Iced Tea Brewing Guide

Iced tea made from loose leaf tea has better flavor and provides more health benefits than bottled tea.

Looking for hot tea brewing directions? Read our Hot Tea Brewing Guide.

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Black teas are most commonly used for iced tea, but almost any type of loose leaf tea or herbal blend can be chilled. Use natural spring water, if available, as chemicals and impurities in tap water may interfere with the taste.

Iced Tea Brewing Tips:

  • Use fresh, cold water. The quality of water will affect the taste of your tea.
  • Use double the amount of tea leaf used for brewing hot tea and steep for the recommended brewing time.
  • Take care not to poor boiling water over your tea. Boiling water will scorch the tea leaves.
  • Use a strainer or infuser basket to steep your tea rather than a tea ball or clamping spoon. This gives room for the whole leaf tea and herbals to expand and fully infuse.
  • Remove the tea from the water after the designated steeping time. Over steeped tea, or stewed tea, will create a bitter tasting brew.
  • Allow the tea to cool to room temperature before refrigeration. This helps prevent the tea from becoming cloudy.

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Black Tea:

  • Bring fresh cold water just to a boil – 206°F.
  • Measure 2 teaspoons of leaf for 8 ounces of water depending on personal taste preference.
  • Steep 2-3 minutes.
  • Strain and add sweetener if desired.
  • Allow to cool to room temperature and add more water to taste.
  • Refrigerate until chilled.
  • Tip: Always remove tea leaves from water so as to prevent the tea from becoming bitter.

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White Tea:

  • Heat fresh cold water to a boil and cool to 175 – 185°F.
  • Measure 2 tablespoons of leaf for 8 ounces of water depending on personal taste preference.
  • Steep 1-5 minutes.
  • Strain and add sweetener if desired.
  • Allow to cool to room temperature and add more water to taste.
  • Refrigerate until chilled.
  • Tip: Take care not to use boiling water and always remove steeped leaves from water to prevent the brew from becoming bitter.

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Green Tea:

  • Heat fresh cold water to a boil and cool to between 180 and 185°F.
  • Measure 2 teaspoons leaf for 8 ounces of water depending on personal taste preference.
  • Steep 2-3 minutes.
  • Strain and add sweetener if desired.
  • Allow to cool to room temperature and add more water to taste.
  • Refrigerate until chilled.
  • Tip: Take care not to use boiling water and always remove steeped leaves from water to prevent the brew from becoming bitter.

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Oolong:

  • Heat fresh cold water to between 185 and 206°F.
  • Measure 2 teaspoons of leaf for 8 ounces of water depending on personal taste.
  • Steep 3-5 minutes.
  • Strain and add sweetener if desired.
  • Allow to cool to room temperature and add more water to taste.
  • Refrigerate until chilled.
  • Tip: Always remove tea leaves from water to prevent the tea from becoming bitter.


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Herbal Blends:

  • Heat fresh cold water to 206°F.
  • Measure 2 tablespoons of leaf for 8 ounces of water depending on personal taste preference.
  • Steep 3-5 minutes.
  • Strain and add sweetener if desired.
  • Allow to cool to room temperature and add more water to taste.
  • Refrigerate until chilled.
  • Tip: Always remove leaves from water to prevent the brew from becoming bitter.

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Rooibos:

  • Heat fresh cold water to between 185 and 206°F.
  • Measure 2 teaspoons of leaf for 8 ounces of water depending on personal taste preference.
  • Steep 5 minutes.
  • Strain and add sweetener if desired.
  • Allow to cool to room temperature and add more water to taste.
  • Refrigerate until chilled.
  • Tip: Rooibos can remain infused without becoming bitter and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

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Yerba Maté:

  • Yerba Maté can be brewed in a coffee maker, French press, or as you would for loose leaf teas.
  • Heat fresh cold water to a boil and cool to 160°F.
  • Measure 2 tablespoons of leaf for 8 ounces of water depending on personal taste preference.
  • Steep 5 minutes.
  • Strain and add sweetener if desired.
  • Allow to cool to room temperature and add more water to taste.
  • Refrigerate until chilled.
  • Tip: Take care not to use boiling water and always remove leaves from water to prevent the brew from becoming bitter.