How to Make Refreshing Iced Tea with Loose Leaf Tea

Last Updated on January 19, 2022

Are you tired of bitter and bland iced tea? It’s time to switch to a more flavorful and sustainable option – cold brew iced tea with loose leaf tea. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also thirst-quenching and healthier. Plus, by using loose leaf tea, you’re helping the environment by avoiding the plastic found in regular tea bags. Let’s dive into the world of loose leaf tea and discover the art of making delicious iced tea.

The Benefits of Cold Brew Iced Tea

Cold brew iced tea offers numerous advantages over traditional tea bags. Here are some reasons why you should give it a try:

• Traditional tea bags contain plastic, while loose leaf tea does not.
• It’s quick and simple to prepare.
• All you need is a tea strainer, a jar of loose leaf tea, and a pitcher.
• The flavor is smooth and never bitter.
• Cold brew extracts a smaller amount of caffeine into the tea, making it a great choice for those who are sensitive to caffeine.

Discovering the Best Loose Leaf Tea

Finding high-quality loose leaf tea without plastic packaging can be challenging, especially if you don’t have access to a local tea shop or health food store. Luckily, you can order online from companies like Arbor Teas, known for their dedication to sustainability and plastic-free packaging.

Arbor Teas partners with Carbon Fund to offset their carbon footprint and sources their teas from sustainable, organic, fair trade, and biodynamic farms. These farms not only minimize their impact on the environment but actively work towards having a positive effect. Once the tea reaches Arbor Teas’ solar-powered facility, it is packaged in completely compostable materials, reducing their overall carbon footprint.

How to Make Iced Tea the Night Before

If you’re planning ahead, making iced tea the night before is a great option. Here’s a simple recipe to follow:

• 1 Regular 1.5 oz bag of Pomegranate White Tea
• 16 cups of water

1. Bring 16 cups of water to a simmer, approximately 180 degrees.
2. Remove the pot from the heat and add the loose leaf tea.
3. Steep the tea for 2-3 minutes.
4. Strain out the tea leaves.
5. OPTIONAL Add sugar if desired.
6. Store the tea in a sealed container in the fridge overnight, and it will be perfectly chilled and ready to enjoy the next day!

How to Make Cold Brew Tea

Cold brew tea offers a more hands-off approach with a longer steeping time, resulting in a smoother and mellower flavor. Here’s how to make it:

• 1 Regular 1.5 oz bag of Pomegranate White Tea
• 16 cups of cool water

1. Combine the water and loose leaf tea in a pitcher.
2. Cover the pitcher and place it in the fridge.
3. Allow the tea to steep for 8-24 hours, depending on your desired strength.
4. Strain the tea using cheesecloth.
5. Serve over ice and enjoy the refreshingly smooth taste.

How to Make Loose Leaf Tea Quickly

Sometimes you need a quicker solution for making iced tea. Follow these steps:

• 1 Regular 1.5 oz bag of Pomegranate White Tea
• 8 cups of water
• A lot of ice

1. Fill a 1-gallon container with ice.
2. Bring 8 cups of water to a simmer, approximately 180 degrees.
3. Remove the pot from the heat and add the loose leaf tea.
4. Let it steep for 2-3 minutes.
5. Strain out the tea leaves.
6. OPTIONAL Add sugar if desired.
7. Pour the hot water into the gallon container with the ice, allowing the ice to melt and dilute the tea mixture to the perfect level.
8. You now have a refreshing treat ready to be enjoyed!

Sweetening Your Iced Tea

If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can easily add sweeteners to your cold brew tea. Consider using sugar, honey, maple syrup, or even fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. For a more subtle sweetness, garnish with lemon, lime, or orange wedges.

Storing Your Iced Tea

Unless you plan on drinking your tea warm, it’s important to refrigerate it. By refrigerating the tea, you not only ensure it’s cold and refreshing when you’re ready to drink it but also prevent the growth of bacteria. Tea that sits out for too long can quickly develop harmful bacteria, so it’s best to chill it promptly.

Indeed, making iced tea with loose leaf tea is a delightful and eco-friendly way to enjoy a refreshing beverage. So why not give it a try and experience the smooth, flavorful goodness of cold brew iced tea? Start your journey with Arbor Teas, the company that combines sustainability and great taste.

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