Festive Iced Tea

Here are some delicious and simple Iced Tea recipes to get you through a hot Australian Christmas and New Years. You can feel a little less naughty knowing that you are getting some health benefits from the tea and breaking up your month of overindulgence.

These recipes are really easy you just need to be a little organised to cold brew your tea the day before. The method of cold brewing used in my recipes typically results in a sweeter infusion so I prefer not to add any extra sweetener. However, I have provided suggestions for sweetener below for those that prefer it.

Wen Shan Cold Cup (serves 1) 

Ingredients

4g Wen Shan Bao Zhong

Cubes of frozen rockmelon (Honeydew melon will also work well)

Sugar (optional)

Method

The day before:

1. Cut the rockmelon into small cubes and place in in the freezer.
2. In a pitcher, combine 200mL of water and 4g of Wen Shan Bao Zhong.
3. Place the pitcher in the fridge overnight (approximately 8hrs).
4. Optional If you are adding sugar, prepare a simple sugar syrup. Combine ¼ cup of sugar with ¼ cup of water and place on the stove. Heat until the sugar is fully dissolved. Allow to cool.

 Serving:

5. Decant the tea into a glass and add the frozen rockmelon cubes. Add the sugar syrup to taste.

Earl Cream Soda (serves 2) 

Ingredients

4g Earl Grey

250mL soda water

Cream (or milk)

¼ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Sugar (optional)

Method

The day before:

1. In a pitcher, combine 200mL of water and 4g of Earl Grey.
2. Place the pitcher in the fridge overnight (approximately 8hrs).
3. Optional If you are adding sugar, prepare a simple vanilla sugar syrup. Combine ¼ cup of sugar with ¼ cup of water and place on the stove. Heat until the sugar is fully dissolved and stir in ¼ tsp of vanilla extract. Allow to cool.

Serving:

4. Decant the tea into 2 tall glasses. Top with soda until you are 2cm from the top of the glass and add in a splash of cream. Add in the sugar syrup if you are using. Using a long spoon stir the ingredients together and serve.

Matcha and Oat Shake (serves 1) 

Ingredients

1-2 tsp Matcha

150mL Oat Milk (* substitute with another milk alternative)

Optional Drizzle of maple syrup (or pinch of sugar)

Ice

Method

1. Place the ingredients in a cocktail mixer and shake until well combined.
2. Pour into a glass and serve.

You could also place all of the ingredients in a blender which will result in a frappe style beverage.