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!

 

 

The holiday season is almost upon us, and we love this time of year that is filled with gifts and delicious treats. But the most delightful is cozying up by the fire or enjoying holiday festivities with the best Earl Grey tea in Australia.

Earl Grey tea ingredients are mainly a combination of single-origin black tea infused with oil from the peel of bergamot oranges. Combined, it highlights a bright and complex brew with a subtle aroma and deep flavour. As a result of the traditional process used to create black tea blended with the fragrance of citrus, this is one of the favourite teas served all around the world.

How to enjoy Earl Grey tea during the holidays

You can brew a cup and enjoy sip by sip whilst decorating the house or wrapping Christmas gifts. 

Include these tea flavours into your afternoon tea spread or serve them up at your family holiday tea or dinner party. Brew them in a teapot with orange peels and a touch of sweetener to take the flavour up a notch. 

These are also excellent gifts for people who love or have teas on their wish list for Santa this year. 

Include Earl Grey tea in your holiday food recipes. Hint - Earl Grey tea cookies and cake are delicious. Why not spice up your hot chocolate by adding this tea into the mix? Yum!

Discover our range of Earl Grey teas

• Supreme Earl Grey - Our Supreme Earl Grey combines whole leaf black tea, marigold flowers, lemon peel & cold press bergamot oil for a beautifully balanced traditional Earl Grey with a twist of citrus.

• French Earl Grey - Let the French superlatives flow with every sip of this magnificent, rich blend. An Earl Grey with a twist. Put the bon into bonjour every morning with this tea that is aptly described as a ‘melody of fruit’. Typically, gallic – deep and complex, comprising of whole leaf black tea, rosehip, pineapple pieces, mango pieces, marigold, rose petals, cold press bergamot oil, passion fruit, soursop, and strawberry flavour. Best enjoyed whilst wearing a beret.

• Cream of Earl Grey - Here’s a twist on a regal classic. Delicately blends single origin white tea with the classic natural flavours of Earl Grey for a tea that delivers hints of vanilla with subtle hues of bergamot. If you’re hosting a high tea this is the tea to impress. An Earl Grey tea that doesn’t need milk and perfect for an after dinner relaxing treat.

Brewing a perfect cup of Earl Grey tea

• For the best flavour always use fresh, filtered, low mineral cold water. Never reboil the water as it loses oxygen and becomes flat.
• Water temperature has a profound impact on infusion quality, so brewing to the correct temperature will make sure you extract the optimum flavour of this tea at 99C.
• Steeping time is very much a matter of taste when it comes to Earl Grey. Most tea connoisseurs steep their tea at 2-4mins.
• Exact measurements will vary depending on how strong you like your tea, how large your favorite cup is, and how many cups your teapot holds. For loose tea, we recommend one and a half teaspoon per eight-ounce cup.
• Enjoy it with lemon or milk or savour the natural flavour and color straight from the pot.

Earl Grey tea benefits

A cup can boost your overall health. Here’s a breakdown of earl grey tea benefits. 

• Energy booster - Earl Grey features a caffeine boost like coffee without some side effects. Caffeine levels in tea are lower and can perk you up and keep you active throughout the day. 

• Improves Immunity – A key ingredient in Earl grey tea is bergamot. It has become recognized as having many health benefits. While it adds that delicious citrusy flavour to the tea, it also has antibacterial properties that give your immune system a boost. This tea is an ideal cold remedy. 

• Boosts metabolism - Citrus has always been believed to encourage weight loss and combined with the polyphenols in the tea will increase your metabolism to quicken the weight-loss process. Next time you enjoy a cuppa Earl Grey, try adding lemon for a great taste and benefit to your body!

• Improves digestion - It helps protect your gut health and support the digestion process. And if you need more reasons to drink Earl Grey, these same ingredients have natural anti-inflammatory qualities that can help relieve constipation and acid reflux.

Celebrate the holidays with Earl Grey tea

Bold in flavour. Rich in holiday spirit. There’s an Earl Grey for everybody. Take a moment to sit down, relax and enjoy one of our aromatic and flavourful Earl Grey teas.

 

 

Matcha is more than just a vibrant green tea; it’s a centuries-old tradition, an art form, and a health-boosting elixir that has won hearts worldwide. But where did matcha come from, and how has it evolved into the beloved beverage we enjoy today? Let’s take a closer look at its fascinating journey.

The story of matcha begins in the early 12th century when a Japanese monk, Shoichi Kokushi, brought tea seeds from China to Japan. These seeds, planted in fertile Japanese soil, became the foundation for a tea-drinking culture that has lasted for centuries. Japan’s Shizuoka region, known as the tea capital of the country, now produces some of the finest matcha in the world.

