How to Make the Perfect Iced Tea

HOT BREWING

Prepare hot tea in your preferred way, using 1.5 x the amount of tea leaves you would normally use. Allow to cool to room temperature and then refrigerate.

Another option is to brew hot and serve over plenty of ice right away. This pour over method requires 2x the amount of loose tea.

COLD BREWING

The other method of preparation is cold brewing. With this method, the cold water draws out, or pulls the flavor from the leaf as opposed to hot water, used in traditional brewing which pushes the flavor from the leaf. Subsequently, cold infusion is a much slower, gentle method that results in a smooth, more subtle, naturally sweet tasting tea.

To prepare a cold infusion you will need ::

• Clean jar or pitcher
• Loose tea leaves (1.5 x the amount you would normally use)
• Cold water and a lid

Let steep in the fridge for 4-10 hours, depending on the type (less time for white teas, green teas and wiry/flat oolongs, more for rolled oolongs and the most for pu-erhs, herbal infusions and black teas).

A great tip for preparing large amounts of iced tea is to make ice cubes from the tea. This allows for keeping the tea chilled without diluting the flavour.

A word of caution - brewed tea has a shelf life!

For best results, adhere to the following::

Tea stored at room temperature is best enjoyed within 2 days.

Tea stored in the refrigerator is best enjoyed within 3-4 days.

Happy Steeping!