Iced tea & herbal tea

Our guide to iced teas

Which type of tea should you choose for your iced tea?

The choice of tea entirely defines the flavour profile of your drink.

Iced black teas offer a robust infusion and are often enjoyed with a hint of lemon or peach.

Tea lovers looking for a more delicate option turn to iced green teas, renowned for their milder flavour. Among the most popular is spearmint green tea: discover our iced spearmint tea recipe.

If you are looking for a fruity taste, fruity iced teas offer flavours ranging from strawberry to peach or raspberry, perfect for sweet palates without the calories of fizzy drinks.

Energising iced maté teas blend the stimulating properties of maté with icy coolness, delivering a natural boost.

Finally, for those avoiding caffeine, caffeine-free iced herbal teas—also known as cold infusions—are an ideal alternative, especially Rooibos.

How to make your homemade iced tea

Making your homemade iced tea takes just a few simple steps:

Start by choosing your base tea: black, green, white, or a fruit or herbal infusion. Opt for loose leaf tea or teabags to preserve the full richness of the flavours.

Proportions often vary from one tablespoon of tea per cup of water for hot brewing, to the same quantity for a larger volume of water for cold brewing.

Steeping time is crucial: between 3 and 5 minutes for hot-brewed tea, and up to several hours for cold brew.

After steeping, strain to remove the leaves or teabags. For a personalised, creative drink, add ingredients to taste: pieces of fresh fruit such as peach, strawberry or lemon, herbs like mint, or mild sweeteners such as agave syrup.

Serve your drink in a glass carafe filled with ice cubes, and enjoy the refreshing flavours of your homemade iced tea.

Health benefits of iced tea

Iced teas are more than just refreshing drinks—they are packed with health benefits.

Hydration and low in calories

Opting for an iced herbal tea is a wise choice when looking for a refreshing, low-calorie alternative. Homemade iced tea, prepared with whole tea leaves or teabags, contains no added sugar, making it a hydrating and healthy option unlike industrial sugary drinks that are often packed with calories.

Antioxidants and well-being

Iced teas are true wellness elixirs, offering a valuable source of health-boosting antioxidants. By brewing at the right temperature, these compounds are extracted from the tea leaves, whether green, black or white tea. These antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, help neutralise the free radicals responsible for cellular ageing and inflammation.

Is it good to drink iced tea?

Yes, iced tea is a beneficial drink, provided it is enjoyed without excess added sugar. Rich in antioxidants and low in calories, it promotes hydration and easily fits into a balanced diet. Certain varieties, such as iced green tea, also provide L-theanine, an amino acid renowned for its soothing effects on the mind. At Kusmi Tea, our organic iced teas have no added sugar, allowing you to enjoy all these benefits without compromise.

Can you make iced tea with any tea?

Practically, yes! Black tea, green tea, white tea, oolong tea, rooibos, maté, or fruit and herbal infusions—all are perfectly suited to iced preparations. A few nuances: more tannic teas (black, oolong) pair well with a dash of milk or a slice of lemon to balance any bitterness, while fruity or floral infusions need nothing more than freshness. Cold brewing, in particular, works with almost any blend and creates naturally smooth drinks with very little bitterness.