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
I hope you enjoy these easy tea ice cubes! I’d love to hear from you, leave a comment below!
Iced Tea Ice Cubes Recipe
Equipment
- Ice Cube Tray with Lid
Ingredients
- 1 Tea Bag or 1 Teaspoon Loose Leaf Tea
- 1 Cup Water
Instructions
- Make the tea by adding tea to heat safe pitcher and pouring over hot water. Allow the tea to steep. After steeping, remove tea solids and set aside until completely cool.
- 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.
- Put the trays in your freezer to freeze until frozen solid.
- Once frozen, pop the ice cubes out of the mold and enjoy in your favorite drink
Notes
- 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!
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only.
This is amazing I make coffee ice cubes but never ice tea ones! I’m inspired now and love the variations. Thanks!
This is such a great idea. I am definitely going to try this one out!
Enjoy! It’s too easy!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it!
This is so smart! I freeze leftover coffee and lemonade in ice trays, and I can’t believe I haven’t thought to do it with iced tea. Brilliant! Thanks for sharing!
Yes, you can really make ice cubes out of any liquid. Great ideas!
Oh why haven’t I thought of this? I made the coffee cubes but never tea. Thanks for the tip!
You’re welcome! Coffee is a great idea too!