During the Kamakura period (1185–1333), the practice of drinking powdered green tea was introduced by Zen Buddhist monks. It was not just a drink but also a meditative practice. By the 15th century, the art of tea-making had become an integral part of Japanese culture, culminating in the development of the traditional tea ceremony. Matcha, with its vibrant colour and unique flavour, became the centerpiece of this ritual.

             

True matcha has a rich, complex flavour profile. High-quality ceremonial-grade matcha is known for its umami, a savoury taste complemented by a subtle sweetness and a creamy texture. Culinary-grade matcha, while slightly more robust, retains the characteristic vegetal notes and a lingering sweetness that makes it ideal for lattes and culinary creations.

Matcha is a power house of health benefits:

• Rich in Antioxidants: Packed with catechins, particularly EGCG, matcha helps combat free radicals and supports overall health.

• Boosts Energy and Focus: The combination of caffeine and L-theanine provides a calm yet alert state, enhancing productivity without the jitters.

• Supports Detoxification: The chlorophyll in matcha aids in detoxifying the body, flushing out toxins naturally.

• Promotes Relaxation: L-theanine fosters a sense of calm and relaxation, making matcha a great choice for mindfulness practices.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Matcha

Selecting the right matcha is crucial because it directly impacts the quality of your tea experience. Always opt for organic matcha, as it ensures you're consuming the purest form of ground tea leaves without any additives. Since matcha involves consuming the whole leaf, organic certification guarantees the absence of harmful chemicals.

Tea Drop’s matcha comes from the Tenryu Region of Shizuoka, Japan, where expert farmers cultivate tea leaves under shaded canopies for up to two weeks before harvest. This traditional method boosts the chlorophyll content, giving matcha its vibrant green colour and delicate vegetal flavour.

Freshly packed at the source in Shizuoka, Tea Drop matcha preserves its rich flavour, vivid colour, and captivating aroma. This careful packaging is essential, as matcha oxidizes quickly after production, impacting its quality. Choosing matcha packed at the origin ensures an exceptional tea experience every time.

Our Ceremonial Green Matcha is perfect for traditional preparation, offering an unmatched umami flavour and smooth finish. For more versatile uses, our Japanese Pure Organic Matcha (culinary grade) shines with its subtle vegetal notes and lingering sweetness, ideal for lattes and other creations.

Whether hot or cold, brewing matcha is an art. Here’s how to create the perfect cup:

How to Make Ceremonial Green Matcha the Right Way

• Ingredients: 1 tsp Japanese ceremonial matcha, 60 ml (2 oz) hot water (70°C).

• Instructions:

  1. Prepare matcha bowl by warming it with boiled water.

  2. Prepare matcha whisk by soaking the tips in boiled water for about 10 seconds.

  3. Using the matcha spoon add one spoon of matcha to bowl and 75ml of hot water. (70°C)

  4. In a slow "W" motion, submerge any loose bits of matcha that maybe floating on the surface of the tea.

  5. Whisk the tea more briskly in a back-and-forth motion until the surface of the matcha becomes frothy.

  6. Consume immediately.

Iced Matcha Latte with Pure Organic Matcha

• Ingredients:

  • 1 tsp Japanese Pure Organic Matcha (culinary grade)

  • 60 ml (2 oz) hot water (70°C)

  • 200 ml (7 oz) cold milk (dairy or plant-based)

  • 1 tsp sweetener (optional)

  • Ice cubes

• Instructions:

  1. Add 60 ml (2 oz) of hot water and whisk vigorously in a zigzag motion using a bamboo whisk (or a small hand whisk) until the matcha is dissolved and a frothy layer forms on top.
  2. Mix in 1 tsp of your preferred sweetener while the matcha is warm to ensure it blends seamlessly.
  3. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour 200 ml (7 oz) of cold milk over the ice.
  4. Gently pour the whisked matcha over the milk, creating a beautiful, layered effect.
  5. Stir gently before sipping or enjoy the aesthetic layers before mixing.

 

Tea Drop’s matcha, with its exceptional quality and taste, invites you to experience the art of matcha in every sip. Whether you prefer a traditional hot brew, a refreshing iced latte, or any other culinary creation, our matcha brings the best of this centuries-old tradition to your cup.

Turmeric tea has become one of the most searched-for wellness drinks in Australia, and for good reason. Combining tea and turmeric brings together the earthy, peppery warmth of the spice with the comfort of a daily brew, whether prepared simply with turmeric powder or blended with complementary spices like ginger, cinnamon and black pepper.

Tea Drop's turmeric range draws on centuries-old tradition, including a recipe inspired by a 4,000-year-old formulation, reimagined as an easy, caffeine-free daily ritual.

What is turmeric tea?

