These loose leaf teas taste great over ice, from tangy fruit and hibiscus blends to cool mint and light white teas.
Fruit blends are the most popular for iced tea, such as Pineapple Mojito, Fuzzy Peach, Pomegranate Raspberry and Strawberry Hibiscus Sangria. The Cold Brew line, like Cold Brew Watermelon Lime, steeps right in cold water.
For something cooler, try Watermelon Mint Agua, Cucumber Lemon Refresher or Moroccan Mint. White Champagne and White Garden Bouquet make light, floral iced white teas. Learn more about cold brew tea.
Brew the tea double strength, using about twice the usual leaf per 250 ml of hot water and the normal steep time. Pour it straight over a full glass of ice so it chills fast without tasting watery.
Cloudiness often happens when strong black or green tea is chilled quickly in the fridge. It is harmless. Letting the tea cool to room temperature first, or cold brewing it, helps keep it clear.
Homemade iced tea tastes best within 1 to 2 days. Keep it covered in a clean glass pitcher, and strain out the leaves before storing so it does not turn bitter.
Sugar does not dissolve well in cold tea, so stir it in while the tea is hot or use simple syrup. Honey, agave and fruit slices also work well with fruit and mint blends.