As the temperatures rise, there's nothing more refreshing than a cool, invigorating drink to keep you hydrated and refreshed. Cold brew and iced teas are perfect options for hot days, offering a delightful blend of flavors and a soothing chill. Here, we share some simple and delicious recipes, along with tips for making the perfect cold brew and iced teas at home.
The Basics of Cold Brew Tea
Cold brew tea is made by steeping tea leaves in cold water for an extended period, typically 8-12 hours. This method produces a smoother, less bitter tea with a rich and nuanced flavor profile.
Basic Cold Brew Tea Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 4 cups cold water
- 4-6 teaspoons of loose leaf tea or 4-6 tea bags (black, green, or herbal)
- Instructions:
- Place the tea leaves or tea bags in a large pitcher.
- Add cold water.
- Cover and refrigerate for 8-12 hours.
- Strain the tea leaves or remove the tea bags.
- Serve over ice and enjoy!
Refreshing Cold Brew Recipes
- Citrus Mint Green Tea:
- Ingredients:
- 4 cups cold water
- 4 teaspoons green tea
- 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1/2 lime, thinly sliced
- A handful of fresh mint leaves
- Instructions:
- Follow the basic cold brew tea instructions, adding the lemon and lime slices along with the tea.
- Add fresh mint leaves before refrigerating.
- Strain and serve over ice with additional lemon or lime slices for garnish.
- Berry Hibiscus Herbal Tea:
- Ingredients:
- 4 cups cold water
- 4 teaspoons hibiscus tea
- 1/2 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Instructions:
- Follow the basic cold brew tea instructions, adding the mixed berries along with the hibiscus tea.
- Strain and serve over ice, garnishing with fresh berries.
The Art of Iced Tea
Iced tea is typically brewed hot and then cooled down, offering a different but equally refreshing experience.
Basic Iced Tea Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 4 cups boiling water
- 4 tea bags or 4 teaspoons loose leaf tea
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice
- Instructions:
- Steep the tea bags or loose tea in boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags or strain the loose tea.
- Add the cold water to dilute the tea.
- Refrigerate until chilled.
- Serve over ice and enjoy!
Delicious Iced Tea Recipes
- Classic Lemon Iced Tea:
- Ingredients:
- 4 cups boiling water
- 4 black tea bags
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar (optional)
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Instructions:
- Follow the basic iced tea instructions, adding honey or sugar to the hot tea if desired.
- Stir in the lemon juice after the tea has cooled.
- Serve over ice with lemon slices for garnish.
- Peach Basil Iced Tea:
- Ingredients:
- 4 cups boiling water
- 4 green tea bags
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- Instructions:
- Follow the basic iced tea instructions, adding the peach slices and basil leaves to the hot tea.
- Allow the flavors to infuse as the tea cools.
- Strain and serve over ice with additional peach slices and basil leaves for garnish.
Enjoy these refreshing cold brew and iced tea recipes to stay cool and hydrated on hot days. Whether you prefer the smooth taste of cold brew or the classic refreshment of iced tea, these recipes are sure to delight your taste buds.
