The Perfect Iced Tea

How to Make the Perfect Iced Tea

Why use loose leaf tea for iced tea?

1. It tastes better: loose leaf tea is higher quality than the majority of tea bags. Tea bags use fannings and dust, the leftover bits of tea once the good leaves are removed.
2. More variety:  Everything Tea has over 315 different teas and herbal blends! We also offer custom blends. Tea bags are very limited to only a few selections.
3. More affordable: Loose tea is more affordable than it’s bagged counterpart. In addition, there is no sales tax on bulk loose leaf tea!
4. Health Benefits: Loose leaf tea has a great deal more health benefits compared to bagged tea. For example, loose leaf tea has a much higher level of L- Theanine. L-Theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves. It is highest in Green and Black teas. Research indicates that L-Theanine  promotes relaxation and sharp mental focus without drowsiness. L-Theanine elevates levels of GABA, as well as serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals are known as neurotransmitters, and they work in our brain to regulate emotions, mood, concentration, alertness, and sleep, as well as energy and other cognitive skills.  In turn we experience  sharp mental focus and clarity. L-Theanine is also known to help individuals maintain a healthy weight. In fact, L-Theanine is thought to play a direct role in healthy weight maintenance [Anti-stress, Behavioral and Magnetoencephalography Effects of an L-Theanine Based Nutrient drink (tea) A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial: David J. White, Suzanne de Klerk, {…}, and Andrew B. Scholey]

How to brew loose leaf tea for iced tea:

There are two distinct methods we recommend for brewing delicious Iced Tea, the Cold Brew Method and the Hot Brew Method

Cold Brew Method:

1. Add 7-10 tsp loose leaf tea to an approx. 50 oz. pitcher
2. Gently pour 2 cups hot water first, then 4 cups cold water use steeping guide for temperature recommendations)
3. Place pitcher in fridge. Steep 2-6 hours 
4. Pour to serve and enjoy!

Hot Brew Method:

1. Add 7-10 tsp loose leaf tea to the 50 oz. pitcher
2. Gently pour 2 cups hot water first (see steeping guide for temperature recommendation) Steep 2-5 minutes ( depending on tea type)
3. After tea settles for about 5-10 minutes, pour in 2-3 cups iced cold water
4. Pour over ice and enjoy!

---

Tea Recipes

---

Earl Grey Shortbread: delicious with your favorite cuppa tea!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. butter
• 1 1/2 C sifted powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 4 cups sifted all purpose flour
• 1 ounce Everything Tea Earl Grey tea of choice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest, grated

Instructions:

*Preheat oven 350 degrees F

1. Blend butter and sugar until fluffy
2. Lower speed and add vanilla, salt, & flour
3. Stir in tea and zest of lemon
4. Separate into 4 equal rounds, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 hour minimum
5. Remove from fridge and allow to rest 10 minutes
6. Unwrap & roll to 1/4″ round, with a lightly floured pan
7. Cut into 6 equal wedges
8. Carefully transfer to parchment lined cookie sheet
9. Bake 15-20 minutes until golden brown on edges
10. Cool in pan on wire rack
11. Remove carefully with spatula. Enjoy!

---

Flourless Chocolate Chai Cake

This flourless cake has the perfect amount of chai spice to create a delicious and unique recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Everything Tea Chai of choice
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 18 oz. chocolate bittersweet chocolate chopped or shaved
• 1 cup butter ( cut into 1 T pieces)
• 6 eggs

Instructions:

*Preheat oven to 300 degrees F

1. Heat chai, salt, & sugar to dissolve
2. Melt chocolate slowly, then pour into mixer bowl
3. Add butter one piece at a time
4. Beat in Chai tea of choice
5. Add eggs one at a time while blending
6. Pour mixture into 10″ cake pan
7. Bake at 300 degrees F for 40-50 minutes. Note: center will look wet & unset.
8. Remove from heat and chill in fridge overnight
9. Cut into slices Enjoy!