The 5 Best Types of Tea for Making Iced Tea
There’s nothing quite like a refreshing glass of iced tea on a hot day. With so many types of tea available, how do you know which ones make the best iced tea?
While black tea is commonly used to make iced tea, it’s not the only option.
1. Black Teas
Classic Black Tea
When it comes to iced tea, you can’t go wrong with a classic black tea. Its robust flavor and high caffeine content make it an excellent choice for an invigorating iced tea. Some popular black teas to try are:
- Assam: A strong, malty tea from India
- Ceylon: A bold tea from Sri Lanka with a hint of citrus
- Darjeeling: A lighter, floral black tea also from India
Earl Grey
Earl Grey is a black tea that has been flavored with the oil of bergamot, giving it a unique citrusy taste. This tea makes a delightful iced tea, especially when served with a slice of lemon or orange.
Chai
Chai is a spiced black tea that originates from India. It is typically brewed with a blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger. For a refreshing iced chai, simply brew the tea with spices, let it cool, and serve over ice with a splash of milk or a dairy-free alternative.
2. Green Teas
Japanese Sencha
Japanese Sencha is a popular green tea with a delicate, grassy flavor. It makes a light, refreshing iced tea, perfect for sipping on a warm day. To make iced sencha, simply brew the tea, let it cool, and serve over ice with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint.
Chinese Dragonwell
Dragonwell, also known as Longjing, is a high-quality Chinese green tea with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. Its mellow taste and low caffeine content make it an excellent option for a relaxing iced tea. To make iced Dragonwell, brew the tea leaves at a lower temperature, allow them to cool, and serve over ice.
Matcha
Matcha is a finely ground Japanese green tea that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Its vibrant green color and slightly sweet, vegetal taste make it a unique option for iced tea. To make iced matcha, simply whisk the matcha powder with cold water and ice until frothy and smooth.
3. Oolong Teas
Tie Guan Yin
Tie Guan Yin, also known as Iron Goddess of Mercy, is a Chinese oolong tea with a floral, slightly sweet flavor. Its medium oxidation level makes it an excellent candidate for iced tea. To make iced Tie Guan Yin, brew the tea leaves, let them cool, and serve over ice with a splash of honey or simple syrup.
Taiwanese Oolong
Taiwanese oolong teas, like Dong Ding and High Mountain Oolong, are known for their floral and fruity notes. These teas make lovely iced teas that are both refreshing and complex in flavor. To make iced Taiwanese oolong, brew the tea leaves, let them cool, and serve over ice with a slice of fruit, like peach or mango.
4. White Teas
Silver Needle
Silver Needle is a delicate white tea made from the young, unopened buds of the tea plant. Its subtle, sweet flavor and low caffeine content make it an excellent choice for a light and refreshing iced tea. To make iced Silver Needle, brew the tea leaves at a lower temperature, let them cool, and serve over ice.
White Peony
White Peony, also known as Bai Mu Dan, is another popular white tea with a slightly stronger flavor than Silver Needle. Its fruity and floral notes make it a delightful choice for iced tea. To make iced White Peony, brew the tea leaves at a lower temperature, let them cool, and serve over ice.
5. Herbal Teas
Hibiscus
Hibiscus is a caffeine-free herbal tea with a tart, fruity flavor, and a vibrant red color. It makes a delicious and visually appealing iced tea, perfect for entertaining or as a refreshing treat. To make iced hibiscus tea, steep the dried hibiscus flowers in hot water, let it cool, and serve over ice with a splash of simple syrup or agave nectar to sweeten.
Peppermint
Peppermint tea is a popular herbal tea known for its cooling and invigorating properties. Its crisp, minty flavor makes it an excellent choice for a refreshing iced tea. To make iced peppermint tea, simply brew the tea leaves or bags, let them cool, and serve over ice with a sprig of fresh mint.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a caffeine-free herbal tea with a subtle, soothing flavor. It makes a lovely iced tea for those looking for a calming and relaxing beverage. To make iced chamomile tea, brew the chamomile flowers in hot water, let them cool, and serve over ice with a slice of lemon or a drizzle of honey.
We’ve tasted dozens of brands to bring you the best chamomile tea available, check it out here.
Rooibos
Rooibos is a caffeine-free herbal tea from South Africa that has a naturally sweet, earthy flavor. Its unique taste and vibrant red color make it a great option for caffeine-free iced tea. To make iced rooibos tea, steep the tea leaves in hot water, let them cool, and serve over ice with a slice of lemon or a splash of simple syrup.
Conclusion
With so many different types of tea to choose from, there is sure to be a perfect iced tea option for everyone. From robust black teas to delicate white teas and from refreshing herbal teas to unique oolong teas, there’s a world of flavors waiting to be explored. Try out these various teas for your next iced tea adventure and enjoy a refreshing and satisfying beverage that will quench your thirst on a hot day.
FAQ
Why Is My Iced Tea Cloudy?
Iced tea can become cloudy when it cools down too quickly or is refrigerated immediately after being brewed. This rapid change in temperature can cause certain compounds, particularly tannins, to release and form visible cloudiness. Using high-quality tea and cooling it gradually can help prevent this.
