Join the party- Learn to cold brew iced tea

Summer time, mid-August, and the air is thick. Sitting still, and yet some how I’m sweating without any exertion.

The thought of having some refreshing iced tea is stimulating my taste buds, and my craving for something absolutely thirst quenching is consuming my mind.

Organic Moroccan Mint Tea

Home-made iced tea is what I really want. I’m wary of grabbing something super sweet off the shelf, that I’ll regret later after downing all that sugar (which is totally not on my diet.)  Also those ready to drink bottles of tea, actually have very little tea in them, just when I could use the boost.

Lucky for me I was clever enough ( based on self preservation of course ) to make the brilliant gesture the night before to put some organic loose tea in a pitcher, fill with cold water, and stick it in the refrigerator over night. I am a genius! 

Instantly I have the very drink of my hearts desire right in my hand. What could be more simple?

I have experimented with various cold brew iced teas, and I do have my favorites. Which I will be happy to share with you. Your own experimentation will reveal your best results, and perhaps you will have your own favorite cold brew blends too.

I’ve found Organic Moroccan Mint to become an excellent refreshment over night. The mint is refreshing, and the addition of green tea makes for the perfect bit of caffeine which helps to beat the heat.

Often I’m looking for a non-caffeinated refreshment, especially when I drink iced tea in the late afternoon or evening.   I make an herbal cold brew from Organic Abundance.

Organic Abundance

Abundance is a cornucopia of natures bounty. The list of ingredients tells the story; made with Black Current leaves, Rose petals, Lavender flowers, Rose Hips, Citrus Peels, and Safflowers lavish with natural Black Currant flavor. Satisfying in it’s fruity and floral freshness.

Allow to cold brew in your refrigerator over night in cool water until it reaches a pretty rose color. 

My recommendations to you would not be complete without including –  My Favorite!

Plumberry Ice Tea Blend
Exotic and refreshing

Organic Plumberry Iced Tea blend.

Simply one of the most interesting tea flavors you can enjoy. I love the organic black tea leaves which are captured from ancient tea trees in the mountainous regions of Vietnam. The leaves have a unique malty flavor, deliciously combined with plum, and berry essence for a natural sweetness. This tea is profoundly refreshing, and satisfies the thirstiest of us on those days when hydration is critical.

Any of these teas and more (which I include here for your consideration) will vastly improve your summer, keeping you and your loved ones sufficiently hydrated and enjoying this magnificent summer weather.  see more iced teas 

Available at Da Cha Teas

Remember cold brew is easy;  Use one well rounded teaspoon of tea for every glass in your pitcher. Fill your pitcher with drinking water from your regular drinking source. Cover the lid and let sit in your refrigerator over night. You’ll be so glad you did. Strain your tea leaves away in the morning and discard. It makes serving tea so much simpler all day long. Or to simplify use T-sac tea bags filled with your favorite loose leaf tea, and just discard the bags once the tea is brewed. 

Best Iced Tea recipes

Organic Black Plumberry

Summer is here, and this year make your house ever ready with refreshing ice tea.

Here are two favorite and easy ice tea recipes.

Organic Rubeus Africana makes an excellent caffeine free iced tea.

Just brew your rooibos as usual, using hot water and make an ice tea base.

Use one teaspoon of tea to one glass.

Steep at least 5 minutes for fullness of flavor.

Strain into a pitcher.

Don’t be afraid to go crazy with adding fresh fruits, berries, peaches, lemon. Your fruity additions will add unique personality to your ice tea.(Strain and remove the fruits if keeping refrigerated for days.)

Rubeus Africana is already loaded with natural red raspberry tea, and natural raspberry essence. This Rooibos (roy-bos) blend makes the ideal iced tea, and is exceptionally refreshing, without caffeine.

Hands down the best ice tea you can make.     

Refreshing Rubeus Africana ice tea

Start with a tea that already has lots of flavor.

We recommend Organic Plumberry Iced Tea blend. Plumberry is loaded with natural plum and berry flavors, with hibiscus and osmanthus flowers to bring complexity and refreshment.

Brew your tea as you would for a hot cup , but here’s a few essentials.

Use one teaspoon of iced tea blend for every glass you wish to make. (for a pitcher assume 6-8 glasses.)

Pour hot water over your teaspoons of tea, enough to cover the tea, allowing for enough additional liquid to sustain and develop the tea flavors, but not too much water to allow for faster cooling for iced tea.

Steep with a covered lid for 5 minutes.

Strain and discard the tea leaves and add lots of ice.

Organic Plumberry can be sweetened but many people like the refreshing taste on its own without additional sweeteners. If you want to sweeten your iced tea add it to the hot tea base before you strain or immediately after while the tea is still warm, to dissolve your sweetener throughout. ENJOY!