How to Make Iced Tea With Loose Leaf Tea
Iced tea made with quality loose leaf tea is a completely different experience from powdered mixes or bottled tea. It's cleaner, more flavorful, and surprisingly easy once you know the two basic methods. Here's your complete guide.
Method 1: Hot Brew Iced Tea (Fast — Ready in 30 Minutes)
Hot brewing extracts flavor quickly and works with any type of tea. The key is brewing double-strength so the ice dilution doesn't wash out the flavor.
What You Need
- 2 tsp loose leaf tea per 8 oz of water (double the normal ratio)
- Hot water at the appropriate temperature for your tea type
- A mesh infuser or strainer
- A heat-safe pitcher or mason jar
- Ice
Hot Brew Steps
- Brew your tea double-strength (2 tsp per 8 oz instead of 1 tsp) at the correct temperature for the tea type (see chart below)
- Steep for the recommended time — do not over-steep or it will turn bitter
- Remove the tea leaves and let the concentrate cool at room temperature for 15–20 minutes
- Pour over a glass full of ice — the ice cools it almost instantly
- Sweeten while still warm if desired (sugar dissolves much better in warm tea than cold)
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days
Method 2: Cold Brew Iced Tea (Slow — 8–12 Hours, Incredible Results)
Cold brewing uses cold water and time instead of heat. The result is a remarkably smooth, less astringent, naturally sweet tea that works especially well with green teas, white teas, and herbal blends.
Cold Brew Steps
- Use 1.5–2 tsp of loose leaf tea per 8 oz of cold filtered water (a little more than hot brew, but not double-strength since cold water extracts gently)
- Add tea to a pitcher or mason jar with a lid
- Pour cold water over the leaves
- Refrigerate for 8–12 hours (green teas: 6–8 hours; black teas: 10–12 hours; herbal: 8–12 hours)
- Strain and serve over ice
Why cold brew is worth the wait: Cold water extracts less caffeine and fewer tannins than hot water, resulting in a naturally sweeter, smoother cup with zero bitterness. Green teas especially shine with this method.
Temperature & Steep Guide for Iced Teas
| Tea Type | Hot Brew Temp | Steep Time | Cold Brew Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black tea | 200–212°F | 3–4 min | 10–12 hrs |
| Green tea | 170–180°F | 2–3 min | 6–8 hrs |
| Herbal / Rooibos | 200–212°F | 5–7 min | 8–12 hrs |
| Hibiscus | 200–212°F | 7–10 min | 8–12 hrs |
Best Teas for Iced Tea
Almost any tea works iced, but these are our favorites:
- Citrus Setter Rooibos — bright, citrusy, naturally sweet and caffeine-free — incredible iced
- Organic Hibiscus — cold-brewed hibiscus becomes a stunning, tart ruby red drink
- Thai Tails & Trails — brewed strong and poured over ice with condensed milk for authentic Thai iced tea
- Pawssion Fruit Green — tropical passionfruit green tea, perfect cold-brewed with a slice of citrus
- Earl Greyhound — hot-brewed strong and poured over ice with a squeeze of lemon for Earl Grey lemonade
Browse our full tea collection and find your perfect iced tea base. Every purchase supports dog rescue.