
Flash brew works well with fruity and floral black teas, such as an Earl Grey or a black tea with berries, because the rapid cooling preserves the flavours without oxidising them.
