How to Brew Iced Tea with Kusmi Tea: 3 Simple Methods for Perfect Summer Refreshment

When the temperature rises, few things are as refreshing as a tall glass of iced tea. But not all iced tea is created equal—the best starts with quality loose-leaf or bagged tea, proper brewing, and a little creativity. Kusmi Tea, known for its refined and organic blends, offers a fantastic range of teas that shine when served cold, from bold black teas to delicate white and herbal infusions.

Whether you're craving a classic iced Earl Grey or a nutty, caffeine-free rooibos-amande-221285">Rooibos Amande, mastering a few simple techniques will help you enjoy cafe-quality iced tea at home. In this guide, we'll walk you through three foolproof methods—hot brew, cold brew, and quick chill—so you can sip your way through summer with Kusmi's finest.

Hot Brew Iced Tea: The Classic Method

The hot brew method is the fastest way to enjoy iced tea. Start by brewing your tea at double strength—use twice the amount of leaves you normally would for a hot cup. For example, if you usually use one teaspoon per cup, use two. This ensures that when you pour over ice, the flavor doesn't become diluted. A tea like Earl Grey Intense, with its robust bergamot notes, holds up beautifully in this method.

Steep according to the tea's instructions: black teas need 3–5 minutes at 95°C, green teas 2–3 minutes at 75°C, and herbal infusions like Rooibos Amande can steep 5–7 minutes at 100°C. Once steeped, remove the leaves with a convenient infuser such as the Infuseur poignées rabattables, then let the concentrate cool slightly before pouring over a generous glass of ice. For an extra touch, garnish with a lemon slice or fresh mint.

• Always brew at double strength to compensate for melting ice.
• Avoid over-steeping bitter teas; use a timer for precision.

Cold Brew Iced Tea: The Smooth and Effortless Way

Cold brewing is the gentlest method, resulting in a naturally sweet, smooth iced tea with zero bitterness. Simply add tea leaves to cold, filtered water and let them steep in the refrigerator for 8 to 12 hours. This method is especially well-suited for delicate teas such as green or white blends. The Best Of Thés Verts bio selection, which combines several organic green teas, becomes beautifully crisp and refreshing when cold brewed.

Use a generous teaspoon of tea per 250 ml of water. Place the leaves in a large pitcher or directly in a bottle with a built-in filter—the Infuseur à thé 5cm T.TOTEM works perfectly for single servings. After steeping, strain or remove the infuser. You'll get a crystal-clear, aromatic iced tea that needs no sweetener. Cold brewed Kusmi green teas pair wonderfully with a splash of elderflower cordial.

• Cold brew for 8–12 hours in the fridge; overnight is ideal.
• Use filtered water for the cleanest taste.

Iced Tea Variations and Serving Ideas

Once you've mastered the basics, it's time to get creative. Kusmi Tea's blends are incredibly versatile. Try making an iced tea pitcher by combining a steeped Earl Grey Intense with sliced peaches and a sprig of rosemary—let it infuse in the fridge for an hour. For a tropical white iced tea, brew a white tea like Ube Vanille (not listed but mentioned as a past review) and add coconut water and pineapple chunks.

If you're on the go, the Mug de Voyage Olympus 30Cl is a brilliant companion. Its insulated design keeps your iced tea cold for hours, and the leak-proof lid makes it perfect for commutes or picnics. For a caffeine-free option, cold brew Rooibos Amande with a cinnamon stick and serve over ice for a nutty, comforting treat. Garnish with a splash of vanilla syrup if desired.

• Add fresh fruit like berries, citrus, or stone fruit for natural sweetness.
• Herbs like mint, basil, or lavender elevate the aromatic profile.

No matter which method you choose, brewing iced tea with Kusmi Tea is a simple joy that transforms your daily hydration into a flavorful ritual. Start with a classic like Earl Grey Intense for a bold, citrusy iced tea, or go caffeine-free with the nutty Rooibos Amande. Explore the full range of Kusmi Tea blends and find your new favorite summer sip.