If you’re looking for ways to stay cool this summer or simply want to enjoy your tea in fresh, creative ways, it’s time to explore iced tea and cold brew. These simple, delicious methods are the perfect alternative to sugary juices or fruit-infused water.
Not only is tea naturally full of antioxidants and health-supportive compounds, it’s also endlessly versatile. From fruity and floral to rich and malty, there’s a style for every mood.
Why We Love Cold Brew Tea
Making iced tea is easy, but cold brewing takes it to the next level. This method gives you a smoother, more balanced flavour with less bitterness than traditional hot brewing. It’s also incredibly simple: just add tea (plus any extras you like) to cold water, and let it steep in the fridge.
Here are refreshing, easy to make, and endlessly customizable ice tea recipes. We’ve included grown-up twists for each recipe and easy flavour swaps so you can keep your drinks exciting all season long.
Recipe: The Basic Cold Brew Iced Tea
Ingredients:
- 6 tbsp black tea of your choice (We recommend Strong English Breakfast for bolder flavor, or Darjeeling Black for a lighter brew).
- 2L cold, filtered water
- Optional: Orange or lemon slices, fresh berries, or other fruit
- Optional Sweetener of your choice
Directions:
- Add tea to the water, stir gently.
- Add fruit slices or sweetener if desired.
- Refrigerate for 4–8 hours.
- Strain the tea leaves and serve over ice.
Tips:
- Don’t steep longer than 8 hours — overbrewing can create bitterness.
- If it’s too strong, dilute with more cold water. Too light? Add more tea leaves next time.
- For an adult twist, add fresh mint and a splash of dark rum.
HOT BREW METHOD
Hot Brew Iced Tea (Quick Method)
If you need iced tea right now, you can adapt any cold brew recipe with this shortcut:
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp black tea
- ½ L boiling water (only use boiling water for black or herbal tea)
- 1½ L cold water + ice
Directions:
- Steep tea in boiling water for 2–5 minutes (2 minutes for a lighter brew, longer for stronger flavour).
- Strain tea leaves and immediately mix with cold water and ice.
- Add optional fruits or sweeteners, and serve right away.
Recipe: Caffeine-Free African Mint & Hibiscus Iced Tea
Perfect for: Kids, caffeine-sensitive sippers, and vibrant summer parties.
This naturally caffeine-free iced tea is a gorgeous ruby-red, with cooling mint and tangy hibiscus. Add fresh fruit juice for a naturally sweet, antioxidant-rich treat.
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp African Mint
- 2 tbsp Hibiscus
- 2 liters cold water
- Optional: Sweetener of your choice
- Optional: Fresh berries or a splash of orange, pineapple, or apple juice
Directions:
- Combine tea, water, and sweetener (if using) in a large pitcher.
- Refrigerate for 4–10 hours.
- Strain the tea leaves, add fresh berries if desired, and serve over ice.
- Grown-up twist: Add a shot of vodka for a minty, tangy summer cocktail.
Flavour Variations:
- Add fresh strawberries for a Mint Berry Hibiscus cooler.
- Mix in a few sprigs of basil for a herbal twist.
Peach Ginger Iced Green Tea
Perfect for: Afternoon pick-me-ups and spa-day refreshment.
Juicy peaches and zesty ginger bring bright energy to antioxidant-rich green tea. Sparkling water adds a bubbly finish that feels like a treat.
Ingredients:
- 5 tbsp Peachy Green loose leaf tea
- 2 tsp fresh ginger (or 1 tbsp dried Ginger Root)
- ½ cup sliced peaches
- 1.5 L cold water
- ½ L sparkling water
- Optional: Sweetener of choice
Directions:
- Combine tea leaves, ginger, peach slices, cold water, and sweetener (if desired) in a pitcher.
- Refrigerate for 3–6 hours, tasting periodically to avoid bitterness
- Strain tea and ginger, then add sparkling water just before serving.
-
Grown-up twist: Swap the sparkling water for sparkling wine or add a splash of spiced rum.
Flavour Variations:
- Add mango slices for a Tropical Peach Ginger tea.
- Replace sparkling water with coconut water for natural sweetness.
Lemonade Iced Tea
Perfect for: BBQs, picnics, and summer moments.
Bright, tangy, and classic this lemonade and iced tea combo is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
For Lemonade
- Juice of 6 lemons (about 1 cup)
- 6 cups cold water
- Sweetener of choice (we used ¼ cup of stevia sugar)
For Iced Tea
- 3 tbsp black tea – Try Assam TGFOP for bold flavor
- 1L cold water
- Optional Sweetener of choice
Directions:
- Mix lemon juice with 6 cups of water and sweetener, then refrigerate.
- In another container, combine black tea, cold water, and sweetener (if using). Refrigerate for 4–6 hours.
- Strain the tea leaves, then mix iced tea with lemonade.
- Garnish with lemon slices, lime wedges, or fresh mint.
-
Grown-up twist: Add a shot of bourbon for a Southern-style treat.
Flavour Variations:
- Add lavender buds for a Lavender Lemon Iced Tea.
- Mix in muddled raspberries for a berry-lemon burst.
Sparkling Cucumber Cold Brew White Tea
Perfect for: Brunch, poolside sipping and refreshing post-yoga hydration.
Cool, crisp cucumber pairs perfectly with delicate white tea. This one feels like a spa day in a glass.
Ingredients:
- 6 tbsp Bright white tea blend
- 2 cups sliced cucumber
- 1 L cold water
- 1 L sparkling water
- Optional: fresh dill, mint or basil
Directions:
- Combine tea, cucumber, herbs (if using), and water in a pitcher.
- Refrigerate for 3–6 hours.
- Strain the tea leaves, add sparkling water, and serve chilled.
- Grown-up twist: Add a splash of gin for an elegant cocktail.
Flavour Variations:
- Add lemon slices for a Lemon Cucumber White Tea.
- Use watermelon instead of cucumber for a fruity twist.
