Whether you are using a tea press, a tea-to-go filter, or a tea infuser, learn how to prepare a freshly brewed glass of iced tea all year round! A larger ice cube also limits dilution as you sip, so you can relax and enjoy your iced tea for longer.
TEA HOW-TO
How to Make Loose Leaf Iced Tea
Step By Step
Step 1 - Heat water.
POUR FRESH WATER INTO A KETTLE AND HEAT TO EXACT TEMPERATURE
We would recommend using low mineral, low chemical, spring or glacier-fed water.
To find the full water temperature instructions please further to our Steeping Chart.
Heat the water by boiling it. Please do not microwave it, no matter what your Great Aunt Josephine says, as it results in unevenly hot water. Take care not to over-boil or re-boil your water, which results in stale-tasting tea from an imbalance of elements in the water. Water temperature also has a profound impact on infusion quality; for example, unfermented (green) teas can be easily bruised by overly hot water which extracts too many tannic acids, rendering a bitter palate.
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Step 2 - Add tea.
USE 2 TSP OF TEA LEAVES PER 1 CUP OF WATER
Doubling the strength of the tea will make sure it does not dilute when you pour it over ice.
Methods of Infusion
Tea Press
A Loose Leaf Tea Press is one of the best ways to make iced tea due to the ability to accurately control infusion time. A Loose Leaf Tea Press also allows you to showcase the beautiful dance of the leaves themselves!
Tea-To-Go Filters
Tea-To-Go filters offer a convenient way to create an iced beverage with your favorite loose leaf blends. The best option for herbal teas that have fine botanicals that can be more difficult to clean from other types of infusers.
Tea Infuser
A Tea Infuser is a simple method to create the perfect single cup of iced tea. The filter allows you to control the infusion time to prevent the over extraction of tannins which results in a bitter cup.
TEA STORAGE 101
Store tea and herbs in a cool, dark, and dry (low humidity) place. Proper storage of tea lowers the deterioration rate of the fragile essential oils – hot, humid conditions with exposure to UV destroys tea. Once opened, we recommend consuming the tea within the year.
Step 3 - Pour water halfway and steep precisely.
POUR HOT WATER OVER LEAVES AND STEEP PER SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS.
To find the detailed steeping instructions please further to our Steeping Chart.
Following the steeping instructions for the different tea types will yield the difference between a proper balance of flavors, as our blenders intend, and incorrect emphasis on certain flavor profiles of different ingredients.
Step 4 - Remove the tea leaves .
STRAIN THE LEAVES AND SERVE.
For a Loose Leaf Tea Press, you only need to press down gently to separate the leaves from the water to stop the infusion.
With Camellia Sinensis leaves, as long as they are in contact with water, they will continue to infuse and, at the very least, result in the over-extraction of tannins, resulting in bitterness.
Step 5 - Pour over ice.
POUR STEEPED TEA INTO A SEPARATE GLASS.
A larger ice cube results in less dilution as you sip, so you can relax and enjoy your iced tea for longer.
Looking to upgrade your iced tea with refreshing new twists? Discover 6 New Ways to Garnish Your Drink.
Step 6 - Chill.
TAKE A MOMENT TO APPRECIATE THE CHARACTER AND AROMA. .
Before taking a sip, take a moment to appreciate the character and aroma and discover that peace can be found in a chilled glass of iced tea!