How to Make Pitcher-Perfect Iced Tea
How to Make Pitcher-Perfect Iced Tea – High temperatures and punishing hours of sunlight don’t pair well with hot beverages. What are we tea-lovers to do? Drink our tea iced, of course! Preparing an iced tea is deceptively simple. Whether you’re new to the process or just in need of a few pointers, Tin Roof Teas is here to help fill you in on 3 tips that will get you brewing pitcher-perfect iced tea all summer long.
Tip 1: Choosing a Steeping Method That Suits Your Needs
There are two main methods to brewing iced tea. The first method is to brew the tea hot and dilute it over ice. With this method, take care to measure out more than the amount that you would typically use for a hot cup of tea (for example: if you typically brew 3 grams per 8 ounces of water, you’d want to measure out 6 grams instead). Take a large glass and fill it with ice, then simply pour your freshly brewed tea on top! The ice will melt, allowing the strength of the tea to mellow and chilling the liquid in the glass. This is the best method for a quick and easy glass of iced tea.
The second method is to cold brew your tea for several hours in your refrigerator. Depending on the desired strength of your tea, it’s best to use between 9-12 grams of tea per quart of water. Let the tea sit for around 8-12 hours in your refrigerator. You can strain the tea leaves out once your brew is finished, or you can use a fillable tea bag or straining device that keeps separating the leaves from the water simple. This method is best for brewing large amounts of tea and can bring out some of the more nuanced flavors of the tea leaf!
Tip 2: Choosing the Right Tea
Here in the USA, most people think of black tea when they think of iced tea—particularly sweetened black tea. Black tea is a good go-to option for an iced tea, but green and white teas are also great alternatives. Owing to their delicate flavor, iced white teas can be especially refreshing on hot summer days. Tin Roof Teas’ White Acai or White Coconut Cream blends are especially good at giving you that crisp, delicious afternoon pick-me-up.
When it comes to flavored teas, flavors such as cinnamon, peppermint, and vanilla compliment the coolness of an iced tea. Fruit teas also make exceptional iced teas, and are particularly flavorful when prepared via the cold brew method. For some inspiration, check out 5 of our favorite iced teas from last year.
Tip 3: Choosing Your Add-ins
If you plan to sweeten your tea after it’s already cold, it’s best to dilute your sweetener with just a squirt of hot water before mixing it in. This assures that the sweetener is properly dissolved and doesn’t settle at the bottom of your glass or carafe. (This applies to sugar, honey, as well as most other sweeteners.) Beyond sweeteners, there are several things you can add to your cold brew to change up the flavor profile of your tea. Fresh citrus, sprigs of mint, and jasmine are just a few ideas!
Don’t be afraid to experiment! There’s no better way to combat the heat than to relax with a tall glass of your favorite iced tea.