Iced teas are refreshing beverages made by infusing tea leaves in hot water, which is then cooled and served cold, typically with ice. They can be made with various types of tea, such as black, green, herbal, or fruit teas, and can be sweetened or unsweetened. Often, they’re flavored with fruits, herbs, and spices.
Iced teas are popular in hot climates as they provide a tasty and hydrating alternative to sodas and other sugary drinks. They can also be enhanced with ingredients like lemon, mint, berries, or even fruit syrup, depending on personal preference.
1 – Lemon Iced Tea
Ingredients:
- 4 black or green tea bags
- 1 liter of boiling water
- ½ cup of sugar (or to taste)
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
- Mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
- Infuse: Place the tea bags in the boiling water and let steep for about 5 minutes.
- Sweeten: Remove the tea bags and add sugar, stirring until dissolved.
- Add Lemon: Mix in the lemon juice.
- Cool: Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate.
- Serve: Serve with ice and garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves.
2 – Berry Iced Tea
Ingredients:
- 4 hibiscus or fruit tea bags
- 1 liter of boiling water
- ½ cup of sugar (or to taste)
- 1 cup of berries (fresh or frozen)
- Mint leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Infuse: Place the tea bags in the boiling water and let steep for about 5-7 minutes.
- Sweeten: Remove the tea bags and add sugar, stirring until dissolved.
- Add Berries: Add the berries to the mixture.
- Cool: Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate.
- Serve: Serve with ice and garnish with mint leaves.
3 – Peach Iced Tea
Ingredients:
- 4 black tea bags
- 1 liter of boiling water
- ½ cup of sugar (or to taste)
- 1 cup of peach purée (or canned peaches)
- Peach slices (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Infuse: Place the tea bags in the boiling water and let steep for about 5 minutes.
- Sweeten: Remove the tea bags and add sugar, stirring until dissolved.
- Add Peach: Mix the peach purée into the tea.
- Cool: Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate.
- Serve: Serve with ice and garnish with peach slices.
4 – Mint Iced Tea
Ingredients:
- 4 green or black tea bags
- 1 liter of boiling water
- ½ cup of sugar (or to taste)
- ½ cup of fresh mint leaves
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Infuse: Place the tea bags and mint leaves in the boiling water and let steep for about 5 minutes.
- Sweeten: Remove the tea bags and add sugar, stirring until dissolved.
- Cool: Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate.
- Serve: Serve with ice and garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves.
5 – Pineapple Iced Tea
Ingredients:
- 4 black or green tea bags
- 1 liter of boiling water
- ½ cup of sugar (or to taste)
- 2 cups of fresh pineapple (cut into cubes)
- Juice of 1 lime (optional)
- Mint leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Infuse: Place the tea bags in the boiling water and let steep for about 5 minutes.
- Sweeten: Remove the tea bags and add sugar, stirring until dissolved.
- Add Pineapple: In a blender, blend the pineapple cubes with a little water (about ½ cup) until smooth. Strain if desired.
- Mix: Add the pineapple purée to the sweetened tea. If desired, add lime juice for extra freshness.
- Cool: Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Serve: Serve in glasses with ice and garnish with mint leaves.
6 – Orange Iced Tea
Ingredients:
- 4 black or green tea bags
- 1 liter of boiling water
- ½ cup of sugar (or to taste)
- Juice of 2 oranges
- Orange zest (optional)
- Orange slices (for garnish)
- Mint leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Infuse: Place the tea bags in the boiling water and let steep for about 5 minutes.
- Sweeten: Remove the tea bags and add sugar, stirring until dissolved.
- Add Orange Juice: Mix the orange juice into the sweetened tea. If desired, add orange zest for extra flavor.
- Cool: Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Serve: Serve in glasses with ice and garnish with orange slices and mint leaves.
Tips:
- For a special touch, you can add a splash of sparkling water before serving.
- Try adjusting the proportions of orange juice and sugar to find the balance you like best.
These recipes are refreshing and perfect for hot days! Enjoy!
