Iced Tea: How-To, Tips & Tricks

June 15, 2020

The air is (finally) warming up, the sun is staying longer in the sky, the smoky-barbecue smell of summer cookouts is approaching... it's time for iced tea! 

The same delightful taste you know from its cozy counterpart, but crisp and refreshing at any time of day, iced tea is a must-have in the fridge all summer long. Here are some instructions and tips for brewing your own icy infusion:

CHOOSING A TEA

It's easier than you think-- any tea you like can be good hot or cold. If you don't know where to start, try our Iced Tea Estate Blend (crisp and classic black tea). Green, oolong, white and herbal teas with fruit and flower blossoms can be especially refreshing, too. For a little dose of caffeine, try Waikiki Beach (green tea with pineapple) or CocoMotion (oolong tea with coconut). If you'd prefer a drink without caffeine, we recommend Mango Sorbet, Sunburst Orange and Rooibos Blueberry. If you have a gallon or half-gallon sized jar, we also carry pre-made tea pouches for very convenient brewing! Find them here:

https://todd-holland.com/collections/iced-tea

CHOOSING EQUIPMENT

Once you've chosen your tea, you will need a container and a filter/strainer. That's it! Brewing iced tea can be as simple as measuring your leaves into a T-Sac or a reusable strainer and letting it steep in your go-to pitcher or even a jar. We carry all kinds of T-Sacs and strainers in all sizes. We also carry beautiful pitchers designed for brewing iced tea--they come with re-usable strainers that make preparing and serving the tea a breeze (they also make a great gift!):

https://todd-holland.com/collections/brewing-equipment/products/lucent-iced-tea-pitcher

LET IT STEEP

THE HOT BREW METHOD

• Measure your tea leaves into the strainer. Start with the amount specified on the back of your Todd & Holland bag-- then add more, up to doubling the amount of leaves. 
• Pour hot or boiling water over the leaves, filling up your container about 2/3 full (temperature will depend on the kind of tea, so take a look at the bag for specifics).
• Let the tea steep for the desired amount of time, then remove the leaves. 
• Fill the container the rest of the way with ice cold water. 
• Serve over ice and enjoy.
• (Remember when you doubled up the amount of tea leaves? That was to keep your brew from tasting diluted after adding ice!)

THE COLD BREW METHOD

• Measure your tea leaves into the strainer. Start with the amount specified on the back of your Todd & Holland bag-- then add more, up to doubling the amount of leaves. 
• Pour cold water over the leaves, filling the container essentially full. 
• Place your container in the fridge for ~6 hours, or overnight. 
• Remove the leaves from the container. 
• Serve over ice and enjoy!

SHARE

Let us know your iced tea tips, tricks and favorite recipes. Tag us on Instagram to show off your home brew! @toddhollandtea :)

 

 

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