Making Iced Tea Concentrate. Quick, Easy & Refreshing!

Conquer the Summer Heat: Easy Homemade Iced Tea Concentrate Recipe

Looking to quench your thirst and cool down on a hot day? Look no further than refreshing homemade iced tea! This guide dives into the world of iced tea concentrates, offering a convenient and flavorful solution to beat the heat.

Why Iced Tea Concentrate? 

• Timesaving: Prepare large batches ahead and store in the fridge for quick, on-demand iced tea.
• Consistency: Ensure every glass has the same strength and flavor profile.
• Customization: Control the strength to match personal taste preferences.
• Versatility: Use concentrates for cocktails, mocktails, Arnold Palmers, or culinary recipes.
• Storage: Takes up less space in the fridge or freezer compared to ready-to-drink options.
• Endless Flavor Options: Experiment with different loose-leaf teas, fruits, herbs, and spices to create unique flavor combinations.
• Safer Than Sun Tea: The CDC advises against sun tea due to potential bacterial growth. This method ensures safe and delicious iced tea.

Basic Iced Tea Concentrate Recipe: 

 Ingredients:

• 32 oz (4 cups) water
• 4-5 rounded teaspoons loose leaf tea (adjust based on tea strength preference) from The Spice & Tea Shoppe
• 1-quart mason jar (or airtight container)
• Sweetener (optional) 

 Instructions:

1. Heat the Water: Heat water to the appropriate temperature for your chosen tea (typically boiling for black teas, lower temperatures for green or white teas).
2. Steep the Tea: Add loose leaf tea to a teapot, infuser, or directly in a pot. Steep for 3-4 minutes (green/white teas) or 5-7 minutes (black/herbal teas) for a concentrated flavor.
3. Strain & Cool: Strain the tea leaves and discard. Let the concentrate cool completely in an airtight container before refrigerating.
4. Enjoy! Refrigerated concentrate can last for a week. To make iced tea, combine 1 part concentrate with 3 parts water (adjust for desired strength). Add ice and sweetener (optional) to taste. 

Bonus Tip: 

For a quick chill, pour hot concentrate over ice in a pitcher filled with twice the concentrates volume. This will dilute your concentrate but make it ready to enjoy immediately.

Flavor Inspiration: 

• Fruity Twist: Add muddled berries, stone fruits, or citrus slices during steeping.
• Herbal Delight: Experiment with fresh herbs like mint, rosemary, or lavender.
• Spicy Kick: Include ginger, cinnamon, or cloves for a warming touch. 

Southern Sweet Tea Variation: 

Love Southern Sweet Tea? After straining the hot concentrate, add ½ - 1 cup sugar and stir until dissolved. For extra flavor, squeeze the juice from 2 lemons and add it to the concentrate. Try our Southern Ginger Peach tea for a delightful twist!

For the freshest loose-leaf tea and all your iced tea brewing needs, visit The Spice & Tea Shoppe! 

*Safety Note: This recipe prioritizes safety by avoiding the sun tea method, which the CDC advises against due to potential bacteria growth.