Easy Ice Tea Ice Cubes Recipe

Tea ice cubes are an easy remedy to keep your favorite drinks from becoming watered down! With endless options of tea and uses this easy DIY recipe will quickly become a summer favorite!

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How to Use Ice Tea Ice Cubes

This summer I have been making a lot of iced tea. Partly because I enjoy a tall glass of tea and partly to test and retest my recipes so I can share them with you! It’s been so hot outside and the summer months never slow down between activities and work. When I have a moment I love sitting down with a refreshing drink, and that drink must be ice cold! 

Since I have recently shared many iced tea recipes, I thought today would be perfect for a quick tip on how to keep your tea cold without becoming watered down. Making ice cubes with tea is just too easy not to do!

Why you will LOVE Tea Ice Cubes!

Sipping on a cool, refreshing drink is always a treat, but it can be even more enjoyable when you add tea ice cubes. Not only do they keep your drink from becoming diluted, but they look beautiful too! Plus, you can be as creative as you want when it comes to adding herbs and spices for a personalized touch. Tea ice cubes are the perfect way to add an unexpected twist to your favorite drinks!

Kitchen Supplies

To make tea ice cubes, you’ll need a few kitchen supplies and ingredients. 

• Tea Ball (for loose-leaf tea)
• Kettle to boil water
• Pitcher
• Ice Cube Tray

Ingredients

• Tea of your choice
• Filtered Water

How to Make Tea Ice Cubes Recipe

Make Tea

Start by preparing your tea. Bring water to a boil in an electric kettle. Add your tea to a heat-safe container and pour hot water over the tea. Cover and allow to steep for the appropriate amount of time. For black tea, steep for 5 full minutes. For green tea, 3 minutes should be enough time.

Remove tea solids and set aside until completely cool.

Prepare Ice Cube Trays

While you’re waiting for your tea to cool, it’s time to prepare your ice cube trays. Make sure they’re clean and dry to avoid any unwanted flavors seeping into your tea ice cubes.

When your tea has cooled down, carefully pour it into the ice cube trays. Try not to overfill them, as the liquid will expand when it freezes. Pop the trays in your freezer and wait. 

Freeze 

The freezing process usually takes about 6-8 hours, but for the best results, leave them overnight.

To remove cubes from the tray simply push against the silicone bottoms to pop out the cubes.

Enjoy your tea ice cubes in a favorite beverage, like iced tea or lemonade!

Tips and Tricks

• Store unused tea ice cubes in the freezer in an airtight container or zipper bag for up to two weeks. 
• To keep your drinks cool but not watered down, start with just a few cubes and add more as needed. 
• You can also add a sweetener to your ice cubes.
• To keep your drinks cold for the longest amount of time possible, only add ice when the tea is fully cool.
• Don’t forget to experiment with other teas like rooibos, matcha, or fruity infusions!

Tea Variations to Try!

• Black Tea: Known for its robust flavor, black tea is perfect for creating strong-flavored tea ice cubes.
• Green Tea: Light, delicate, and slightly grassy, green tea ice cubes are ideal for adding a subtle hint of flavor to your chilled drinks. 
• Chamomile Tea: With its calming, floral notes, chamomile tea cubes can be used in soothing bedtime drinks or added to your favorite herbal tea for an extra layer of flavor. 
• Mint Tea: Refreshing and invigorating, mint tea ice cubes are a delightful addition to summer beverages like lemonade or iced tea, providing a cool, refreshing twist. 
• Fruit Tea: Bursting with vibrant, fruity flavors, fruit tea cubes can be added to smoothies, cocktails, or sparkling water for a delightful pop of color and taste. 
• Chai Tea: Rich and deeply spiced, chai tea ice cubes offer more flavor to iced teas and ice lattes.

Creative Uses for Tea Ice Cubes

The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to using tea ice cubes. Here are just a few ideas: 

• Add fruit tea cubes to smoothies for an extra boost of flavor. 
• Use green tea cubes in a pitcher of sangria for an extra layer of complexity. 
• Make chai tea cubes for iced lattes.
• Make frozen matcha ice cubes for matcha lattes.
• Create party drinks by adding herbal tea cubes to sparkling water or lemonade. 

No matter what type of tea you choose, tea ice cubes will instantly upgrade your favorite drinks with flavor and flair.

FAQs

How many ice cubes should I make? 

It depends on how much tea you’re making and what type of drink you’re using them in. This recipe makes about 12 ice cubes.

Can I use loose-leaf tea to make the cubes? 

Yes, you can! Pro Tip: Use a tea ball or other infuser for easy removal of tea solids after steeping.

How long do the cubes last?

Generally speaking, they should last up to 1 month in the freezer. However, I find that most of mine are gone within a week because they’re just so tasty!

Can I use these for hot drinks?

Of course, you can add tea ice cubes to hot drinks,  but keep in mind they will melt quickly and not keep your drink cold. 

More Tea Recipes You Will Love

• Lychee Iced Tea
• Watermelon Iced Tea
• Strawberry Iced Tea
• Iced Dirty Matcha Latte
• Tamarind Iced Tea

I hope you enjoy these easy tea ice cubes! I’d love to hear from you, leave a comment below!