As a devoted hot tea drinker—piping hot Twinings, strong with milk and no sugar—iced tea has never appealed to me. But an unprecedented heatwave has prompted a reevaluation. Many associate iced tea with the American South, but legend credits English tea merchant Richard Blechynden for popularizing it at the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition, where he served tea over ice to visitors unwilling to drink hot beverages in the summer heat. Mark Twain once noted the American devotion to ice-water, and iced tea took off.
Mainstream Iced Tea Falls Short
Southern-style iced tea, heavily sweetened black tea often flavored, dominates the market. However, brands like Lipton use only 0.12% black tea extract, combined with fruit concentrate and sugars, resulting in a faint tea flavor. For those who appreciate tea's tannins, these offerings are insufficient.
Better Options with Real Tea
Harry Brompton's Peach Iced Tea contains 96% brewed Kenyan black tea, delivering a satisfying tannic grip. ChariTea uses a high proportion of tea with agave syrup and organic fruit juices; their Red Iced Tea, made with rooibos, passionfruit, and elderberry juice, is ideal for hot days. Sparkling teas like Twinings' Refresh (with 1% white tea) and Holos' Jasmine Hops kombucha stretch the definition of iced tea.
DIY Iced Tea for Purists
Making your own iced tea allows control over strength and sweetness. Brew Tea Co's kit offers Ceylon tea with dried peach and citrus rind for home infusions, brewed hot and served over ice with a dash of maple syrup.
Four Recommended Iced Teas
- M&S Peach Iced Tea No Added Sugar (£2.10, 750ml, Ocado): White tea with real peach juice, no added sugars or sweeteners.
- ChariTea Red Iced Tea (£1.95, 330ml, Waitrose): Rooibos and organic passionfruit blend; proceeds support social projects.
- Harry Brompton's Peach Iced Tea (£1.25, 500ml, on offer at Sainsbury's): Tannic and refreshing, serve with lemon.
- Brew Tea Co Peach & Orange Iced Tea (£12.50): Home infusion bag for customizable strength and sweetness.
