Iced Tea Drinks: Easy Recipes to Enjoy On Hot Summer Days

Nothing is better than a good, comforting cup of tea. Whether it is green tea, black tea or herbal infusions, it is the ideal companion for any time of the day. However, during the warm season we may seek a more refreshing beverage and, at the same time, enjoy the health benefits attributed to tea, such as its antioxidants, a reduced caffeine content, a boost to our immune system and more. Enter iced tea, which can be cold-steeped or brewed the traditional way.

There are endless combinations and variations when it comes to preparing iced tea, including bubble tea. You can make creative recipes and add sodas or fresh fruit for sweetness, and obtain a delicious final drink with beautiful aesthetics.

We asked our baristas about the best iced tea recipes. Read on to learn how to make them at home. We also encourage you to create your own. Don’t forget to use high-quality tea and if possible, like you would do with coffee, filtered water.

Brewing Your Tea

To prepare a good cup of tea, you need to pay special attention to water temperature, which should be below boiling point. The ideal brewing temperature for black tea is around 85°C, whereas green teas ask for a lower temperature of 70 °C, and herbal infusions around 100 °C. The ideal steeping time is around 2 - 3 minutes, although this will depend on the specific type of tea.

Iced Chai Latte

To prepare the iced version of this popular tea staple, you need good quality English Breakfast Tea. You can also use a decaf version.

• 1 teaspoon of English Breakfast Tea

• 250 ml filtered water.

• Your milk of preference.

For the spice syrup

• Spice mix. Traditionally, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper and cardamom, but you can add your favourite spices.

• Water

• Your favourite sugar.

Brew the tea and steep for around 3 minutes. Filter, set aside and let it cool.

Prepare the chai syrup

In a small pan, boil the water and sugar. This will be enough for around 500 ml of concentrated syrup. Then reduce the heat and leave it for around 5 minutes.

Slightly crack the spices with a knife blade and add them to the pan. Stir and continue to cook for another five minutes.

Remove from heat and let it cool.

Fill a glass with ice. Add a dash of syrup. Top with cold tea. Add your favourite milk. Stir and enjoy.

Iced Earl Grey Tea

• 1 teaspoon of Earl Grey Tea.

• 250 ml of filtered water.

• Lemon.

Brew the tea and let it steep for 2 minutes. Let it cool down.

Fill a glass with ice and a slice of lemon. Pour the tea. Add some honey for sweetness. 

Iced Mulled Wine Tea

The hibiscus and elderberries in our mulled wine fruit and herbal mix make it a great ingredient for a refreshing summer mocktail.

• 1 teaspoon of Mulled Wine Tea

• 250 ml of filtered water.

• Lemon or orange seltzer.

Brew the tea at 100 °C. Let it cool.

Fill a glass with ice and add the herbal tea. Top with some seltzer.