We know how important it is to stay hydrated in a hot weather and for us at Birchall HQ’s, few drinks strike the prefect balance between enjoyment and wellness quite like home-made iced tea! Cool, refreshing, gently stimulating and endlessly versatile – iced tea is an absolute summer favourite – a feel-good ritual.
There’s a reason iced tea becomes a go-to drink as soon as the temperatures rise. It’s light, thirst-quenching, and easy to tailor to your personal taste – whether you prefer bold black tea with lemon, a delicate and fragrant green brew, or a naturally sweet herbal infusion. Not only is iced tea a healthier alternative to sugary soft drinks, but it’s also a great way to stay hydrated while enjoying a bit of flavour – perfect for those who don’t enjoy drinking plain water. In this guide we will explain show you how to make healthy iced tea at home using the best-tasting teas.
Health benefits of iced tea
Hydration & antioxidants
Iced tea will take its health benefits from the tea that is used to make it – choose green and black teas for gentle stimulation and alertness without the jitters. Green teas and hibiscus-based fruity blends are also rich in antioxidants, whilst mint may aid your digestion while offering a naturally cooling, refreshing flavour to your iced tea. Plus, since iced tea is water-based, it helps keep you hydrated throughout the day.
Naturally sugar-free drink
If you’re looking to cut back on sugary fizzy drinks without sacrificing flavour, iced tea is a brilliant alternative. When brewed at home, it contains little to no calories—especially if you skip added sugars. For naturally sweetened iced tea versions opt for healthier options like honey, agave, or a touch of stevia, allowing you to enjoy a flavourful drink without the guilt.
Tips for making sugar-free iced tea
Creating sugar-free iced tea that still tastes delicious is all about the ingredients and method. Start with a flavourful base – think bold black tea, aromatic green tea, or vibrant herbal blends and brew them according to the instructions. To enhance the natural taste, we advise adding fresh herbs like mint or basil, citrus juice such as lemon, lime or orange, or a handful of crushed berries – strawberries and raspberries are our favourite! Be sure to make a bigger batch as once you find your perfect mix, sugar-free iced tea quickly becomes a refreshing habit you’ll want to stick with.
Are you ready to make your best iced tea?
Our best home-made iced tea recipes to try this summer
Classic black iced tea with Birchall Great Rift
Rich, smooth, and beautifully refreshing, this black tea recipe brings out the full flavour of our award-winning Great Rift blend.
Ingredients:
- 4 Birchall Great Rift tea bags
- 1 litre filtered boiling water
- Ice cubes
- Juice of ½ – 1 lemon
- Lemon slices (optional)
- Fresh mint (optional)
- 1-2 Tbsp honey, maple or agave syrup (to taste, optional)
Instructions:
- Brew the tea bags in 1 litre of freshly boiled water for 2–4 minutes.
- Remove the bags, add honey (if using) and let the tea cool to room temperature.
- Add the lemon juice and mint leaves.
- Refrigerate until chilled.
- Serve over ice with a slice of lemon or a spring of mint for a zesty finish.
Cooling green tea & mint iced tea
This light and revitalising recipe combines the delicate flavour of green tea with the refreshing coolness of mint—a perfect pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
- 4 Birchall Green Tea & Mint tea bags
- 1 litre filtered water at 80°C (if you don’t have a temperature-controlled kettle, bring the water to boil and then allow to cool down for 2 minutes or simply mix with some cold water)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves
- Peach or cucumber slices (optional)
- 1-2 Tbsp honey, maple or agave syrup (to taste, optional)
Instructions:
- Heat water to about 80°C and steep the tea bags for 3 minutes.
- Remove the bags, add honey (if using) and cool the tea to room temperature.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
- Serve over ice with mint leaves and peach or cucumber slices for a spa-like twist.
Sparkling citrus iced tea with Birchall Lemongrass & Ginger
This sparkling iced tea blends the zesty brightness of lemongrass and ginger with the bubbly charm of sparkling water. It’s light, invigorating, and completely caffeine-free—ideal for garden parties or a mindful mocktail moment.
Ingredients:
- 4 Birchall Lemongrass & Ginger tea bags
- 500ml boiling water
- 250ml chilled sparkling water
- Juice of ½ lime
- Ice cubes
- Lime wedges
- 1-2 Tbsp honey, maple or agave syrup (to taste, optional)
Instructions:
- Steep tea bags in boiling water for 5–6 minutes.
- Remove bags, add honey if desired, and let the tea cool naturally.
- Stir in the citrus juice and refrigerate until cold.
- Pour the iced tea over ice and top up with sparkling water just before serving, stir gently.
- Garnish with lime wedges for extra zing.
Fruity berry iced tea with Birchall Red Berry & Flowers
Bursting with flavour, this vibrant tea makes a naturally sweet and refreshing treat for the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 4 Birchall Red Berry & Flowers tea bags
- 1 litre boiling water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries
- Fresh mint or edible flowers (optional, for garnish)
- 1-2 Tbsp honey, maple or agave syrup (to taste, optional)
Instructions:
- Steep the tea bags in freshly boiled water for 5–6 minutes.
- Remove the bags, add honey (if using) and allow to cool completely, then refrigerate.
- Wash and cut the berries, add them to the glass and crush gently with a spoon to release their juices.
- Add ice, pour the iced tea over and garnish with a few mint leaves and edible flowers for a beautiful finishing touch.
Essential iced tea tips and tricks
Preventing bitterness
One of the most common issues with iced tea is bitterness – but it’s easy to prevent. The key is to avoid over-steeping. Black teas typically need just 3–5 minutes, while green teas are best brewed with water below boiling (around 80°C) for only 2–3 minutes. This helps reduce tannin levels, which are the compounds responsible for that overly bitter taste.
Keeping iced tea clear, not cloudy
Ever noticed your iced tea turning cloudy once chilled? This is usually due to the tea being cooled too quickly. To keep it crystal clear, allow the tea to cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge. Using filtered water can also help, as can avoiding over-steeping, which releases more tannins that can cause cloudiness.
Why hot brew is better for iced tea
When making iced tea, it’s best to use hot brew tea that is properly chilled rather than cold brew tea. Hot brewing extracts the full range of flavours and aromas from the tea leaves, resulting in a richer and more robust taste. Cold brew tea, while smoother, often lacks the depth and complexity that hot brewed tea offers. For the best iced tea experience, opt for hot brewing to enjoy a bold-tasting beverage.
Iced tea hacks you will love
Want to elevate your iced tea experience? Try these easy ideas:
- Flavour-boosting ice cubes: Freeze strawberries, raspberries or blueberries in a freezer bag and use instead of ice-cubes to keep your drink cool whilst adding extra flavour and exciting look!
- Batch brew: Make a large jug and store it in the fridge for quick, healthy hydration enjoyed throughout the day.
- Cocktail twist: Use iced tea as a base for mocktails or pair with sparkling water and a splash of natural juice for a grown-up refresher.
Cheers to many reasons to make iced tea at home!
Iced tea is a simple, healthy, affordable and versatile drink that’s easy to make at home. Whether you prefer black, green, or herbal blends, it’s a great way to stay hydrated without added sugar. With just a few ingredients, you can create a refreshing drink that suits your taste and supports your wellbeing. Use our tips and recipes to get started – and enjoy a better way to stay cool this summer.
Ready to give iced tea a go?
Try one of our iced tea recipes using your favourite Birchall blend and discover how easy it is to make a refreshing, healthy drink at home. Remember to share your creations with us on social media using #BirchallMoments – we’d love to see what you come up with!
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NB: All our teas are designed to be brewed with hot water as per brewing instructions on the packaging before consumption.
