How to Make Iced Tea with Loose Tea

Iced tea is practically synonymous with summer. It's the perfect refreshment on a hot day, and the mere idea of a cold pitcher filled to the brim summons fond memories of summers past. From the first clink of ice in a glass to the last rejuvenating sip, it's a soothing treat meant to be enjoyed by everyone under the sun.

Without tea bags or Tea Forté's iced tea pyramid infusers on hand, it may sound complicated to brew a batch of this beloved seasonal favorite, but the process of making it with loose leaf tea is more straightforward than it might seem. It's actually a simple three-step recipe: steeping the leaves with the appropriate time and temperature, letting it cool, and serving it over ice.

Serving refreshing iced tea with fresh fruit and herbs.

Our double-walled POOM Glasses make the perfect vessel for serving refreshing iced tea. Photo by @naughtyteas

Perfect Summer Iced Tea Blends

While Tea Forté offers a phenomenal selection of specialty Tea Over Ice ® blends and iced teaware, you can also steep any of your favorite hot tea blends and simply serve them chilled over ice. The loose tea blend you choose is completely up to you, and there's a broad array of sumptuous flavor profiles to choose from. We've broken things down into 3 categories:

1. Floral Iced Teas

For a floral iced tea, consider a blend like Cherry Blossom, an impressionistic cherry blossom green tea. For something a little sweeter, try Wildflower Honey Citrus, an ambrosial citric summer green tea; or Peach Blossom, a delicate white tea with sweet hints of peach. Peach Brûlée is a black tea blend with hints of peach and cream, and for some berry goodness, Black Currant is a fruit-forward black tea selection with burst of currant. Looking to cut out the caffeine? Try our Mango Citron herbal blend, a lush tropical getaway in a glass.

Cherry Blossom loose tea canister and a tall glass of iced tea with cherries.

For a floral iced tea, consider a blend like Cherry Blossom, an impressionistic cherry green tea.

2. Classic Summer Cocktails

To get creative with your iced tea selection, consider blends that offer elements often found in classic summer cocktails: Radiance, for example, has a distinct rosemary note reminiscent of the garnish used in an ice-cold gin & tonic, complementing its grapefruit base. Invigorate offers the zing of ginseng root and a touch of matcha with the subtle herbal/floral hint of elderberry, also popular in crisp, refreshing bar concoctions. The upside to both of these tea blends from the Wellbeing Collection are their energizing ingredients (including powerhouse antioxidants) and non-alcoholic nature make them a bottomless energy drink on a hot day.

3. Flavor-Forward Iced Teas

Last but not least, for a flavor-forward iced tea with unforgettable pink hue, try the gently tart Hibiscus Blossom or Cherry Cosmo blends, each with its own light, fruity taste. Or try Strawberry Hibiscus, a tantalizing oolong tea with familiar strawberry balancing the tang of tropical flower petals.

Make it even easier

Specialty iced teaware like the Tea Jay Iced Tea Maker make it easy to brew an extra concentrated batch of loose leaf tea for iced tea making. It comes complete with a loose tea filter, glass carafe, and lid to quickly steep, dilute, chill, and serve in just minutes. The carafe can also be stored in the refrigerator if you can't drink it all in one sitting. For more iced tea preparation methods and ideas, click here and make it a thirst-quenching summer to remember.

The Blomus Tea Jay Iced Tea maker with loose tea canisters and glasses of iced tea

Making iced tea with loose tea is easy with the Tea Jay Iced Tea Maker.

Two glasses of iced tea made with loose tea

STEEPING ICED TEA WITH LOOSE TEA

Prepare the hot water: Heat your water in a kettle, following the temperature and timing guidelines recommended for the type of tea you’re making. See below for details.*
Prepare the loose tea: Use 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea per 1 cup of water. For example, if you're making 8 cups of tea, then steep eight 8 teaspoons of loose tea leaves in 8 cups of hot water. Add an additional 1-2 teaspoons of tea leaves for a stronger, bolder flavor, or if using a delicately-flavored tea.
Once the hot water is ready, pour it over the tea leaves and steep for the blend's recommended period of time.
To sweeten, add 1/4 cup of sugar or honey per 1 gallon of tea and adjust to taste. Be sure to add the sweetener while the tea is still hot and stir well until fully dissolved.
Once steeped, pour the hot tea concentrate into a serving pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or let cool to room temperature and serve over extra ice. For an tasty and decorative flourish, add a slice of citrus, sprig of fresh mint, or garnish of your choice to each glass.

*For black and herbal teas, a water temperature of 208 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended; for oolong, green and white teas, 175-185˚F degrees is best to avoid burning the delicate leaves. As for timing, steep black and oolong tea for 3-5 minutes; green or white teas for 2-3 minutes, and herbal teas for 5+ minutes.