What Type of Tea Is Best for Iced Tea?
Iced tea can be made by either hot brewing or cold brewing. According to the brewing method, tea can be preferred. Black tea is often used for iced tea. However, green tea, white tea, or oolong tea can also be used.
In addition, when making iced tea, attention should be paid to the quality of the tea. High quality leaf tea bags or loose leaf tea should be used.
For more, check out our ‘Types of Tea’ post.
How To Make the Best Lemon Iced Tea?
To make the best cold tea at home:
- Use fresh lemons.
- Use high quality tea. Opt for loose-leaf tea or a high-quality leaf tea bag.
- Do not use very hot water. Boiling water can make the tea bitter. Therefore, brew the tea at 180-190 °F (80-90 °C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Allow the tea to cool to room temperature before adding ice or cold water.
- Make sure the sugar is completely dissolved. Cook sugar and water in a small saucepan until completely dissolved. Then add it to the tea.
- Also, iced tea can be made by either cold brewing or hot brewing.
- If you are using green tea, opt for the hot-brew method. Otherwise, the tea may become bitter.
How To Make Hot Brew Tea?
To make iced tea with the hot brew method;
Measure the tea. Use 1 teaspoon of leaf tea or 1 black tea bag for a cup of iced tea. If you want a stronger tea flavor, increase the amount of tea; for a lighter tea flavor, decrease the amount of tea.
Heat the water. Adjust the temperature of the water according to the type of tea you use. Be careful not to boil the water for too long.
Brew the tea. Infuse the tea for 3-5 minutes, depending on the type of tea you use. After brewing, remove the tea bags or strain the loose leaf tea. Transfer the tea to the jug. Be careful not to brew the tea for too long. Otherwise, the tea may sting.
Sweeten the tea. Add sugar, honey, or syrup while the tea is hot. Mix until completely dissolved.
Cool the tea. After waiting 5-10 minutes at room temperature, put the tea in your refrigerator.
How To Make Cold Brew Tea?
To make iced tea with the cold brew method;
Measure the tea. Use a teaspoon of tea leaves or a tea bag per cup.
Add water. Put the tea in the jug and add cold water to it.
Sweeten the tea. Boil sugar and water in a pot. Then let the mixture cool to room temperature. When completely cool, add to the jug.
Cool the tea. Refrigerate the prepared tea mixture for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Strain the tea. Strain the leaf tea or remove the tea bags.
What To Serve with Lemon Iced Tea?
Here are our delicious recipes that you can serve with Lemon Iced Tea:
- Classic Ceviche
- Baked Chicken Parmesan
- Tuna Sandwich
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Corned Beef Sandwich
- Lobster Roll
- Madeleines
- Baked Tortilla Chips
How To Store Lemon Iced Tea?
You can store this freshly homemade iced tea in a glass jar with a lid or a jug in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can Homemade Lemon Iced Tea Be Frozen? Yes. You can freeze lemon iced tea. Pour the cold tea you have prepared into ice cubes or put it in a freezer bag. When you want to use it, put the iced teas in the jug.