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:
- 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).
- 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.
- Strain & Cool: Strain the tea leaves and discard. Let the concentrate cool completely in an airtight container before refrigerating.
- 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.