When the temperature rises, there's nothing more refreshing than a frosty glass of iced tea. But instead of relying on premade bottles, you can easily brew your own custom iced tea at home using the traditional Japanese Mizudashi method. This simple cold brewing technique produces a smooth, naturally sweet tea concentrate perfect for pouring over ice.
To make Mizudashi tea, you steep loose leaf tea in cool water for an extended period of time - typically 6 to 12 hours - then strain, dilute, and chill. The long steeping extracts maximum flavor without bitterness. Try out these three delicious recipes using Mizudashi cold brew as the base for iced tea bursting with bright flavors. Beat the summer heat the artisanal way!
Citrus Mint Green Tea
For a lively twist on classic green tea, the addition of mint and citrus fruits makes this iced elixir sing.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons sencha green tea leaves
- 4 cups water
- 1 handful fresh mint leaves
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced
- Honey or agave nectar to taste (optional)
Instructions:
- In a quart size Mason jar or other nonreactive container, combine the sencha leaves with the water. Steep overnight in the fridge.
- The next day, strain the tea through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher. Press the leaves well to extract maximum flavor.
- Add the mint leaves and citrus slices to the pitcher. Allow to infuse for 1 hour.
- Sweeten if desired with honey or agave. Serve over ice and garnish with additional mint.
Peach Oolong Iced Tea
This refreshing recipe pairs floral oolong tea with ripe peach flavor for the perfect summer sipper.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons loose leaf oolong tea
- 4 cups water
- 1 peach, pitted and sliced
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Simple syrup to taste
Instructions:
- Combine the oolong tea leaves and water in a Mason jar or pitcher. Steep in the fridge overnight.
- Strain the oolong concentrate into a clean container. Add the sliced peach and allow to infuse for 1 hour.
- Stir in the vanilla extract. Sweeten to taste with simple syrup.
- Pour over ice, adding more peach slices for garnish if desired.
Coconut Thai Iced Tea
With its exotic blend of spices and tropical flair, this Thai tea puts an irresistible Mizudashi spin on the classic.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons Thai black tea leaves
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Pinch cardamom powder
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
- Steep the Thai tea leaves in the water overnight. Strain through a fine mesh sieve.
- Add the coconut milk, brown sugar, and cardamom. Whisk vigorously until fully blended.
- Pour over ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick. Adjust sweetness as needed.
Not only will these tantalizing iced tea creations energize you on sweltering days, the nutrients in tea provide hydration and antioxidants. Harness the simplicity of Mizudashi cold brew for custom brews bursting with bright flavors. Your tastebuds will thank you!