It’s not hard to understand why those who drink tea love it so much. Its simplicity is one of life’s little pleasures.

But now that summer is on its way, it looks like you and your mug of tea will have to part ways. Or will you?

We’re here to tell you that the answer is no. The solution is simple…. It’s ice, ice baby!

We’ve put together four quite different iced tea recipes using black tea as its main ingredient to show you that summer just means mixing it up, not saying goodbye!

Before we get to the recipes here’s a little tip on your sweetener. If using granulated sugar it’s best to dissolve it in a little boiling water separately to make sure it dissolves completely. You can sweeten your iced tea after it has been cooled, but you’ll need to pick another sweetener other than granulated sugar for that.

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Luscious Lime Iced Tea

Some people tend to shy away from iced teas as they think by nature they tend to be on the sweet side.  But the balance that comes form the tartness of the lime and the sweetness of the sugar in this little number could help dissolve that myth and sway some peoples thinking.

Ingredients

• Boiling water
• 2 black tea bags or loose leaf tea
• 3 teaspoons of sugar or some other sweetener
• Juice of 2 limes
• Ice cubes

Method

In a separate mug pour the boiling water over the tea and let it steep for at least 45 minutes

Remove the tea bags and add the lime juice

Place some ice cubes in two glasses and pour over the citrusy goodness.

Watermelon Iced Tea Recipe

This combination might raise a few eyebrows, but give it a go and we think you’ll agree the combination is actually pretty perfect.

Ingredients

• Boiling water
• 2 black tea bags or loose leaf tea
• Watermelon
• Mint
• Juice of ½ lemon

Method

Pour the boiling water over the tea and let it steep for at least 45 minutes

Meanwhile blend the mint, lemon and watermelon

Remove the tea bags

Once the tea has cooled, add it to the mixture and give it a good stir

Resist the temptation to drink it all by yourself

Instead pour it over some ice cubes in two glasses and share!

Rose Iced Tea Recipe

Add a bit of elegance to your iced tea with the subtle yet refreshing addition of rosebuds and rosewater. You’ll find that dried rosebuds are generally sold as a tisane.

Ingredients

• Boiling water
• 2 black tea bags or loose leaf tea
• 2 heaped teaspoons of dried rosebuds
• 2 teaspoons of honey
• ¼ teaspoon of rose water
• Ice cubes

Method

Mix the tea and rosebuds together and add some of the boiling water and let them steep for 45 minutes

Remove the tea bags and rosebuds and add the honey giving it a good stir

Add the remaining water and the rose water

Place some ice cubes in two glasses and enjoy the exotic fragrance as well as the taste.

Thai Iced Tea Recipe

This can be an enjoyable afternoon drink or if having it as a dessert, try caffeine-free rooibos instead of black tea.

Ingredients

• Boiling water
• 2 black tea bags or loose leaf tea
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 6 drops of vanilla essence
• 2 pinches of tamarind
• 2 pieces of star anise
• 1 teaspoon of cardamom
• 2 table spoons of condensed milk, the sweet kind
• 2 teaspoons of sugar
• 2 teaspoons evaporated milk
• Ice cubes

Method

Mix the tea and spices together and add the boiling water and stir

Let this mixture steep for about 45 minutes

Remove the tea bags

Mix the sugar and condensed milk together and add to the spiced tea

Place some ice cubes in two glasses and pour over the mixture

Finish off with the evaporated milk and stir quickly

Watch the expression on your companions face as they taste the magic!

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So there you have it, four very different iced tea recipes to get you in the mood to experiment with your beloved black tea. What’s been suggested here is of course just the tip of the iceberg. (Sorry I couldn’t help myself).

So let us know which of these iced tea recipes is your favorite or what other iced tea recipes you’ve discovered that we all should all try this summer.