How to make healthy iced tea

With a small amount of pre-planning, iced tea can play a wonderful role in the summer months, offering both hydration as well as many health benefits. We like to brew a batch in advance to keep in the fridge and sip on throughout the day, and it can also provide a beautiful alternative to alcoholic or sugary drinks at gatherings. We’ve shared our tips and favourite blends to enjoy chilled below.

How to make iced tea

What to brew in:

Iced tea can be brewed in any heat-safe jug, bowl or container. If you do use glass, just make sure to allow the tea to cool a little before placing in the fridge. For loose-leaf you will also require a strainer or sieve.

Steps:

Add your tea or tea bags based on the quantity of cups you would like to make. Don’t worry too much if your quantities are not perfect: if you do brew your tea too strong, you can always dilute with ice and cold water or likewise add a little extra tea.
Add your hot water: to release the optimal flavour of each tea (and avoid bitterness) we recommend sticking to 80°C for green and white teas, and up to 100°C for black tea and herbal tisanes.
Allow the tea to steep for the recommend time (you can find this information on your box).
Strain tea or remove pyramids and then allow to cool slightly before refrigerating overnight.
Enjoy all day, every day!

Add fresh summer fruits

We like to add fresh peppermint, or fruit to select blends such as:

Moroccan mint iced tea – add frozen berries and fresh mint
White Rose Goji iced tea – add fresh mint and sliced apple
Hibiscus iced tea- add frozen berries, orange juice, or lime juice
Peppermint or Moroccan mint iced tea – add fresh mint or fresh lemon
Chai ice creams – add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cacao nibs

Chai smoothie: Brew your chai as normal, with a milk or mylk of your choice. When choosing a chai, we prefer the caffeine free chai for the kids as they enjoy the great health benefits of the rooibos base and avoid stimulation from the caffeine.
Once it is brewed, leave it to cool or refrigerate it. Once it is cold, pour into a blender and add any of the following; ice, bananas, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, honey, natural or coconut yoghurt.