How to make iced peppermint tea (two easy ways)

You'll need

• 4 peppermint tea bags, or 2 heaped tablespoons of loose leaf peppermint (about 8g)
• 1 litre of water
• Ice, plus fresh mint, lemon slices or honey to serve (all optional)
• A jug or large bottle with a lid

This makes about 4 glasses.

Method 1: overnight cold brew (easiest)

Cold brewing gives the smoothest, sweetest iced tea with no bitterness, and it takes about two minutes of actual work.

1. Put the tea bags or loose leaf into your jug.
2. Fill with 1 litre of cold tap or filtered water and give it a stir.
3. Cover and leave in the fridge for 6–8 hours, or overnight.
4. Lift out the bags, or pour through a sieve if you used loose leaf.
5. Pour over ice and add fresh mint or a slice of lemon.

Method 2: ready in 15 minutes

Forgot to make it the night before? Brew it strong and hot, then cool it quickly over ice.

1. Put the 4 tea bags or 2 heaped tablespoons of loose leaf into a heatproof jug.
2. Pour over 500ml of freshly boiled water and steep for 5–7 minutes.
3. Remove the bags or strain the leaves. Stir in honey now if you'd like it sweet, as it dissolves best while the tea is hot.
4. Leave to cool for 5 minutes, then add 500ml of cold water and a big handful of ice.
5. Serve over more ice.

Flavour ideas

• Lemon and mint: add a sliced lemon to the jug for the last hour of cold brewing.
• Peppermint & lavender: use our tea bags or loose leaf blend for a softer, floral iced tea.
• Ginger zing: mix half peppermint and half Lemon Balm, Lemongrass & Ginger for a bright, warming twist.
• Cucumber cooler: add thin cucumber slices and a few fresh mint leaves just before serving.
• Berry: drop a handful of frozen raspberries or blueberries into each glass. They work as ice cubes too.
• Sparkling: brew it double strength, then top up each glass with sparkling water.

Tips for the best iced tea

• Make tea ice cubes. Freeze some of the peppermint tea in an ice cube tray, so your drink doesn't get watery as the ice melts.
• Sweeten with syrup, not sugar. Sugar doesn't dissolve well in cold drinks. Stir a spoonful of honey into a splash of hot water first, or use a simple syrup.
• Don't over-steep hot peppermint. 5–7 minutes is plenty for the quick method; longer can taste a little harsh once chilled.
• Loose leaf goes further. One 50g pouch makes around six 1-litre jugs.

Quick answers

Is iced peppermint tea caffeine free?

Yes. Peppermint is a herb, not a tea leaf, so it's naturally caffeine free. That makes it a good iced drink for any time of day.

Can I cold brew other teas the same way?

Yes. All of our herbal teas cold brew well with the same amounts. Green teas such as sencha and hojicha need a little less time (3–6 hours) and do contain caffeine.

Can I use fresh mint instead?

You can mix them. Dried peppermint gives a stronger, rounder flavour, while a few fresh sprigs add a bright, garden-fresh finish.