As the temperatures start to rise, many of us look for ways to stay cool and refreshed. One of the best ways to do so is by sipping on a glass of iced tea. Iced tea is a classic summer drink that has been around for generations. However, there are so many different types of tea to choose from, and it can be challenging to know which one is the best for making iced tea. In this article, we will share with you the best tea for iced tea, how to infuse them, and some delicious recipes to try out.

What is Iced Tea

Iced tea is a refreshing and flavourful drink that is perfect for hot summer days. It's made by brewing tea and then chilling it with ice. Iced tea can be served plain or with added flavors such as lemon, honey, or mint. Iced tea is a popular and healthy drink, and there are many different varieties to choose from.

The Best Tea for Iced Tea - Black, Green, and Herbal Infusions

The best tea for iced tea is a matter of personal preference. However, there are three types of tea that are commonly used. These are black tea, green tea, and herbal infusions.

Black tea is the most popular tea used to make iced tea. It has a robust flavour and can hold up well to the addition of sweeteners and other flavours. Some popular black teas for iced tea include Ceylon black tea, Darjeeling, and Earl Grey.

Green tea is lighter and more delicate tea than black tea. It has a slight vegetal flavour and is often used to make iced tea that is a bit more refreshing. Some popular green teas for iced tea include Jasmine, Sencha, and Dragonwell.

Herbal tea is not technically tea, but rather an infusion of herbs, fruits, and flowers. It's a great option for those who want a caffeine-free alternative to traditional tea. Some popular herbal teas for iced tea include mint, chamomile, hibiscus and various fruit teas.

Benefits of Drinking Iced Tea

In addition to being a refreshing drink, iced tea also has several health benefits. Fresh brewed iced tea is always better than carbonated drinks and processed juices. It will keep you hydrated and it’s a great source of antioxidants, which can help boost metabolism. Iced tea also contains less caffeine than coffee, making it a great alternative for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake. Additionally, the goodness of fruits in the tea and garnishing helps keep the immune system and skin healthy.

Infusing Iced Tea with Fruits and Herbs

One of the best things about iced tea is that it's incredibly versatile. You can infuse it with fruits and herbs to create a unique and flavourful drink. Some popular fruits and herbs to add to iced tea include lemons, oranges, strawberries, raspberries, mint, and basil. To infuse your iced tea, simply add the fruit or herbs to the tea while it's steeping. You can also add the fruit or herbs directly to the glass for a more intense flavor and as beautiful garnishing.

5 Delicious and Creative Iced Tea Recipes

Southern Sweet Tea: This is a classic iced tea that is sweet and refreshing. To make it, brew our South Melbourne Breakfast black tea and add sweetener of your choice. Add lemon slices and chill with ice.

Green Tea with Mint and Lemon: This is a refreshing and healthy iced tea that's perfect for a hot summer day. Brew Japanese Sencha green tea, add fresh mint leaves, and stir in honey. Chill with ice and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Lemongrass and Ginger Iced Tea: This iced tea is packed with flavour and antioxidants. Brew Lemongrass Ginger tea, add fresh apple slices, a cinnamon stick, and a handful of mint leaves, and sweeten with honey. Chill with ice and garnish with a slice of orange.

Strawberry Basil Iced Tea: This iced tea is fruity and herbaceous. Brew English Breakfast black tea, add fresh strawberries and basil leaves, and sweetener of your choice. Chill with ice and garnish with a strawberry and a sprig of basil.

Peach Iced Tea: This is a classic iced tea with a sweet and fruity twist. We use oolong tea for this recipe. Brew Sweet Peach tea, add sliced peaches, and sweeten with honey. Chill with ice and garnish with a peach slice.

How to Make Iced Tea with Fruit Infusions

• Brew your tea using your favourite method.
• While the tea is still hot, add your preferred fruit or herb. You can also add sweeteners of your choice at this point.
• Let the tea steep for a few minutes until it's cool enough to add ice.
• Pour the tea into a glass full of ice and garnish.

Tips to Make Perfect Iced Tea Every Time

• Use loose leaf & brew it twice as strong. Eg: If you normally use 1 tsp of Lemongrass Ginger for a hot tea, use 2 tsp for your cold tea. And if you use a standard 230 ml of hot water, drop that down to 150 ml of hot water.⁠
• Go beyond standard green or black teas. Try fruit teas, rooibos teas and flavoured teas. Try different flavours. You never know what you will enjoy. ⁠
• Sweeten with juice or lemonade. Great alternative to sugar.⁠
• Go wild with fruit. ⁠
• Play with herbal infusions. Like fruit, herbs bring a lot of flavour. ⁠
• Just experiment. Unlike coffee, with iced tea if there’s a flavour you like, you can replicate it. You can have fruity, floral, savory, sweet, umami.

Your Perfect Iced Tea Recipe Awaits You!

Iced tea is a classic summer drink that is perfect for staying cool and refreshed. Whether you prefer black, green, or herbal infusions, there's a perfect iced tea recipe out there for you. Try infusing your tea with fruits and herbs for a unique and flavourful twist. Remember to use high-quality tea leaves and fresh ingredients for the best results. Cheers to a refreshing summer ahead!