Turmeric tea is an infusion made from turmeric, either as a powder or blended with other spices and botanicals, steeped in hot water or milk. Depending on the blend, turmeric tea can be prepared as a bold, latte-style drink or a lighter, more delicate infusion, and is naturally caffeine-free.

Turmeric and water: the simplest base

At its simplest, turmeric tea is made from turmeric and water. This straightforward version is a good building block for those new to turmeric tea, though blended versions with ginger, citrus or spice tend to offer a more rounded flavour profile.

How to make turmeric tea

How do you make turmeric tea?

To make turmeric tea, whisk or stir turmeric powder into hot water or milk, or steep a pre-blended turmeric tea infusion for several minutes, then strain if loose ingredients are used.

How to make turmeric tea from turmeric powder

1. Add roughly half to one teaspoon of turmeric powder to a cup.
2. Pour over hot water or steamed milk.
3. Stir or whisk until fully combined, as turmeric powder can clump if added too quickly.
4. Add spices such as ginger or black pepper if desired, then adjust to taste.

Turmeric hot tea recipe with ginger

A ginger turmeric powder tea combines the earthy warmth of turmeric with the natural heat of ginger. Stir turmeric and ginger powder into hot water or milk, allowing the spices to infuse for a few minutes before drinking. For a ready-made version, Tea Drop's Turmeric Ginger blend combines turmeric, ginger, liquorice and orange peel into a lightly spiced, floral infusion.

Turmeric tea benefits

Turmeric has long been used in traditional wellness practices, and many turmeric tea blends are formulated to support this role as part of a daily routine. Black pepper is often included in turmeric blends, as it's traditionally understood to help activate turmeric's natural properties.

Depending on the blend, turmeric tea may also include ginger, cinnamon or citrus, ingredients traditionally associated with supporting digestion, circulation and general wellbeing.

Tea Drop's turmeric range 

Turmeric Latte

Inspired by a 4,000-year-old recipe, Tea Drop Turmeric Latte blends finely ground turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and black pepper into a bold, nourishing drink. Black pepper activates the natural anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, delivering gentle, sustained energy without caffeine.

Comforting as a hot latte or blended into smoothies and yoghurt, it's a versatile daily ritual designed to restore balance and wellbeing.

Turmeric Ginger

Tea Drop Turmeric Ginger builds on ginger's long-revered healing properties with a carefully balanced blend of turmeric, ginger, liquorice and orange peel. Lightly spiced with floral accents, this caffeine-free infusion supports circulation, digestion and respiratory wellness. Comforting and revitalising, it's a gentle daily tonic designed to restore balance and support overall wellbeing. 

 

Turmeric Zest

Tea Drop Turmeric Zest is a vibrant, immune-boosting infusion inspired by ancient remedies and crafted for modern wellbeing. Creamy vanilla notes are balanced with hibiscus, citrus peel and gentle earthy undertones, creating a light yet comforting tea. Rich in antioxidants and naturally caffeine-free, it supports immunity, promotes healthy skin, and helps keep the body feeling strong, balanced and energised through seasonal challenges. 

Turmeric Tonic

Designed for life on the move, Tea Drop Turmeric Tonic is a bright, refreshing infusion that helps keep the body feeling energised and balanced. Turmeric and ginger work together to support immunity and digestion, while mint, citrus and warming spices stimulate the senses and promote clarity. Light and invigorating, this tonic is ideal when a cold feels close, during travel, or whenever an extra lift is needed.

 

 

Each blend can be kept fresh in Tea Drop's dedicated Turmeric Storage Tin, designed to protect the vibrant colour and potent spice profile of turmeric powder from light and moisture.

 

Looking for a ginger-forward option?

For those drawn to the ginger side of a turmeric and ginger tea pairing, Tea Drop's Lemongrass Ginger offers a turmeric-free alternative worth knowing about. A fresh and vibrant herbal blend where citrusy lemongrass meets warming ginger, this light yet grounding infusion delivers a balanced cup that feels clean, uplifting and quietly comforting from first sip to last. It's a natural companion to the turmeric range for anyone building out a rotation of warming, spiced teas.

Turmeric tea recipes and beverage ideas

Turmeric doesn't need to be limited to a simple hot drink. A few ways to enjoy it:

• Golden latte: Whisk turmeric latte powder into steamed milk for a comforting, caffeine-free alternative to coffee.
• Iced turmeric tonic: Shake Turmeric Tonic with cold water and ice for a refreshing daily drink.
• Turmeric smoothie: Blend Turmeric Latte powder into smoothies or yoghurt for an easy nutrient boost.
• Spiced turmeric and ginger tea: Combine turmeric and ginger powder with hot water and a touch of honey for a simple homemade version.