Beat the Heat – Make your own iced tea!

When the temperatures rise, there's hardly anything better than a glass of well-chilled iced tea. But instead of reaching for a store-bought bottle, it's well worth making your own. With little effort, according to your own taste and guaranteed without artificial frills.

Why make your own?

The biggest advantage is that you know exactly what's in it. No excessive sugar, no flavorings or preservatives. You can also experiment with different types of tea, fruits, herbs and sweeteners – regardless of whether you make the classic with black tea and lemon or try something summery with peach, mint or berries.

Which tea is suitable?

Almost any type of tea can be used as a base. Black tea is the classic choice for a reason though – it is strong and slightly bitter. If you prefer a milder flavor profile, go for green tea or fruit tea. Herbs such as peppermint or lemon verbena also add freshness.

Tip: It is best to steep green tea for 2 to 3 minutes only to avoid bitter aftertastes. Black tea can steep a little longer.

Classic lemon iced tea

Ingredients for approx. 5 glasses

• 2-3 bags of black tea
• 1 l water
• 2 organic lemons
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (to taste)
• Ice cubes
• Fresh mint sprigs for serving

Preparation

1. Bring the water to a boil and leave the tea bags to infuse for approx. 5 minutes.
2. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then add the lemon juice.
3. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup to taste and chill for approx. 2 hours.
4. Add ice cubes and a sprig of fresh mint before serving.

Wanna change it up?

• Peach iced tea: Cut ripe peaches into slices and leave to infuse. Alternately, puree and stir into your tea.
• Berry iced tea: Add frozen berries to the glass. They cool the drink while adding flavor.
• Cucumber and lemon iced tea: Especially refreshing on hot days.