In search of the perfect, ice-cold beverage to cool you down during these scorching summer months? Why not try one of these refreshing iced tea recipes. Fruity infusions combined with the goodness of herbal tea, create the perfect pick-me-up!  The best part, they’re homemade, so there are no nasty additives!

1. Pineapple and Peach Iced Tea

This peach iced tea recipe is one of the most popular amongst avid tea drinkers! By adding fresh pineapple, you’re getting a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals including potassium, calcium, vitamin B and C.

Ingredients

Simple Syrup

• 1 cup organic cane sugar
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup lemon juice
• 2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced
• 1 cup pineapple, chopped
• 1 lemon, sliced

Tea

• 4-5 Tablespoons loose leaf black tea (5-6 tea bags)
• 8 (2L) cups water

Method

Step 1   Bring sugar, water, lemon juice, peaches and pineapple to a boil in a medium saucepan. Lower heat and use wooden spoon to stir and crush the fruit to infuse the flavour.

Step 2   Once the sugar has dissolved, remove from heat and cover. Let it steep for 30 minutes.

Step 3   Meanwhile; brew tea using a large pot. Brew for 4-5 minutes, no longer or the tea can become bitter. NOTE: You can use more or less tea depending on how strong you like it

Step 4   Once brewed, remove tea bags or strain loose-leaf tea and transfer to a pitcher. Refrigerate to cool.

Step 5   Once the simple syrup is ready, strain into a bottle to remove fruit pulp.

Step 6   Combine simple syrup, tea, ice and sliced lemon in the pitcher and stir to combine.

Serves 10

2. Cinnamon Hibiscus and Apple Iced Tea

This tasty iced tea recipe is perfect for getting your health back on track! Hibiscus can provide relief from high blood pressure, digestive issues, and inflammatory problems. Adding cinnamon and apple flavours creates a wonderfully fragrant brew, perfect for a warm summer’s day. 

Ingredients

• 2 English breakfast tea bags
• ½ cup dried hibiscus flowers
• 4 cups (1L) water
• 4 cups (1L) fresh apple juice
• 1 red apple, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 cinnamon quills
• Mint sprigs, to serve

Method

Step 1   Brew tea using a large pot. Steep for 4-5 minutes, then discard tea bags. Add the hibiscus flowers, cinnamon quills and apple juice, cover and refrigerate overnight.

Step 2   The next morning pour infused tea into a jug. Add the apple and lemon slices and mint sprigs. Stir well to combine.

Serves 7

3. Sweet Strawberry and Maple Iced Tea

Green tea is one of the best teas for iced tea! It is full of antioxidants and is said to improve brain function, lower the risk of cancer and contribute to fat loss. Adding maple syrup and strawberries to this mixture creates a sweet tea, which makes it perfect for replacing sugary soft drinks.

Ingredients

• 4 bags of green tea
• 4 cups (1L) water
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 2 ½ cups sliced strawberries
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 kiwifruit, sliced

Method

Step 1   Brew green tea using a large pot. Add maple syrup and stir to combine. Steep mixture for 4-5 minutes then discard tea bags.
NOTE: Green tea is brewed at around 80 degrees as it becomes very bitter if boiled!

Step 2   Add strawberries and lime juice to mixture. Using a masher, press strawberries to release some of the juice. Refrigerate until chilled.

Step 3   Serve in glasses over ice. Garnish with sliced kiwifruit.

Serves 7