The first recipe is a delightful lemon vanilla black iced tea. It combines fresh lemonade with vanilla-infused black tea—such a winning flavor pairing! The subtle hint of vanilla adds just the right amount of natural sweetness that perfectly balances the tartness of the lemon. I love it!
For this tea, I used Sirocco’s vanilla black tea and brewed it using the cold brew method. Cold brewing is my favorite way to make iced tea because it creates a rich, intense flavor without the bitterness that often comes from steeping tea in hot water for too long. To cold brew, simply add your loose tea leaves to water and let it steep overnight in the fridge.
Strawberry Green Iced Tea (Coming Soon!)
The second iced tea I tried was a fresh strawberry green tea. The homemade strawberry syrup bursts with fruity goodness—especially when made with ripe, seasonal strawberries. It’s an incredible combo, and I can’t wait to share that recipe soon!
Tips for Making Perfect Homemade Iced Tea
- Choose Quality Tea: Good tea makes all the difference in flavor and aroma.
- Cold Brew for Smoothness: Cold brewing prevents bitterness and results in a smoother, more nuanced flavor. Just steep your loose tea in cold water overnight.
- Use Filtered Water: Clean water ensures your tea tastes fresh and pure.
Why Make Your Own Iced Tea?
- Customizable: Experiment with different teas and flavors to create your perfect brew.
- Cost-Effective: Homemade iced tea is much cheaper than buying bottled or café versions.
- Healthier: Control your sugar content and avoid artificial additives or preservatives.
Recipe: Lemon Vanilla Black Iced Tea
Makes about 1-2 cups
Ingredients:
- 400 ml filtered water
- 2–3 tsp Sirocco vanilla black tea
For the homemade lemonade:
- 15 g sugar
- 200 ml water
- 50 g fresh lemon juice
- Ice cubes and lemon slices for serving
Instructions:
- Combine the water and black tea in a jar or container. Stir and refrigerate overnight to cold brew.
- To make the lemonade, dissolve sugar in warm water. Let it cool, then stir in fresh lemon juice.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour in about 150 ml (or to your liking) of the lemonade and add lemon slices if you like.
- Top up with the cold-brewed vanilla black tea. Stir gently and enjoy!
You’ll have extra black tea left over, which can be stored in the fridge for up to one week.