Looking for a thirst-quenching drink that’s perfect for sipping over in the summer months? Turn your attention towards iced tea. This refreshing beverage has been enjoyed around the world for centuries and it’s typically made from steeped herbal tea mixed with cool water and ice.
From zingy peppermint to floral hibiscus, there are so many variations of iced tea to try – all of which can easily be made in your kitchen at home with very few ingredients and in very little time.
Is iced tea healthy?
Depending on how you choose to make iced tea, it can be a truly refreshing beverage and a healthy alternative to fizzy drinks or sugary juices
Many iced tea recipes require you to use sugar, however there are easy ways around this. Why not make your iced tea zesty instead of sweet or use a healthier sweetener such as honey or agave syrup? You could even slice up some apple slices to give it a sweeter flavour or add in a few frozen strawberries for a fruity tang.
How to make iced tea
It couldn’t be simpler to make this fragrant cold drink. All you’ll need to make a full jug of iced tea is:
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- Four teabags of your chosen tea
- Water
- Ice cubes
- Sweeteners (if desired)
Method:
- Place the four teabags in a large jug (preferably 1 litre capacity).
- Fill it to about a third full with boiling water and leave to brew for 5-10 minutes.
- Next, pour in cold water until the jug is two thirds to three quarters full.
- Add any sweeteners, whether that’s honey or sliced fruits, or extra flavouring to taste.
- Top up the jug with ice cubes and enjoy!
You may want to leave the teabags in the jug so they can continue to infuse the water for an even stronger taste.
Six easy iced tea recipes
After a little inspiration when it comes to creating some of this lip-smacking drink? Here are six healthy iced tea recipe suggestions to treat your taste buds with:
Black tea with honey and lemon
This is one of the more traditional iced tea options and you can make it using a range of different black teas, from
Assam through to
Earl Grey. Stir in a teaspoon or two of
honey and throw in some lemon slices before serving.
Tangy ginger and lemon
This type of iced tea packs a real punch when it comes to flavour. Try using our
Heath & Heather Organic Lemon & Ginger tea. You could even grate in some fresh ginger for an even zestier taste.
Chamomile and mint
The subtle floral fragrance of chamomile pairs up perfectly with aromatic mint. You could even add in a few sprigs of fresh mint to enhance the flavour even further. If
chamomile and mint iced tea isn’t quite sweet enough for you, try stirring a dash of
agave nectar in or a sprinkle of
stevia.
Fragrant lavender and echinacea
Echinacea has a light floral taste. As it can sometimes taste a little bitter,
lavender and echinacea is a pleasant combo which works well for those fond of more floral-tasting iced teas.
Fruity raspberry leaf and apple
Fruity iced teas can be a real treat on a sunny day and there are fewer options tastier than
raspberry leaf. If you want to add a little extra sweetness to it, try tossing in some sliced apple. Other fantastic picks include blackcurrant, orange and coconut.
Spiced apple and cinnamon
Apple and cinnamon are a match made in heaven which tastes equally as delicious iced as it does hot. For an even more intense apple taste, add in some sliced apple pieces. Lemon slices are also a great option if you want a little less sweetness.
Check out our full range of
teas to discover all your favourite flavours as well as utterly unique options which you can easily transform into a refreshing iced tea drink.
Last updated: 4 May 2020
Sources
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https://www.teapigs.co.uk/blogs/news/how-to-make-iced-tea-in-5-easy-steps