Every summer, people reach for a ready-made iced tea, but don’t realise how easy and economical it is to make delicious iced tea at home.
Real iced tea, made from the cold brew method is light, smooth and refreshing and the science behind it is surprisingly simple. Tea contains three key components that shape flavour: amino acids (particularly L-theanine which contributes a natural sweetness and umami depth), tannins (responsible for astringency and a dry, grippy sensation on the palate) and caffeine which adds bitterness when present large quantities).
In hot water, the amino acids extract first, quickly followed by the tannins and caffeine, which is why over-brewed tea becomes harsh. Cold water, however, is far more selective - the health-enhancing amino acids dissolve readily at lower temperatures, whilst tannins and caffeine extract much more slowly. The result of cold brew is naturally sweeter, smoother and gentler on the palate with a lower caffeine content than its hot-brewed equivalent.
There is a practical benefit to cold brew. Because the cold brew method is so forgiving, it is almost impossible to over-steep and it suits loose leaf tea particularly well. A longer, slower extraction in the fridge gives the leaves time to open fully and release their subtle fresh flavours without the bitterness that can come from forgetting a hot brew!
Embrace a spirit of playful experimentation as you stay effortlessly cool, setting the season's aesthetic with sophisticated chilled infusions. The Tea House, proudly helping customers discover the world of loose leaf tea since 1982.
Cold brew method - easy to prepare, cold brews are soft, smooth and generally lower in caffeine than their hot brew equivalent, making a refreshing and hydrating drink all in one.
Add 1-2 tablespoons of loose-leaf tea to a litre of cold water (filtered is best). The Tea House Iced Tea Pitcher is the ideal fridge to table kitchen staple. Steep in the fridge for 6-12 hours and enjoy over ice or elevate by diluting to taste with sparkling water.
Writer's picks:
- Earl Grey Citrus black tea - crisp and zingy with natural bergamot oil
- Nepal Jun Chiyabari light black tea - sophisticated, smooth and elegant
- Bancha Arashiyama green tea - soft, grassy and mineral rich
- Elderflower Oolong light black tea - light, floral and aromatic
Flash chilling - create your own iced tea in minutes. Brew a strong pot of tea with hot water for two minutes. Strain over a glass full of ice and enhance with sparkling water to taste.
Writer's picks:
- Heavenly Peach & Apricot black tea - bursting with summer fruit flavours
- Sencha Cranberry & Rose green tea - scented, sweet and uplifting
- China White Snowbuds white tea - smooth, delicate and floral
Herbal infusions - completely caffeine free, herbal teas make ideal cooling drinks for maximum hydration. Brew in hot water for 10 minutes, stir in a touch of honey if desired, pour over ice and top up with sparkling water to taste.
Writer's picks:
- Pure Camomile flowers - smooth and rich with honey-sweet tones
- Morocco Mint - cooling, crisp and distinctly refreshing
- Lemongrass & Ginger - zingy, bright and clean
Finishing flourishes - fruit pairs nicely with different teas. Iced tea elevation at your fingertips:
- Black tea - orange or peach slices and cherries complement robust flavours
- Green tea - lemon or lime slices add a refreshing zing whilst fresh berries add a sweet/tart note
- White tea - melon or pear slices enhance the delicate sweet notes of white tea
- Oolong tea - apricot and plum can offset oolong's rich complex flavours
- Herbs - fresh mint, basil or even a sprig of rosemary may complement the flavour or green and white tea
