How to Brew Iced Tea At Home (and Why It's Better Than Buying It Out!)

Iced tea is so hot right now. 

Over 159 million people in the United States will be enjoying tea at some point today. Eighty-four percent of that tea will be enjoyed in a tall glass over ice. And while drinking iced tea may be iconically southern, the beverage is enjoyed around the world.

If you've ever wondered how to brew iced tea then this article is for you. Brewing iced tea at home can save you money and increase the available health benefits.

Read on and we'll 'spill the tea' on everything you need to know to brew iced tea at home. 

A Little Tea History

Tea has been enjoyed around the world for 5,000 years. Its roots can be traced back to China where legend has it the first cup was enjoyed after leaves fell into Emperor Shen Nung’s pot of boiling water. Overcome with joy at the aroma and taste, tea was essentially born.

Hot tea had been enjoyed for centuries by the time America was settled. But iced tea didn't hit the scene until 1904 at the Worlds Fair in St.Louis. Fairgoers were hot, making hot drinks unappealing, which was problematic for tea merchant Richard Belchynden.

In a quintessential 'a-ha' moment Belchynden added ice chips to his teas and voila, iced tea had arrived. Prohibition and the availability of home refrigeration in the 1920s would cement ice tea as a popular year-round beverage. 

Benefits of Iced Tea

Many people have chosen to brew iced tea at home for decades. But aside from being a great thirst quencher and a cooling refreshment on a hot day, iced tea has some surprising health benefits to boot. 

Benefits will depend on what type of tea leaves you use. In general, all tea leaves have antioxidants. Antioxidants are micronutrients that are good for everything from treating digestive issues to neurodegenerative conditions.

Drinking tea regularly is also said to help with weight loss, improving memory, strengthen bones and teeth, and help decrease stress. We'll drink to that!

How to Brew Iced Tea

Brewing iced tea at home has honestly never been easier. Not only is it easy but cost-effective too. Home-brewed iced tea costs pennies on the dollar compared to coffee shop drinks.

Here are two ways to brew iced tea at home. Each method yields about eight cups. 

Hot-Brewed 

Bring eight cups water to a simmer; remove from heat, add 3 tablespoons loose tea or six tea bags. Let steep about four minutes, longer if you like it strong. Strain loose tea or remove the tea bags.

Let it cool, then refrigerate.

Cold-Brewed

Put eight cups of cold, filtered water with six tablespoons loose leaf tea or ten tea bags into a serving pitcher. Refrigerate for a day or more if you like it stronger. Strain the loose tea or remove the tea bags.

Kick-off Your Shoes and Enjoy!

There you have it, how to brew iced tea at home. It's easy, good for you, and saves you money in the long-run.

Multiple wins? Yes, please!

For more tips and tricks on how to brew gourmet teas and coffees from the comfort of your home check out our blog. 

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