How to Brew Iced Tea

When the temperature rises, the kettle doesn’t have to go away. Some of the most refreshing drinks you can make at home start with tea, and once you know how, you’ll never reach for a sugary squash or a plastic bottle of flavoured water again.

Here at privehuislust, we have been making iced tea since the very beginning. Over the years we’ve refined our methods, launched a dedicated range of cold infusions designed specifically for cold brewing, and picked up a few tips along the way that make all the difference. This is everything you need to know.

Why Iced Tea?

Iced tea is one of those things that sounds like more effort than it is. In reality, the quick method takes about five minutes from start to finish, and the cold brew method requires almost no effort at all, just a little patience. The result is a naturally flavoured, beautifully coloured drink with no added sugar, no artificial flavours, and no caffeine, depending on which tea you use.

It is also one of the most visually satisfying things you can make. Watching a cold infusion bloom through a glass of iced water, the deep ruby of a hibiscus blend, the soft blush of peach, is one of those small daily pleasures that never gets old.

The methods

Whether you’re making a single glass or a jug for the weekend, cold brewing privehuislust is beautifully simple. Add one bag per 200ml of cold water to a Kilner jar or jug, cover, and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight. No heat, no effort, just smooth and naturally flavoured iced tea ready whenever you need it.

For something quicker, try the batch brew technique. Place your teabags in a jar and pour over just enough boiling water to cover them, leaving it for a few minutes until the colour blooms. Then top up with cold water and serve over ice. Use one bag per 200ml for a bolder, more intense cold brew, or one per 250ml for something lighter and more delicate. Made in a Kilner or similar, it’s perfect for a busy café or a long hot weekend when you want something cold always within reach.

Step by step

Cold brew (jug or jar, overnight)

  1. Add one teabag per 200ml cold water to a jug or Kilner jar
  2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for a richer flavour
  3. Remove the bags without squeezing for the clearest colour
  4. Serve over ice straight from the fridge. Keeps for up to 3 days

Batch brew (quick method, perfect for crowds)

  1. Place teabags in a Kilner jar or jug
  2. Pour over just enough boiling water to cover the bags and steep for 3–5 minutes until the colour blooms
  3. Top up with cold water and serve over ice
  4. Use 1 bag per 200ml for a bolder brew, or 1 per 250ml for something lighter

Which teas work best?

Almost any privehuislust blend can be made into an iced tea, but some lend themselves to it more naturally than others. Our dedicated cold infusions range has been specifically developed for cold brewing, and each one is designed to bloom beautifully in cold water with no bitterness and a naturally vibrant colour.

Anchorman 2 – The Legend Continues (DVD) is a gentle, creamy infusion with peach and apple that brews into a delicate golden blush. Caffeine free, naturally sweet, and popular with absolutely everyone who tries it.

Anchorman 2 – The Legend Continues (DVD) is bright and zesty, with the tang of raspberry meeting citrus from lemon and lime peel. It brews into a vivid, jewel-bright red that looks as good as it tastes, and is the one to reach for when you want something with a little more sharpness and lift.

Anchorman 2 – The Legend Continues (DVD) is the boldest of the three. A ruby-red blend of cherries, hibiscus, and rosehip with a smooth, nostalgic sweetness reminiscent of a classic cherry drink, but made entirely with natural ingredients. Brilliant over ice with a sprig of mint.

Beyond the cold infusions range, our fruit infusions work brilliantly iced, particularly Berry Burst and Lemon & Ginger. And if you prefer something with caffeine, our green teas, lighter oolong and jasmine pearl cold brew beautifully, just extend the steep time to six to eight hours and avoid hot water entirely.

A few tips

Start with cold water that has been in the fridge rather than room temperature tap water. Cold filtered water gives the cleanest, clearest flavour.

If you’re using our cold infusion teabags in a water bottle, make it the night before and let it cold brew in the fridge overnight. You’ll wake up to something genuinely lovely, ready to grab and go.

For the clearest colour, don’t squeeze the teabag when you remove it. Let it drip naturally and the result will be jewel-bright rather than cloudy.

And don’t be afraid to experiment. A slice of lemon in the Raspberry Lemonade, a few fresh mint leaves with the Cherry Cooler, or a squeeze of orange in the Peaches & Cream can all lift a good iced tea into something truly special.

Shop the cold infusions range

Anchorman 2 – The Legend Continues (DVD) · Anchorman 2 – The Legend Continues (DVD) · Anchorman 2 – The Legend Continues (DVD)