The Best Iced Tea Recipes for Refreshing Summer Sips

Looking for a refreshing way to beat the heat? Iced tea is the perfect solution. Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or looking for the perfect drink for the summer, keep reading to discover our favourite iced tea recipes and how to make them.

Iced teas are a go-to choice for many during the warmer months because they are an enjoyable and refreshing drink. The natural flavours of tea, combined with the chill of ice, provide a delightful alternative to plain water.

Iced tea can be enjoyed plain, sweetened, or infused with a variety of ingredients. This versatility makes it suitable for different tastes and occasions, from casual drinks to formal events. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a quiet afternoon, there’s an iced tea for every moment.

Did you know that all tea comes from the same plant? The way it’s grown, picked and processed is what creates all the different types.

You can use virtually any type of tea for iced tea, each bringing its own unique flavour profile.

Fully oxidised for deep flavours, black tea is what’s used in standard tea bags. It brews up a dark, coppery colour and typically has a richer, more robust flavour than other teas. Black tea is higher in caffeine, ideal for a morning boost or afternoon pick-me-up.

Green tea offers a sweet, fresh flavour. It often brews up a light green or yellow colour and has a milder taste. Green tea contains about half as much caffeine as black tea.

The least processed and most delicate, white tea has a subtle flavour and a crisp, clean finish. It tends to be very low in caffeine, making it a gentle, soothing choice.

This partially oxidised tea ranges from fruity to roasted flavours, placing it somewhere between black and green teas. Oolong can brew up anywhere from a pale yellow to a rich amber colour and offers a complex, layered taste.

Aged and partially fermented, pu-erh tea has a rich, earthy flavour. It brews up an inky brown-black colour and it’s fairly high in caffeine, similar to black tea.

Although it’s not technically tea, herbal infusions can be enjoyed any time of day and provide a creative twist to traditional iced tea. They are caffeine free and offer a wide range of vibrant and aromatic flavours.

Popular options include mint for a refreshing touch, chamomile for a calming effect, and hibiscus for a tart and tangy flavour.

Cold brewing offers a smooth and mellow flavour by gently extracting the tea’s flavours without the bitterness, but it does require more time.

1. In a large jug, combine the tea bags and cold water. Cover and put in the fridge to chill, leaving it to steep for at least 8 hours, but no longer than 12.
2.  After steeping, remove the tea bags and serve over ice, or keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to drink it.

Glossary

Steeping is a term used to describe the process of water absorbing the colour and flavours of the tea.

Add strips of lemon, lime, or orange zest while your tea steeps. This will infuse the natural citrus oils into your tea, adding a bright, zesty flavour.

Incorporate fresh fruit like berries, peaches, lemon slices or orange slices for a sweet, fruity twist. The natural sugars and flavours of the fruit will work beautifully with the tea.

Gently crush fresh herbs like mint, basil or lemon thyme at the bottom of your cup before adding iced tea. This releases the herbs’ natural flavours and adds a refreshing scent.

For a unique flavour profile, try adding spices like cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, or ginger. A spiced iced tea can provide a warming contrast to the coolness, making it a versatile drink for different seasons.

Elderflower brings a delicate, sweet flavour that pairs beautifully with many types of tea. Submerge a handful of elderflower into your tea and let it infuse as it cools down, or add elderflower cordial for a floral note.

Replace the cold water with flavoured sparkling water or fruit juice to add a fizzy, fruity twist to your homemade iced tea.

Elevate your iced tea with Tate & Lyle’s Barista Collection Syrups. These premium syrups are crafted to perfection, using pure cane sugar to ensure a rich, authentic taste. Whether you’re a fan of classic flavours or looking to experiment with new ones, these syrups are the perfect choice.

Cool off with this subtly spiced, thirst-quenching cinnamon iced tea. It’s super easy to make and incredibly satisfying—a must-try for tea lovers who want a refreshing twist.

Combine the aromatic spices of traditional chai with the cool refreshment of iced tea. Ideal for an afternoon pick-me-up or a unique drink at gatherings, this chai iced tea is sure to impress.

Whether you prefer a hint of vanilla, a splash of caramel, or the earthy flavours of hazelnut, Tate & Lyle Barista Collection offers the perfect finishing touch. Explore our range to find the perfect syrup to enhance your homemade iced tea.