What is the best tea for iced tea?

Iced tea is popular in the summer – but it's a fresh and tasty drink that's perfect all year round. Which tea should you choose to get the best results? Here we give you an overview of the different types of tea you can use for iced tea, and what characterizes them.

Green tea: Fresh and light

Green tea is a classic for iced tea, and for good reason. It provides a light and refreshing flavor that pairs perfectly with fruits like lemon, lime, or peach. Try:

• Sencha Superior – a fresh and vegetal Japanese green tea
• Green tea with lemon – perfect for citrus lovers

Black tea: Classic and powerful

If you're used to iced tea from the store shelf, it's probably made with black tea. It has a rich, robust flavor and is excellent with lemon, honey, or peach. Try:

• Ceylon (Single Estate) – light and floral black tea
• Earl Gray Blue Flower - with a citrus kick from bergamot
• Darjeeling – a stronger blend perfect for iced tea with milk

White tea and oolong: Delicate and balanced

For those who want something extra delicate, white tea and oolong are an exciting way to go. These teas offer a complex and smooth flavor, and are well suited to cold brewing:

• Jade Oolong – round, floral and perfect with ice cubes and mint
• Jasmin Silver Needle - enjoyed as is - floral and exclusive

Herbal teas and fruit blends: Caffeine-free and family-friendly

Herbal teas are ideal for children, pregnant women, or those who just want something caffeine-free and natural. Many herbal teas are fruity, colorful, and perfect for summer iced tea parties:

• Summer berries and Tulsi – taste of wild berries and mild basil
• Moroccan Mint – refreshing and cooling

Cold brewing or hot brewing?

Cold brewing gives a rounder and less bitter taste, and is especially good for green and herbal teas. Hot brewing is faster, but requires you to cool the tea before serving. Both methods make great iced tea – it’s all about timing and taste preferences. See our method for how to quickly make iced tea.

Flavoring tips

No matter which tea you choose, you can vary the flavor with natural additives:

• Citrus fruits (orange, lime, lemon) - From squeezed juice and cut wedges
• Fresh herbs (mint, rosemary, lemon balm) - great for garnish
• Berries (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries) - Pureed berries or as a garnish
• Spices (ginger, cinnamon, star anise) - for extra spice!

Is iced tea healthier than soda?

Yes! Homemade iced tea gives you control over both sugar and ingredients. You can cut out all artificial flavors and opt for organic teas and natural sweeteners. Unlike soda, real tea contains antioxidants and phytonutrients.

Discover iced tea with Norges Tehus

Whether you like fruity, herbal or classic teas, we have something for you. Explore our green teas , our black teas , or see our full range of herbal teas . You're sure to find something to suit your next iced brew.

Read also: Homemade iced tea with peaches | How to make iced tea with tea bags