Cold Brew Iced Tea: Rooibos & Apple and Green Tea
Why I Started Making My Own Iced Tea
I’ve always enjoyed commercial iced teas but never thought to make them myself—until I realized I couldn’t always find the flavors I love, especially green tea. While I enjoy hot tea without sugar, iced tea is different for me—I love it sweet.
The Inspiration
My niece introduced my sister to Rooibos and Apple iced tea, and she passed it on to me. That was the start of my iced tea journey. I began experimenting with different teas and flavors, and after many variations, Rooibos & Apple and Green Tea remain my favorites.
Why Cold Brew?
Hot brewing and cooling often make tea taste tannic or bitter. Cold brewing avoids that problem, resulting in a smoother, more refreshing flavor. It’s also incredibly easy and cost-effective.
A Step for Better Flavor
I now sterilize the tea after brewing and mixing. This step helps preserve freshness and prevents the tea from spoiling after a few days in the fridge. It’s a simple change that makes a big difference.
Green Tea: A Polarizing Favorite
Green tea iced tea is caffeinated and my current favorite. Funny enough, I don’t enjoy hot green tea, but something magical happens when you cold brew it and add a touch of sweetness.
Ideas, Advice and SuggestionsWater – I usually use tap water, but if you do, make sure to include the boiling step in the recipe for safety. Filtered water works well too, or even pre-boiled water cooled to room temperature.
Rooibos Tea – I’ve tested three brands and ranked them by taste:
- Five Roses Rooibos Tea
- Laager Rooibos Tea
- Freshpak Rooibos Tea
Green Tea Bags – After trying two brands, here’s my ranking:
- Five Roses Green Tea
- Pick n Pay (PNP) Brand Green Tea
Fruit Juice – Use any juice you prefer for flavor variation.
Sugar – I typically use granulated white sugar, but feel free to substitute with other sugars or sugar alternatives. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste.
Cold Brew Iced Tea
Course: Beverage, Sweet5
servings2
hours365
kcal2
minutesHomemade iced tea to enjoy on those warm summer days.
Ingredients
- Rooibos and Apple Iced Tea
1 L of water, pre-boiled and at room temperature
1 Rooibos tea bag
1 ½ cup Apple juice
Granulated White Sugar (optional), as needed 2-6 tablespoons)
- Green Iced Tea
1 L of water pre-boiled and at room temperature
2 – 3 Green tea teabags
Granulated White Sugar, as needed up to 6 tablespoons
Directions
- Rooibos and Apple Iced Tea
- Add one litre of pre-boiled room temperature water to a container that can be sealed.
- Insert a Rooibos tea bag. Let the tea steep for at least two hours or longer if you desire a more robust flavour.
- Add the apple juice and sugar (if using) to the tea.
- Put the tea into a pot on the stove at medium heat, and bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Let it cool and then refrigerate.
- Ensure it’s cold, pour it into a glass, and enjoy.
- Green Iced Tea
- Add one litre of room temperature water to a container that can be closed.
- Insert 2 or 3 tea bags. Close the container.
- Allow the tea to steep in the refrigerator for at least 8 to 12 hours. In my opinion, the additional time is worthwhile to attain the full flavor of green tea.
- Stir the sugar into the tea. Start with 2 tablespoons, taste and see how you like it. I find it tastes better with quite a lot of sugar.
- Put the tea into a pot on the stove at medium heat, and bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Let it cool and then refrigerate.
- Ensure it’s cold, pour it into a glass, and enjoy.
Notes
- Rooibos and Apple Iced Tea – Adjust the steeping time according to your taste; the 2-hour recommendation in this recipe yields a mild flavor, but for a stronger rooibos taste, steeping for 3 hours or more is advisable.
- Green Iced Tea – If you like the taste of green tea, allow the tea to steep for the full 12 hours for maximum flavour
Origin of the Recipe: My niece introduced my sister she then introduced me to the Rooibos and Apple version.
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