How to Make Iced Tea - 3 Different Ways to Brew

Iced tea was introduced in the 19th century. It flourished in popularity thanks to the invention of the electric freezer, making ice more common in households. Today, we often see iced tea on almost every restaurant menu, no matter the type of of food being served there. This helped make iced tea such a well known beverage option.

For me, iced tea became part of life at a young age. I have fond memories of spending summer breaks with my grandparents, and the first thing I would see when arriving at their house was a large batch of sun tea brewing outside the garage. I loved watching the amber glow of the tea glisten on the pavement and braiding the tea bag strings that hung from beneath the lid. Those simple moments became some of my favorite summer memories.

Throughout my life, and throughout much of recent history, iced tea has been closely tied to community, family gatherings, backyard barbecues, and long summer afternoons. That nostalgic joy is not only tied to the flavor of the tea, but also the process and ritual of making it.

If you are looking to add a bit of that iced tea magic into your summer, here are 3 different ways to brew tea, along with some tea recommendations to get you started!

This is a great method for making a large batch of iced tea for a gathering or event. Sun tea is often smoother and more of a mild flavor than traditional hot tea.

Instructions:

• 1 gallon cold or room temperature filtered water, Glass container with tight lid (lid optional, but helps keep tea clean from the outside environment)
• 4-6 drawstring tea bags (filled half way up to allow for expansion of tea leaves)
• Set in direct sunlight for 3-4 hours or until desired color and flavor has been reached.
• Once the tea is brewed, remove the bags and transfer it into a refrigerator

*Sun tea safety: It is important that the container is totally cleaned fore using, don't leave outside past the recommended time, refrigerate tea after steeping is done and consume the tea within 48 hours. 

This is a great method to use if you want to prep your iced tea early and always have some on hand in the fridge. This method is similar to sun tea because it is a slow brew so it also offers that more mild and smooth flavor. 

Instructions:

• Measure 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of tea per 8 ounces of water 
• Place tea leaves in a jar or pitcher, then add cold, filtered water 
• Let the leaves steep in the refrigerator for 6-12 hours
• Once it is brewed, strained the leaves out, pour the tea over ice and enjoy!

The key to quick brewed iced tea, is to make concentrated tea that will get diluted and cooled by the ice but not too watery. This method is ideal if you are in a hurry. This method can also offer a more bold flavor because of the use of hot water. 

Instructions:

• Steep 3 teaspoons of loose leaf tea in 1 cup (8 ounces of water) 
• Strain the tea leaves and pour the concentrated hot tea over a cup of ice 
• If desired, add sweetener before pouring over ice so the sweetern can dissolve. 
• Top with more ice if desired

Despite the popularity of iced tea, the main offerings in many places tend to be black tea or an herbal option. While that is changing with many people searching for more natural wellness options and holistic remedies, there are almost endless options of different loose leaf tea blends to choose from when it comes to brewing iced tea. 

Here are a few of our recommendations: