Summer is here, and so are the long, sweaty days. Who does not like to have something chilled and tasty during the summer? And what can be a better alternative to iced tea?

Yes, you read that right—iced tea. It is one of the most loved beverages during summer and is very easy to make. There are many variations of iced tea. Here are a few of them.

1. Sun Tea

Brew Sun tea is the same iced tea as old recipes but with the help of the sun! It’s a great way to make iced tea without using the kitchen and stove. You can use herbal tea or black tea for this recipe. As the name suggests, ice is important in making iced tea. But to try this recipe, the sun is also important.

1.1. Ingredients

• Sunlight
• Water according to your preference.
• Tea bags
• A container
• Ice
• Fresh mint for garnishing. (optional)
  

1.2. Directions For Making Sun Tea

1.2.1 Preparation

Take a container and add water first rather than putting tea bags in it because the rush of water on tea bags can cause the tea leaves to come out of their bags.

1.2.2. Sun Bath

The next step is to wait for at least 3- 5 hours. The container prepared needs to be put out in the sunlight for the leaves to soak properly and for their nutrients to dissolve in water. After waiting 5 hours, at least, remove the tea bags when the tea has been dissolved completely.

You can also leave the tea bags in the container if you want to.

1.2.3 Make Room In The Fridge

Instead of boiling water, we let the sun do its thing so that this brewing tea tastes sweeter than usual. The brewed tea is to be kept in the refrigerator. Not using boiling water is why the tea is more prone to getting spoiled. It should be able to stay unadulterated for 2-3 days.

When it’s tea time, pour these into your glass and add ice. Enjoy this refreshing sun-iced tea with everyone during summer!

2. Iced Green Tea

Chamomile, ginger, and hibiscus tea are good sources of herbal tea. But what if you want something beneficial as a cool summer drink? The answer is not herbal.

You can always have iced tea with loose green tea leaves. This iced tea has the best flavor and benefits, like preventing cancer and weight loss.

2.1. Ingredients

• Green tea

• Water
• Ice
• Mint (optional)
• Sugar/honey (optional)
  

2.2. Directions For Making Iced Green Tea

2.2.1. Preparation

As the first step in this iced tea recipe, pour half a cup of hot water into a teapot and add 2 tea bags. You can also use loose-leaf tea. You can boil it on the stove or use an electric kettle.

When using an electric kettle, set the setting to 175°F.

2.2.2 Wait For The Right Time

After the first step, wait 2-3 minutes for a perfect brewed tea. Keeping tea bags in the teapot can make the tea taste bitter.

If you use tea leaves, do not over-boil them, as it will also result in bitterness.

2.2.3 Adding Sweeteners (Optional) And Refrigerating

So what if it is green tea? It can be sweet, too. You can add sweeteners like sugar or honey if you want this tea to be sweet.

After the tea reaches room temperature, please place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes.

2.2.4. Serve It Chilled

Pour the iced tea into a glass with a few ice cubes. Enjoy it chilled during the summer!

This iced tea will help you lose weight and improve your metabolism. While the original hot green tea is always beneficial, the iced tea with green leaves brings refreshment and benefits.

3. Lemon Iced Tea

Lemon tea has nutritional benefits, just like mint or herbal teas. It is very nutritious as a hot tea but can taste amazing as a refreshing iced tea.

Ice tea itself can have a cooling effect, and adding lemon can be a cherry on top!

3.1. Ingredients

• Lemon slices

• 6 Black tea bags

• Sugar or sweetener

• Large Pitcher

• Filtered water

• Fresh mint (Optional for garnishing)

• Ice
  

3.2. Directions For Making Lemon Iced Tea

3.2.1. Boil The Tea

Add water to a pan and wait for it to simmer. Add the tea bags to the boiling water as usual and wait for the leaves to dissolve.

Do not boil the water too long; it can make the tea bitter.

3.2.2. Add Sweeteners

In this step, you can add sweeteners of your choice. Add sugar, honey, or other sweeteners in adequate amounts.

3.2.3. Cool The Tea Down

Add lemon juice and cold water to the sweetened tea and let it steep for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the tea to a pitcher and let it cool in the fridge for 2 hours.

The more you cool it, the better it will taste.

3.2.4. The Garnish Game

Before serving, put some ice cubes on the glass and pour the iced tea. Add lemon slices on the top of the glass to give it a more defined look.

You can also use mint leaves at this point. This will add a more refreshing taste to your lemon ice tea.

Drinking this tea regularly will keep you hydrated during the summer.

4. Raspberry Tea

Raspberry Tea can be an amazing and refreshing idea for an iced tea recipe at party events. Make room for this recipe in your drinks because it is all worth it.

Remember to use fresh fruit when making this iced tea.

4.1. Ingredients

• Sugar

• Fresh raspberries

• Water

• Ice
• Black tea leaves
  

4.2. Directions For Making Raspberry Ice Tea

4.2.1. Follow The Regular Process

Like all the other teas mentioned above, you must follow the same process in the first step.

Add water to a pan and wait for it to boil. Then add the tea bags or the tea leaves, whatever you prefer.

4.2.2. This Time, Ice First

We have always used ice at the last step, but here, you have to pour this boiled tea into a full pitcher of ice and stir until the ice melts into the tea.

4.2.3 Add The Syrup

Combine the following ingredients in a saucepan: water, Raspberries, and sugar. Let them shimmer, then filter the mixture to separate the seeds.

If you don’t have time to make raspberry syrup at home, you can also buy readymade syrup from the market. Mix the syrup with the tea and serve chilled with ice cubes.

Raspberry tea can be added as your new best flavor in the iced tea recipes list. You can also try making it with other yummy fruits.

5. Cold Brew Iced Tea

Iced tea recipes can take more time to prepare. On the contrary, cold brew tea can be easier and has a refreshing flavor. It is easier to make but can take up to 6 hours to refrigerate.

However, these 6 hours of the process give this tea a smooth and classic flavor.

5.1. Ingredients

• Half a gallon water jar/ pitcher

• Black tea bags

• Filtered Water

• Ice
  

5.2. Directions To Make Cold Brew Iced Tea

5.2.1. No Hot Water Needed

To make this cold brew recipe, you just need to add water to the jar and tea bags. Then, place the mixture in the refrigerator for about 6 hours.

This iced tea mixture should be kept in the fridge for at least 6 hours. You can also leave it there overnight to enhance the flavours of the tea, making it taste even better.

5.2.2. Garnish This Beauty

You can garnish this tea with your favourite ingredients. Lemon and mint leaves go well together. Serve with ice cubes, and enjoy this refreshing drink in the summer.

All the recipes mentioned above are refreshing and will energize you during the summer. Try this recipe out, and let us know what you think in the comments.

You can choose these healthy alternatives in the summer rather than frizzy soda drinks to keep you cool. In addition to keeping your body cool, they also have beneficial properties.

Last Updated on May 11, 2024 by Annanya