Try out one of our iced tea recipes and let us know which one is your favourite!

 

 

Say hello to our brand new Artisan Drinking Chocolate. Full-bodied and incredibly luscious, this ultra-dark cocoa blend is simple to make and utterly delicious to drink - for the perfect hot chocolate experience in the comfort of your own home!

The Cocoa Blend

With a blend of 100% African Trinatrio & Forastero cocoa beans, and with double the cocoa butter of regular cocoa, it creates a rich and silky flavour that’s unmatched. The delightfully creamy texture is then perfectly balanced with chocolate flavours, deep earthy undertones and a hint of plum jam & toasted almond. 

A Touch of Sweetness

We take pride in using Australian ingredients when we can, with this blend featuring all-natural and sunkissed raw cane sugar straight from tropical Queensland, subtly lifting and sweetening our drinking chocolate to the perfect degree.

Blended in Melbourne 

Blended right in the heart of Melbourne with the highest standards of care, our specialty drinking chocolate is blended in small batches to ensure the perfect flavour is always achieved. We avoid using GMO ingredients, and value the importance of simple, high quality yet tasty products.

• 42% cocoa
• 100% Vegan Friendly
• No colours, flavourings or preservatives
• Gluten Free

So snuggle up at home this winter with a delicious cuppa of our hot chocolate & let your worries drift away with each satisfying sip!

Quench your thirst this new year's with our newest and most delicious iced tea flavours. Enjoy our teas on ice and get ready for them to become a delicious and refreshing summer favourite. 100% natural, easy to make and can be sweetened or unsweetened.

Strawberry Guava

The perfect tea for warm nights and summer afternoons.

Beat the heat with an iced glass of our blend or indulge in a warm cuppa packed with chunks of tropical fruit, berries and floral notes for an all-natural high. Thick on the throat and light on the senses this zesty tea comes with pineapple, hibiscus, elderberries and more for an authentic punchy finish.

Tropical Sky

Take a sip of our sunny blend and be transported to the tropics.

Generous chunks of candied tropical fruit, sunny blossoms and natural flavour combine to give you a tangy tangerine finish with subtle hints of mango that will cool you down. Ideal for ice teas or warm sips of goodness, our Tropical Sky is like sunshine in your mouth.

Beat the heat of summer with our refreshing new iced teas. Try them today! 

There’s something truly magical about pairing tea-infused desserts with a refreshing iced tea. The balance of warm, aromatic notes in a cake with the crisp, fruity essence of a chilled tea creates an experience worth savouring. Today, we’re sharing a delightful combination: Berry Glazed Earl Grey Tea Cake paired with Sweet Peach Iced Tea—a match made in tea heaven!

Why Tea & Dessert Pairings Work

Tea and desserts complement each other in unique ways. The tannins in tea balance the sweetness of baked goods, while their natural flavours enhance one another. Pairing the right tea with a dessert can elevate both elements, making each bite and sip more enjoyable.

The Dessert: Berry Glazed Earl Grey Tea Cake

This tender, flavourful cake is infused with Supreme Earl Grey, featuring black tea, citrusy bergamot, and a hint of floral elegance. The richness of the cake is beautifully contrasted by a vibrant berry glaze, creating a dessert that is both indulgent and refreshing.

Recipe: Berry Glazed Earl Grey Tea Cake by Elise Pulbrook

Cake Ingredients:

• 220g sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 200g natural yoghurt

• 5 tbsp bergamot-infused olive oil

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 tbsp Supreme Earl Grey tea

• 200g melted butter

• 250g plain flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tsp baking powder

Method:

1. Blitz the sugar and eggs in a food processor until smooth.

2. Add the yoghurt, infused olive oil, and vanilla extract. Blitz to combine.

3. Add the remaining ingredients and blitz until just combined (less than 3 seconds).

4. Pour into a lined cake tin and bake at 180°C for 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Allow to cool in the tin.

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup strawberries, mashed

• 2 blackberries, mashed

• 3/4 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar)

Method:

1. Mash the strawberries and blackberries together in a bowl until you have a chunky puree.

2. Sift the icing sugar into the puree and mix until smooth.

3. Drizzle the glaze over your cake and let it set before serving.

A refreshing glass of Sweet Peach Iced Tea perfectly complements the richness of the cake. Its naturally sweet, fruity notes bring a light and refreshing contrast to the buttery texture of the dessert.

For the best results, we recommend using the Tea Drop Tea Maker to brew your Sweet Peach Iced Tea effortlessly. For detailed brewing instructions, visit our Sweet Peach Tea page to learn more.

The next time you’re hosting an afternoon tea or looking for a special treat, try pairing a tea-infused dessert with a complementary iced tea. The Berry Glazed Earl Grey Tea Cake and Sweet Peach Iced Tea combination is sure to impress, offering a symphony of flavours in every bite and sip.

Cheers to tea, cake, and perfect pairings!