Herbal Iced Tea Guide

Whether you’re relaxing by the pool on a steamy summer day, planning an outdoor dining event, or if you just want to treat yourself and your family to something different, herbal iced teas are refreshing alternatives to the caffeinated, high-sugar sodas and artificially flavored “fruit” drinks. And really, with so many flavorful herbs and aromatic spices – the possibilities are truly amazing!

Herbal Iced Tea 101

Brewing iced tea is much the same as brewing hot tea. However, you want to make a slightly stronger tea to compensate for the dilution of added ice cubes. Here are a few tips for making delicious homemade iced herb teas:

• It’s best to use more herb rather than steeping longer, as this can sometimes produce a bitter flavor.
• While steeping, add sweeteners such as maple syrup or honey.
• Enhance with real fruit juices and seltzer water.
• Garnish with fresh fruits such as peaches, strawberries, and oranges.
• For maximum flavor and a fun presentation, use Hibiscus tea ice cubes (the vibrant red color looks great in a clear jug or glass, and the tart-fruity flavor pairs well with Chamomile and Mint iced teas)

General Brewing Instructions

To Brew a Cup
Bring 1 cup of cold water to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of dried herbs to boiling water. Let steep for approximately 3-5 minutes or until desired strength. While steeping, add sweeteners such as honey.

To Brew a Gallon
Pour 1 quart of boiling water over 2 ounces of dried herb. Steep for 6 minutes, strain, and stir into 3 quarts of cold water. Serve with ice and honey to taste.

Other Cool Ways to Brew Herbal Iced Teas

Cold infusions are a cool alternative to making herbal iced teas because they slowly extract the subtle flavors while preserving the plant’s essential oils and other natural constituents that may evaporate with heat. The most popular infusion methods are:

Refrigerator Teas…This super simple, overnight brewing method makes an extra-refreshing drink. Green, Black, White, and Red teas flavor come alive with this cool brewing style. Try this:

• 1 cup dried herb
• 1 gallon cool water
• Cover and steep in the refrigerator for 12 hours. Strain, and add sweetener. Enjoy with ice and fresh herb or fruit garnishes.

Sun Teas…Harness the energizing power of the sun to create a crisp-tasting brew. Mint and floral herbs such as Chamomile and Lavender are best for sun teas. Here’s what you need:

• 1 cup dried herb
• 1 gallon cool water
• Cover and sit in sunlight for 4-6 hours. Strain, and add sweetener. Enjoy with ice and fresh herb or fruit garnishes.

Moon or Lunar Teas…Produce a smooth, mellow-tasting brew. Tart, fruity-tasting herbs like Hibiscus and Rose Hips make the best moon teas. Try this basic recipe the next time there’s a full moon:

• 1 cup dried herb
• 1 gallon cool water
• Cover and sit in the moonlight for 6-12 hours. Strain, and add sweetener. Enjoy with ice and fresh herb or fruit garnishes.

How to Choose the Best Herbs for Iced Teas

• For a mildly flavored taste…Chamomile, Rooibos
• Extra-refreshing tea…Peppermint, Spearmint
• Natural citrus flavor…Lemon Balm, Lemongrass, Sweet Orange Peel
• Vibrant red color and tangy flavor…Rose Hips, Hibiscus
• Energizing, caffeinated blends: Green Tea, Black Tea
• De-caffeinated herbs with tea-like flavor…Rooibos, Red Raspberry Leaf

Favorite Herbal Iced Tea Recipes

Here are just a few of our in-house, tried, and true favorites iced tea blends. We hope you like them as much as we do.

Iced Wonderland Cooler
(Serves 4)

• 4 cups water
• 2 tbsp Rooibos tea
• 2 tbsp Hibiscus flowers
• 1 tbsp Peppermint
• Sweetener of your choice

Directions
In a medium pot, bring water to a boil. Remove the pot from heat and add all the dried herbs to the hot water. Allow the mixture to steep for 5 to 7 minutes or until it reaches your desired strength. After steeping, strain and add sweetener to taste. Let the tea cool, and then serve over ice. For an extra touch, garnish with thin slices of orange or lemon.
Hint: Each herb has a distinctive flavor, so feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your taste.

Turmeric and Cinnamon Iced Tea
(Serves 2)

• 8 cups water
• 1/2 Lemon rough chopped with rind
• 3 tbsp Turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp Cinnamon powder
• ½ tsp Black Pepper powder
• 2 tbsp Maple Syrup (more or less to taste)

Directions
Add all of the above-listed ingredients to a large pot. Bring the pot to a boil. Let simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Strain into a glass jar. Chill overnight in the refrigerator and enjoy!

Matcha Green Iced Tea
(Serves 2)

• 4 tbsp Matcha Green Tea powder
• Juice from 1 lime
• 1 tbsp raw sugar (more or less to taste)
• 2 cups ice

Directions
Mix Matcha powder and 1 tbsp of water; add sugar together to make a paste. Slowly add in the remaining water and lime juice while whisking together. Add ice, and enjoy!

Ginger Beet Iced Tea
(Serves 2)

• 1 tbsp Beet Root Powder
• 1/2 tbsp fresh chopped ginger
• 1 tsp local honey 
• 10 oz filtered water

Directions
Use a small amount of water and beet powder to make a paste. Add additional ingredients to the paste and stir or shake well. This can easily be done in a mason jar. Let sit in the refrigerator for a minimum of 15 minutes, or overnight. Strain and enjoy iced.

Now you’re ready to wow your friends and family with these deliciously cool herbal iced teas.

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