Sipping into Summer: The Cool World of Iced Teas

As the mercury begins its upward climb and the sun stretches its rays a little longer each day, there’s no denying that summer is upon us. And what better way to beat the heat than with a refreshing glass of iced tea?

Iced tea, with its myriad flavours and health benefits, has long been a staple of summertime refreshment. From classic black tea to fruity herbal blends, the possibilities are endless when it comes to crafting the perfect chilled brew. So, let’s dive into the cool world of iced teas and explore the tantalising flavours, brewing techniques, and health benefits that make it the ultimate summer beverage.

The Classic Cool Down: Traditional Iced Teas

When it comes to iced tea, the classic black tea reigns supreme. Whether it’s a brisk Darjeeling or an aromatic Earl Grey, black tea’s bold flavours and robust character make it an ideal candidate for chilling.

For those who prefer a mellower flavour profile, green tea offers a lighter alternative to its black counterpart. Green tea’s grassy notes and subtle sweetness make it a popular choice for iced tea enthusiasts looking for a more delicate brew.

Exploring Flavourful Frontiers: Fruity and Herbal Infusions

While classic black and green teas certainly have their charm, the world of iced teas is vast and diverse, with a plethora of flavours waiting to be explored. Enter fruity and herbal infusions, where the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

From zesty citrus blends to soothing chamomile concoctions, fruity and herbal iced teas offer a refreshing alternative to traditional brews.

The Art of Brewing: Tips for Perfect Iced Tea

Brewing the perfect glass of iced tea is as much art as it is science, requiring just the right balance of flavours, temperatures, and brewing times. To help you master the art of brewing, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Quality Matters: Start with high-quality tea leaves for the best flavour. Whether you prefer loose leaf or bagged tea, be sure to choose a variety that suits your taste preferences.
2. Water Temperature: When brewing hot tea for iced tea, be mindful of water temperature. Different types of tea require different temperatures for optimal flavour extraction, so be sure to follow the recommended brewing guidelines for your chosen tea variety.
3. Brewing Time: Steeping time plays a crucial role in determining the strength and flavour of your iced tea. Be sure to steep your tea for the appropriate amount of time to avoid bitterness or a weak brew.
4. Chill Out: Once your tea is brewed, it’s time to chill out – literally. Pour your freshly brewed tea over ice to cool it down quickly and preserve its refreshing flavour.
5. Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your iced tea creations. Experiment with different tea blends, flavourings, and garnishes to discover new and exciting combinations.

Health Benefits of Iced Tea: Cooling Off with a Boost

Aside from its delicious flavour and refreshing taste, iced tea also boasts a range of health benefits that make it the perfect beverage for summer sipping. From antioxidants that help fight inflammation to hydration that keeps you feeling cool and refreshed, here are just a few reasons to make iced tea your go-to summer drink:

1. Hydration: Staying hydrated is essential, especially during the hot summer months. Iced tea is an excellent way to quench your thirst while keeping you cool and refreshed.
2. Antioxidants: Tea is rich in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Choosing tea with higher antioxidant levels, such as green tea or herbal infusions, can boost your body’s natural defences.
3. Digestive Health: Some herbal teas, such as peppermint or ginger, have been shown to aid digestion and soothe an upset stomach. Sipping on iced herbal tea after a meal can help promote digestion and alleviate discomfort.
4. Calorie-Free Refreshment: Unlike sugary sodas or fruit juices, unsweetened iced tea is virtually calorie-free, making it a healthier option for satisfying your thirst without the added sugar or empty calories.

Here are some recipes we would like to share with you!

Tropical Jasmine Green Tea Cooler

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups water
2. 4 teaspoons Imperial Jasmine Bai Mao Hou
3. 1/2 cup fresh pineapple juice
4. 1/4 cup coconut milk
5. 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
6. Pineapple slices and mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Boil water to 80 °C
2. Pour over jasmine green tea leaves.
3. Let the tea steep for about 5-8 minutes
4. Remove the tea leaves and let the tea cool to room temperature
5. Once cooled, transfer the tea to a pitcher and stir in pineapple juice, coconut milk, and honey/agave syrup
6. Refrigerate until cold
7. Serve over ice with pineapple slices and mint leaves for garnish

Lavender Earl Grey Iced Tea

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups water
2. 4 teaspoons Camellia’s Earl Grey Orange tea leaves
3. 1/4 cup lavender-infused simple syrup*
4. Lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring water to a boil
2. Pour over tea leaves
3. Let the tea steep for about 5-10 minutes
4. Remove the leaves, then stir in lavender-infused simple syrup until dissolved
5. Let the tea cool to room temperature, then transfer to a pitcher and refrigerate until cold
6. Serve over ice with lemon slices for garnish if desired

* In a small saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons of lavender buds, ¼ cup sugar (we used monk fruit), and ¼ cup water to make lavender syrup. After bringing it to a simmer, turn off the heat. Let the lavender buds steep for five to ten minutes, take them out. Allow syrup to cool down to room temperature.

Soothe Iced Latte with Vanilla

Ingredients:

• 4 cups hot boiling water
• 4 teaspoons of Soothe loose leaf tea
• Agave nectar or other sweetener, to taste
• Non-dairy milk
• ¼ teaspoon unsweetened vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon for sprinkling on top
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Bring water to a boil
2. Pour over tea leaves
3. Let the tea steep for about 10-15 minutes
4. Remove the leaves, let it cool to room temperature and refrigerate
5. In a glass fill with ice, pour Soothe tea over top and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract.  Stir to combine
6. Top up with non-dairy milk and dust with cinnamon powder

We hope you enjoy these iced tea recipes and cheers to a season filled with cool sips and sunny skies!