As a heatwave continues across the UK, many people are seeking refreshing iced tea, but buying it from cafes can be expensive. Experts have shared a simple 5-step method to make the perfect iced tea at home, using just ice, water, and your choice of tea.
Choose High-Quality Tea
The experts at TWG Tea emphasized that selecting the best tea is the most crucial step. Speaking to Express.co.uk, they said: "The secret to crafting the perfect iced tea lies in starting with high-quality tea and allowing the flavours to fully develop before chilling." They added: "Begin with exceptional tea, allow the flavours to develop fully, chill thoroughly and serve generously over ice. Enhance your iced tea with complementary fruits and botanicals that bring out the tea's delicate notes while adding a refreshing seasonal twist."
Use Filtered Water
Magnus Jern, water researcher and co-founder of Tappwater, argues that filtering water is also important. He said: "Filtered water isn't just better for you, it's better for your brew. Chlorine and limescale in tap water can dull the delicate flavours of tea and coffee." He noted that professional baristas and tea sommeliers always start with clean water. However, he warned against over-filtering: "Most teas and coffees are developed to taste their best with the natural minerals present in local tap water. Over-filtering, as with reverse osmosis systems that don't remineralise, can strip these out and leave hot drinks tasting flat."
The 5-Step Method
The tea experts at TWG Tea shared the following steps for making iced tea at home:
- Start by warming your teapot or filter by rinsing it with simmering water.
- Double or triple the normal dosage of tea used to prepare hot tea (typically one heaping teaspoon or a teabag) and insert into a tea filter or teapot.
- Cover with simmering, not boiling, water.
- Leave to infuse for around three to five minutes depending on desired strength.
- Remove the tea leaves and pour the hot tea into heat-resistant glasses filled with large, solid ice cubes.
Additional Tips
Using large ice cubes helps prevent rapid dilution, and adding fruits or botanicals like lemon, mint, or berries can enhance the flavour. Filtered water ensures the tea's true taste shines through, making this a cost-effective and refreshing alternative to store-bought iced tea.
