Healthy iced tea recipe (and which teas work best!)

by | Feb 6, 2023 | News and blog

Organic iced tea
Enjoying the summer sun? Then it’s time to get the ice cubes ready and crack out a refreshing glass of iced tea. Discover the best healthy iced tea recipe (without the sugar), and which tea flavours and blends work best for an icy-cold alternative.
Plus, we also cover an excellent time-saving hack so you can make delicious iced tea in an instant!

What is iced tea?

Iced tea is a refreshing beverage that has been enjoyed by tea lovers around the world for decades.
We love supping on a glass of tea on hot New Zealand summer days. It’s the perfect non-alcoholic beverage for barbeques, family gatherings and get-togethers.
Although you can buy pre-made iced tea in a can, be aware that most of these store-bought beverages are made from syrup and full of sugars and sweeteners. In fact, most of the canned iced teas are not even made from tea!
This homemade iced tea recipe is SO much more tantalising, contains real tea (and we suggest you use organic) and is a much healthier option. What’s more, there’s no need to add any sugar or sweetener to these great tasting iced teas!
Read on to find out how to brew-up and chill a delicious iced tea at home using the finest organic tea blends and other healthy ingredients.

History of iced tea

Iced tea has a long history, dating back to the early 19th century. It was first made in the US by a Southern tea merchant, Richard Blechynden. He was trying to increase the sales of his tea at a World‘s Fair in St. Louis, Missouri and decided to add ice to make it more appealing.
Bechynden’s idea was a success and iced tea quickly gained popularity throughout the country and has become a summertime-staple worldwide.
Today, iced tea is available in a variety of flavors, including traditional black tea, green tea, and herbal tea.

A healthy alternative

Iced tea is a great choice for those looking for a healthier alternative to soda or other sugary drinks. When made according to the recipe below, iced tea is low in calories, has no fat or cholesterol, and can be a good source of antioxidants.

Studies have also shown that drinking iced tea may help reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease. Iced tea is a delicious and versatile beverage that can be enjoyed any time of day.

 

Healthy iced tea recipe

 

Ingredients

  • 1tsp or 1 teabag of your favourite organic tea
  • 1 cup of boiled water
  • A few ice cubes (optional)

Method

Follow these steps to make a delicious iced tea:

  1. Add your favourite organic tea to a mug or cup (see below for our tasty recommendations with health benefits). Either 1 teaspoon (2g) of loose tea will do, or one tea bag per cup.
  2. Brew the tea for a few minutes.
  3. Allow to cool before placing the cup in the fridge – add ice cubes if you want to speed-up the process.
  4. Once at your desired icy temperature, pour the tea into a glass and add some extra ice cubes.

Optional extras

If you want your iced tea drink to impress, consider adding some herbs, spices or even fresh fruit to the concoction. This is where you can get really creative with your beverage.

Here are a few of our suggestions:

  • Fresh mint
  • Ginger
  • Lime
  • Lemon
  • Lemongrass
  • Strawberries
  • Sliced apple
  • Frozen peaches

Great cheat for instant iced tea

If you want to have an iced-tea option to hand for whenever the need calls, you can rustle up some ice cubes made from your favourite iced tea.

Following the instructions above, brew the tea in a heat-proof jug – such as a Pyrex jug. Once cooled, add the tea to a tray of ice cubes. Once frozen, add them to a glass or water for an extra-delicious taste. Voila!

How to make fizzy iced tea

Want iced tea with some added bubbles? Just add soda water to the ice cubes mentioned above for some extra fizz in your iced tea drink.

Another way is to brew the tea using the steps in the recipe above and use your soda stream machine to add the bubbles for you.

 

Favourite flavours for iced tea

When it comes to iced tea, there are so many options available.
We love experimenting with different flavours. Here are some of our favourite iced teas that we’ve enjoyed sampling from our organic tea range. Each are made with the finest Certified Organic ingredients and contain no added sweeteners, colours or preservatives.
Our organic teas come in a range of sizes, from small 20g bags to 1kg refill bags. Wholesale accounts available.

Organic Kawakawa with Lemongrass & Ginger

Just those words alone should get you salivating!

Organic Kawakawa with Lemongrass & Ginger is a completely caffiene-free organic tea that combines New Zealand’s native kawakawa leaf together with lemongrass, ginger and calendula.

Apart from the delicious taste, Kawakawa tea is also known for it’s high concentrations of medicinal properties and has been used by Maori healers for many years due to its many health benefits. It’s known to improve blood circulation, ease bladder issues and soothe digestion.

Available as a loose-leaf tea and in toxic-free tea bags.

Kawa Organic Kawakawa lemon ginger tea

NZ’s organic kawakawa delights as a healthy iced tea

Organic Peachy Honeybush

Loved by children and adults alike, Organic Peachy Honeybush offers an enchanting fusion of peach, elderflower and a honey-like flavour but without the sugar.
The honeybush plant is grown on the nutrient-rich soils of South Africa and offers a sweetness you’ll go crazy for. Just without the sugar rush and the afternoon slump!
Honeybush and elderflower leaves are infused with a natural peach flavour, offering a mouth-watering taste to your iced tea.
Available as a loose-leaf tea and in toxic-free tea bags.
Peachy Organic Honeybush

Although honeybush may taste sweet, there’s no sugar on these leaves!

Organic Mint with Manuka Leaf

For an antioxidant-rich addition to your iced tea, choose Organic Mint with Manuka Leaf. This cooling mint iced tea is a caffeine-free drink that will delight your tastebuds.
Did you know that manuka leaf is a renowned New Zealand superfood? Organic mint is an antioxidant that is great for digestion and relaxtion. In fact, it’s known for its restorative properties that have been said to help boost immunity and even lower blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
Available as a loose-leaf tea and in toxic-free tea bags.
Mintuka Organic Mint and Manuka

Savor this delicious blend of organic mint with a NZ superfood

Whether you‘re looking for something to cool off with on a hot summer day or want to add a touch of flavor to your favourite recipes, iced tea is sure to be a hit. So next time you‘re in the mood for something refreshing, grab a glass of iced tea and enjoy!

About Charity Tea

Gill with children in HaitiCharity Tea is an ethical tea company providing premium organic teas that really nourish. Every purchase helps feed children in New Zealand and overseas allowing us to build a legacy of zero hunger for the world. By putting people and the planet over profit, we ensure fair wages for everyone and offer compostable packaging and plastic-free and toxic-free tea bags. We’re an equal opportunities employer and provide exciting opportunities to people in our community who are normally disadvantaged.