How to Make Iced Tea
Method 1: HOT STEEP & FLASH CHILL
Takes 5-10 minutes
The Hot Steep & Flash Chill method is the best way of making iced tea quickly. In this method we are going to use boiling water to extract the flavors from the tea leaves, then chill it quickly by mixing it well with ice.
Use 1-2 tsp of loose leaf tea per 8 oz of water. We are going to dilute the tea with ice in the following steps, so you may want to use a little bit more tea leaves than if you were steeping hot tea.
Boil the appropriate amount of water needed based on the amount of iced tea you’re making.
Pour the boiling water over your loose leaf tea and fill your container only half way. We’re going to fill the other half with ice cubes shortly.
For pure teas (black, green, oolong, white, etc) we recommend a 5-7 minute steep.
For herbal teas we recommend about a 10 minute steep.
Steep the tea for the recommended amount of time, then remove the tea leaves from the hot water.
At this point, add sweetener if desired. Sweetener is best mixed when the tea is still hot.
Fill the second half of your container with fresh ice cubes. In a matter of minutes, the ice will melt in the hot water, cooling it quickly and diluting the strength of the tea.
Pour over ice and enjoy!
Method 2: COLD BREW
Takes 6-12 hours
The advantage of Method 1 is that you can make iced tea quickly, however the downside is that it can be a bit tricky to get the desired results based on the kind of tea and the size of the container you’re using.
The Cold Brew method is easier and creates more consistent results, but also takes a little more planning ahead, as well as creating a more mild-flavored iced tea.
1) Use 1-2 tsp of loose leaf tea per 8 oz of water.
2) Put the tea in your container and pour cold filtered water all the way to the top.
3) Stick it in the fridge for 6-12 hours. (Leaving it overnight is usually best.)
4) Add sweetener if desired. Serve over ice and enjoy!
Tips for Cold Brew Method:
Taste your cold brew after 6 hours. If it has the desired flavor, you can remove the tea leaves from the water. Because this method steeps so slowly, removing the leaves is optional, but we recommend you do remove them after 12 or so hours as the remaining tea may taste bitter.
Longer steep times extract more flavor and more caffeine.
Method 3: HOT STEEP
Takes 8-12 hours
This method is our favorite, as it produces a strong steep at the perfect temperature. The downside is that it takes time, so planning ahead and brewing your iced tea in the evening and sticking it in the fridge to be ready for the next day is the ideal way.
1) Use 4-6 tsp of loose leaf tea per 1.5 liters of water.
2) Put the tea into your container and pour hot water all the way to the top.
3) Place it in the fridge for 8-12 hours (leaving it overnight is usually best).
4) Add sweetener if desired. Serve over ice and enjoy!