Types of iced tea and how to make them

Tea is a beverage that can warm us up when it's cold and also refresh us during hot times. It is a healthy drink that we can consume at any time of the day without fear of it being harmful to your health. There are various ways to prepare  iced tea, as well as different types we can try. Do you know how to prepare it? In this article, we will tell you.

How is iced tea made?

Among the ways to prepare this drink, we have two variants: with or without ice. The first is known as iced tea, while the second is cold tea. For both cases, we must prepare the drink as a hot infusion, using a kettle for this.

If we regularly prepare infusions, the best option is to have a  water kettle. There are many models of kettles, but one of the most useful is the electric kettle made of stainless steel, which does not absorb odors or flavors and allows for temperature control of the water, as it turns off when it reaches the boiling point.

When  preparing the infusion, you must decide if you prefer the variant with ice or without ice, as this will depend on the amount of herbs you will use. If you opt for the version with ice, you will need to prepare the infusion with an amount approximately double the usual. This happens because the ice dilutes the flavor and decreases the concentration of the infusion. For the version without ice, this will not be necessary.

Thus, the first step is to prepare the drink in the kettle, using a very small amount of water and considering the final amount you want to prepare. Once the water reaches its boiling point, add the herbs and wait around 5 minutes to remove the herbs from the water.

Complete with room temperature water until you reach the desired amount. Then, you must place the drink in the refrigerator for a couple of hours until it is completely cold. Finally, if you have prepared it concentrated, you must add ice at the time of serving.

Types of iced tea to consume in summer

What are the  types of iced tea that we can prepare? First of all, it is important to clarify that there are many herb-based drinks that we can prepare both cold and hot. This beverage is the product of the infusion of the plant called Camellia Sinensis. Infusions from other plants, although they are also very good prepared cold or hot, are not considered tea.

Having clarified this, let's explain which varieties we can use to prepare it cold or iced. Remember that it is an infusion that contains caffeine, while the rest of the infusions do not contain it. These levels of caffeine are ideal to keep you focused and alert. Additionally, it provides a thermogenic effect that helps your body lose fat.

Not all varieties of this product are ideal for the preparation of iced or cold tea. Some result in a bodyless infusion, which loses much of its appeal at low temperatures.

Black tea

This is the most popular variety when it comes to preparing it cold or iced. It has a lot of body and a stimulating effect. It contains high levels of caffeine and theine, making it perfect for consumption in the morning or mid-afternoon.

The most common of these drinks is  iced tea with lemon. Its simple preparation and refreshing result will delight any palate. Another less known combination is to add apple juice and a final touch of lemon drops and brown sugar.

White Tea

It has a characteristic aroma and a mild flavor, which pleases most people. This variety contains even more antioxidants and very low levels of caffeine and theine, so you can consume it at any time of the day. For its infusion, the water should not exceed 60 degrees and only between 2 and 5 minutes are needed.

A delicious drink that you can prepare with this variety is with honey and peach. The honey adds a natural sweetness, while the delicate flavor of the peach is compatible with that of white tea. When serving, you can do so with crushed ice and add mint leaves. You can also substitute the peach for pineapple and the mint for peppermint leaves.

Red Tea

This drink has an antioxidant and purifying effect. It helps the body get rid of toxins and everything it doesn't need. It is ideal to drink after a hearty meal, as well as in the afternoon. Its preparation requires an infusion time of about 3 minutes with water at boiling point.

One of the options to consume this drink cold is to prepare it with raspberries, similar to making a smoothie but with the fabulous flavor of this plant. Another option is to prepare it cold with lemon, as the acidity of the lemon gives a greater sensation of freshness to the resulting drink. An idea that goes very well with this type of drink is to add crushed ice to make a refreshing slushie.

Green Tea

This variety is perfect for replacing soft drinks and avoiding alcohol while taking advantage of its antioxidant properties and diuretic effect. When preparing it, avoid the water being above 75 °C, as if it is hotter or you leave it steeping for more than 3 minutes, its mild flavor can become too bitter.

It is an ideal drink for the afternoon hours. You can prepare it accompanied by mint leaves to add additional freshness. You can serve it with ice and accompanied by lemon slices. Another recipe for this variety is to accompany it with lemon, mint, and brown sugar. You can serve it with crushed ice to make it fresher and combine it with other acidic fruits, like pineapple.

In short,  iced tea is a refreshing drink that you can consume in hot weather, especially as a replacement for other less healthy drinks, like sodas and processed juices.