Iced Tea Methods and Tips

Finally, the weather is officially warming up. On those extra warm days, what is better than a huge glass of icy iced tea? Nothing! Here are three brewing tips and methods that you might find handy when making your next batch of iced tea this summer.

1) Quick & Easy – Heat water to correct brewing temperature per tea leaves being used. DOUBLE the amount of tea leaves or bags normally used, but don’t double the water. Also double the sweetener if applicable. Steep tea for correct time and pour the concentrated brew over ice. Viola! A quick cup or pot of iced tea.
2) Drink & Reuse – Sometimes pitchers or tumblers of iced tea are nice and more beneficial when the leaves are kept in the brew. To stop the brewing process, brew double the tea leaves to half the water. When steeping time is up, add ice to the brew and fill the cup/pitcher/tumbler. Then just strain the tea leaves as you drink or pour a glass. The brew won’t get bitter and you can reuse the tea leaves.
3) Long & Flavorful – Brew your tea on the strong side (not double the amount, but a little extra) and let cool a little before placing the tea in the fridge overnight or until it’s cold. Just add ice per glass of tea to get it extra cold. Infuse these brews with fresh citrus, berries, mint, or lavender for added flavor.

There are a few Do You Tea Spring blends that are especially great when iced. Try out the Blackberry Breeze yerba mate which gives you lots of energy and is a blend of green yerba mate, blackberry leaf, blackberries, and spearmint. Another blend that’s tasty iced is the caffeine-free Berry Tropical which has red rooibos, strawberries, coconut, pineapple, orange peel, and yellow mandarin oil.

Kelley Scruby is the owner of Do You Tea? in Hoboken, New Jersey. As the owner of a small, loose leaf tea business, Kelley is passionate about educating her customers on the benefits that come from drinking loose leaf tea. With a background at a major tea company, she was able to become an expert on the versatility of the beverage and is inspired in her own creations by the changing of the seasons and also desserts. Kelley created Do You Tea? with the confidence that she can help find a tea blend that works for any of her customers’ lifestyle and palate. As Do You Tea? continues to grow, Kelley hosts events and tastings that add a more interactive approach to the expansive world of loose leaf teas. Do You Tea? hopes to have a truck out on the streets of the NYC metro area soon! You are able to purchase her seasonal blends and gift sets online at www.doyoutea.com and follow her on instagram and twitter @doyoutea for updates on tastings and new blends. Please email requests and questions to doyoutea@gmail.com.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.