Did you know that there’s such a thing as National Iced Tea Day? No? Neither did I (it happened to be June 10th). But I suppose it doesn’t matter because every day is iced tea day for me. In general I tend to like four beverages: water, wine, coffee and tea, with tea one of the top contenders. Which is how I’ve experimented with tea blends of all sorts.
So go ahead, forego your usual iced tea and experiment. You might find a new favorite among these:
Black Tea
Since most days I’m in dire need of caffeine, black tea is my favorite to make iced. But I’m definitely not a “plain” tea kind of gal, so I love experimenting with different types. By a landslide, Mariage Frères is my favorite tea. Their offerings are exquisite. It can be difficult to decide among their teas, but here are two winners.
The Éros Tea is one of my favorites both warm and iced. Black tea leaves are scented ever so slightly with hibiscus and mallow flowers for an elegant, complex cup. It’s actually sweet so add just a touch of sugar or honey.
Marco Polo is another stellar tea from Mariage Frères. Wow. Just wow. Black tea leaves are blended with Chinese and Tibetan fruit and flowers. Iced, this is definitely a standout.
Red Tea
If you want a tea that’s full of flavor but without the caffeine, try Thé Rouge Bourbon Vanille. Bourbon and Madagascar vanilla paired together in a tea? Oh yes…a treat indeed. I add a touch of milk to this version of iced tea and it’s like a liquid dessert.
Green Tea
In the heat of a summer day I make an iced fruity green tea.
For this you might want to try this simple green tea or perhaps something a bit more decadent like this Geisha Blossom Tea, which is a blend of green tea, summer fruits and calendula. Pour hot water over 5-6 tea bags that you’ve placed in a pitcher. Let brew for 3 or so minutes and then add a bunch of my favorite summer fruits and berries: strawberries, pineapple, raspberries, cut up peaches, or whatever fruit you like. Then refrigerate for a few hours and then pour over ice. It’s absolutely refreshing.
Green + Black
If you like mint, but with some added perks, then definitely opt for Casablanca. The mint in Casablanca is paired with bergamot (which is the flavor in Earl Grey) and with both green and black tea leaves. It’s an enchanting blend, especially over ice.
So whatever iced tea you decide to make, let us know your favorite over on Facebook.
Tracey Ceurvels, a NYC-based writer, journalist, recipe developer + mom, helps newlyweds, young couples, and moms + dads with her weekly dinner plan of fresh, seasonal dinner recipes. Visit Your Weekly Dinner Plan on her blog, The Busy Hedonist, for more information. If you’re a food lover visiting NYC, you might enjoy NYC iFoodShop: a Food Lover’s Guide to Shopping in NYC
