Whether you like it robust, sweet or peppered with botanicals an expertly crafted iced tea just screams “elegant summer.” While making a pitcher of tantalizing tea may seem straightforward, I’m here to tell you that there’s a lot more to it than simply pouring water over a teabag…
Below you’ll find some trade secrets about creating a sensational gourmet iced tea fit for a Bon vivant! Having owned and operated a whimsical tea shop for 5 years I’ve collected some fun methods to elevate a simple iced tea. To brew an exceptional iced tea, you must begin with the highest gourmet quality loose leaf tea. Here at the Cottage Shoppe we’re proud tea snobs and spend a lot of time hunting down the finest ingredients! But first, depending on your method of preparation (hot brew, cold, brew, or sun tea) you’ll need to select a blend that will be compatible.
For hot brew, I recommend using a professional barista thermometer to have the precise water temperature for steeping. Each tea blend should have instructions that provide guidelines for preparation. Be mindful not to quickly change the water temperature after the tea has steeped. This will result in the tannins and the caffeine binding together which will make your tea appear cloudy and unappetizing. This method works best for black teas and hybrid blends.
For cold brew, you’ll need to make sure your tea leaves are secured in an appropriate infuser. Free-floating leaves are a big no-no for cold brew. Without using an infuser or silk tea bag you’ll be required to filter the mixture after it’s steeped. This will lift the taste, and (depending on what you use) put fibers into the tea causing bacteria. If you do end up needing to strain the tea, stay away from coffee filters and opt for a fine metal mesh tea sieve. This method is ideal for white, green, or herbal teas.
Here is our list of the BEST gourmet loose leaf blends for top-shelf iced tea:
Café Style Iced tea is as much about presentation as it is about quality. The ice to tea ratio is best determined by the glassware you’ll be using. Select a glass that embellishes your presentation tone.
If you’ve decided to wow everyone with fancy floral ice cubes, reach for a tall sleek modern design. Highball tumblers with insulated thermal glass show off these whimsical cubes and provide enough height to still hold a decent amount of liquid.
A very complex and boutique tea blend is best appreciated anywhere, but a stylish party glass with a delicate garnish will allow the tea to really be the center of attention. These goblet glasses look smart and dignified adding a refined edge to an upscale vibe.
You can’t go wrong with heavy-based tumblers or pint glasses which famously pair well with sunhats and garden gloves. This design allows you plenty of room for fancy infusions and has a classic look. Oversized, indented for easy grip, and a nice weight solidified this design as the quintessential iced tea sipper.
Who could resist a mason jar ice tea mug?! No one, the answer is “no one!” Aside from the whimsy and rustic attitude, mason jar style teaware is an excellent way to add contrast or nostalgia to a gourmet brew. Make sure you pick a glass that is large, and tall (at least 24 oz) since most drinking-masons are stout and narrow.
Here are some of our favorite infusions and techniques to transform your brew into an expensive looking/tasting Café Style Iced Tea
Boost your flavor by using infused water to make your tea from. Rosewater, Cucumber water, or strawberry water make the smoothest addition to almost any tea blend. You’ll want to remove herbs and fruits by 24 hours to prevent them from breaking down. Boil the water before beginning an infusion to drive off volatile compounds, and dissolved gasses. Infuse at room temperature for no more than 2 hours then refrigerate to stop bacteria. It’s a 3-day max life span so enjoy it promptly.
Artisan ice cubes instantly elevate your sipping experience and are memorable. The best berry cubes are made from blackberry or raspberry. Berries with tight skins (like blueberries, and strawberries) are not great candidates because the flavor doesn’t infuse unless their skin is broken or cut.
For a sublime botanical ice cube, Jasmine or mint make the loveliest addition both with taste and appearance. These two flavors work well individually with both fruity and malty teas making them our absolute go-to choices for showstopper cubes. Lightly boil the jasmine blossoms/ mint leaves to infuse the flavor with your ice water, then add one fresh blossom/leaf per cube freeze overnight. These botanical ice cubes look impressive and add a gorgeous cooling taste to iced tea!
Bulk Symetrical Ice Cube Tray
Diamond Ice Cube Mold
You don’t have to spend loads of prep time to make an extravagant gourmet iced tea. Brew a concentrated batch of tea and dilute it with club soda, sparkling water, or even champagne. This will make an effervescent iced tea that deserves a fancy garnish. The bubbles embellish the tea flavor and make a satisfying refresher that feels elaborate without being tedious. If you’re really looking to glam it up, toss in some edible glitter and watch people lose their minds!
Other liquid additives like lemonade enhance a summer vibe. They work well with family settings, perfect for BBQs or a garden party. Be careful not to overpower the taste of your tea. A 3 to 1 ratio of tea to lemonade will create the optimal balance of earthiness and zesty sweetness. Lemonade Iced Tea is an easy crowd-pleaser that will satisfy anyone while providing an effortlessly polished look.
Sweeten your brew by using an all-natural infused syrup which will enhance a unique iced tea making it memorable and exceptional. My personal favorite syrups to use with my iced tea are lavender, peach, or ginger. Depending on the tea blend you can create a mouthwatering flavor combination by adding a controlled amount of infused syrup. Botanical syrups provide gorgeous distinct flavors and give you lots of control by way of taste.
I once heard someone say that “tea is only as good as the company you drink it with.” Café Style iced tea is made special not just by adding a sense of luxury, fancy infusions, and gourmet ingredients, it’s really about constructing a special occasion out of something ordinary. Whatever you dare to try, make sure you’re delighting and enchanting those who make you laugh until you snort, or anyone who’s infectiously good fun!
Happy Sipping!
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