Classic Orange Pekoe makes a crisp, full-flavoured iced tea, while fruit and green tea blends offer a lighter, brighter option. Best of all, a refreshing pitcher takes only a few simple ingredients.
Classic King Cole Iced Tea
You Will Need
- 4 King Cole tea bags
- 500 mL freshly boiled water
- 500 mL cold water
- Ice
- Lemon slices, optional
- Sugar, honey or simple syrup, optional
Method
Place the tea bags in a heat-safe pitcher or large measuring cup.
Pour 500 mL of freshly boiled water over the tea. If you are using black tea, steep for approximately five minutes. For green tea, let the boiled water rest for at least one minute before pouring, then steep for approximately three minutes.
Remove the tea bags without squeezing them. Squeezing can release additional tannins and make the tea taste more bitter.
If you prefer sweetened iced tea, stir in sugar, honey or simple syrup while the tea is still warm.
Add 500 mL of cold water and refrigerate until chilled. Serve over plenty of ice with fresh lemon slices.
Try a Flavoured Blend
King Cole Strawberry Pineapple makes a bright summer pitcher with plenty of fruit flavour.
Apple Cranberry and Cranberry Raspberry offer fresh, slightly tart options, while Honey Lemon creates a softer citrus cup. Peppermint is especially refreshing when served very cold with a slice of lemon or a few fresh mint leaves.
You can also combine two compatible teas. Try Orange Pekoe with Strawberry Pineapple for a fruitier take on classic iced tea, or mix Green Tea with Honey Lemon for something light and refreshing.
Add Fresh Fruit
A handful of fresh fruit can make a simple pitcher feel special. Try adding:
- Lemon or orange wheels
- Sliced strawberries
- Fresh raspberries
- Peach slices
- Pineapple pieces
- Cucumber and mint
Allow the fruit to sit in the chilled tea for 30 to 60 minutes before serving so the flavours have time to mingle.
Keep It Fresh
Store iced tea covered in the refrigerator and enjoy it within a few days. If adding fresh fruit, remove the fruit before storing the remaining tea overnight.
Whether you keep it classic or fill the pitcher with fruit, iced King Cole is an easy way to make a familiar favourite feel completely new.