Inspired by my travels. Iced Tea as a Summer Ritual.
There’s something deeply summery about preparing a good iced tea. It’s not just a refreshing drink - it’s a way of taking your time, choosing each ingredient with care, slowing down even when the world outside speeds up. Iced tea doesn’t happen by chance: it requires attention, balance, and a touch of creativity. Preparing iced tea is more than cooling down an infusion. It’s imagining a moment to share, a gentle pause, a small pleasure that refreshes both body and mind. And like any genuine gesture, it needs care.
Cool down your summer. Sip by sip. Organic teas ideal for cold infusion - unsweetened, refreshing, and naturally flavorful. Try them with fresh citrus, herbs, ice.
A short about a moment when an iced tea meant something more than just a simple drink:
- 'There was that August light, that soft, suspended silence ... and a jug of iced tea on the table. With orange slices and a few mint leaves. It was just a break, but it felt like a celebration.
- It’s not just served cold. It’s served slowly. Making iced tea is like writing a letter: it takes time, intention, and the desire to be understood.
- The scent of iced tea recalls long afternoons, curtains swaying softly in the breeze. It smells of quiet voices, white tablecloths, half-read books. It doesn’t just quench thirst - it brings you home.
HOW TO PREPARE THE PERFECT ICED TEA: THE RITUAL IN 6 STEPS
Not all teapots are created equal: prefer glass or ceramic to avoid altering the flavor. And the tea? Opt for whole leaves for a richer, more delicate infusion, or a quality tea bag for convenience. The type of tea will influence the character of the drink: black for body, green for freshness, or an aromatic herbal blend for a special touch.
Quantity matters: too much tea makes the infusion bitter, too little makes it weak. Use about 5 grams of leaves per 500 ml of water. If using a tea bag, make sure it’s premium quality to preserve the taste.
Cold water extracts aromas gently and gradually, avoiding the bitterness that can come from boiling water. Use filtered or good-quality water: purity makes a difference.
Let the tea infuse in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but no more than 4. Less than 2 hours results in a weak flavor; beyond 4 hours, bitter notes and an overly strong drink may develop.
Don’t rush pouring: let the liquid flow gently into the glass to appreciate its color, aroma, and clarity. If you like, add a few ice cubes or a slice of lemon to enhance the freshness.
Iced tea is a blank canvas: try adding mint leaves, a sprig of rosemary, or some rosehip berries to personalize your brew. And remember, quality ingredients always make the difference.
Traditional iced tea is often made with hot water, but cold brewing extracts fewer tannins and less caffeine, resulting in a sweeter, less astringent beverage—perfect for summer and for those who prefer a gentler taste.
CITRUS &TEA: HOW AND WHEN TO USE THEM
Citrus fruits like lemon, orange, and lime can add a fresh and lively note to iced tea, but it’s important to use them carefully so they don’t overpower the drink’s original characteristics.
- In black teas, which are stronger, the acidity of citrus balances and enhances the flavor without overwhelming it.
- In green teas, which are delicate and vegetal, it’s best to add thin peels or a few drops of juice to avoid masking the aromas.
- In aromatic infusions, citrus further enriches the flavor complexity.
- The advice is to add citrus only at the end, just before serving, to keep the infusion’s aromas intact.
THE COLD BREW
Cold brew iced tea is much more than a refreshing drink: it is a true ritual that highlights delicacy and aromatic complexity.
Unlike traditional hot water infusion, cold brew extracts aromas slowly and gently, reducing tannins and caffeine. This results in a naturally sweeter, less bitter, and easier-to-digest tea, perfect for those who enjoy a smooth and balanced flavor.
Not all teas are the same: green and black teas work well, but aromatic infusions and white teas can also surprise when prepared cold. It is important to use quality tea, preferably whole leaves, for a richer and cleaner result.
Too short an infusion results in weak tea, while too long can bring out bitter notes. Water quality is also crucial: hard or chlorinated water spoils the taste. Finally, the amount of tea must be carefully measured to avoid infusions that are too strong or too weak.
Cold brew is a blank canvas for those who love to experiment. Fresh mint, citrus peels, a sprig of rosemary, or rosehip berries can add surprising aromatic notes without overpowering the character of the tea.
Store iced tea in the refrigerator in an airtight container and consume it within 24-36 hours to maintain optimal freshness and flavor.
Iced tea originated as a popular drink in America, especially in the Southern United States, where the hot summer climate led to finding cooler, lighter ways to enjoy tea. Today, cold brew is spreading worldwide, becoming a symbol of modern and natural taste.
In the silence of a cup, character takes shape.
Every sip reveals a fragment of who you are