There is a simple art to steeping tea that involves patience, pure water and perfect, whole tea leaves. Beyond the beautiful leaf, the second most important ingredient is water (followed by patience and joy). Water can truly change the taste of a standard steep, which is why I now opt to use filtered water for my sips.
A few months ago, I was still using tap water for my tea until I had the opportunity to try the Elemaris XL Filter Pitcher from Mavea – Inspired Water (Brita’s sister company). FYI every part of their filter is recycled and their pitchers are 100% BPA Free (hooray!). As soon as the filtered water found its way into my steeping process, I noticed a difference in every sip (I will admit that I was a tad skeptical of how grand the change would be).
Each cup of tea tasted cleaner, and the natural flavors of the brewed blends were more present on my palate. And the easy-to-use pitchers looks oh-so-pretty in my fridge (did I mention that there is an automatic pour through lid and a fabulous digital reader that tells you when you have to replace the filter? Hooray for technology!)
Fortunately, Mavea has generously offered to let teaspoons & petals share 5 Elemaris XL’s with 5 lucky readers. So, all I ask is that you share your favorite iced tea recipe in the comments below with your email address by next Friday (6/17). I will randomly pick the 5 winners and be in touch to gather the necessary shipping info.
But before you jump into the land of the chilly sip recipe, let me just share one more exciting story. Mavea had also asked if I would be interested in filming a webisode series of 4 teaspoons & petals tea-infused recipes. I (anxiously) jumped at the chance to get behind the camera and on the screen for the first time. After a day of shooting videos in their beautiful test kitchen (I wish it was my kitchen) and a month or so of their magic editing, I am excited to share one of the final videos for my White Chai Tea Smoothie with you. Stay tuned for 3 more that will pop up on the blog over the next week.
Cooking with MAVEA: White Chai Tea Smoothie with Teaspoons & Petals from MAVEA Inspired Water on Vimeo.
6/20 Thanks to the 14 fellow tea lovers who shared tidbits about iced tea for the chance to win a Mavea pitcher. Congrats to the following giveaway winners: Christine Miller, Notes On Tea, Lu Ann, Lyndie, Sara (Jasmine tea) An email is waiting for you in your inbox with details and next steps. Thanks!
Note: Mavea generously gave me the pitcher to try and filmed a series of videos showcasing my tea recipes that incorporated water. All of my opinions about the pitcher are honest, and I did not accept any payment in return.
I don't have a recipe although the most refreshing and my favorite iced tea is a blend from a company called Blessed Botanicals.
Tara's "Wise Woman" blend is wonderful iced on a hot June day.
Posted by: Jo Johnson | June 10, 2011 at 02:48 PM
I love to add mint leaves to my home brewed iced tea. It gives it a fresh minty tinge of taste to my tea. I sun brew my tea out in the yard and then while its still warm, I add the leaves. I do take them out after about 12 hrs of soaking so the mint flavor doesnt get too strong.
Posted by: Kelly Handlovitch | June 10, 2011 at 03:48 PM
I make hot tea. I always drink green tea which is supposed to be really good for you. Instead of sugar, I use honey in the tea while its still warm I add the honey and stir. Then I dont have to add sugar. Mmmmm MMmmmmm Good!
Posted by: courtney H | June 10, 2011 at 03:50 PM
My favorite iced tea recipe is to take a large pot of water, and add 5-6 PG tips teabags after boiling. steep for a long time (i usually forget about it for at least 45 minutes). I like it as strong as possible to hold up to the ice. for those that like to sweeten it, i make a simple syrup- simmer one cup water and one cup sugar until dissolved and cool. add it to each glass to taste. I'll sometimes add a knob of ginger to the syrup while simmering, for some zing! teahappiness at gmail dot com
Posted by: sara | June 10, 2011 at 04:35 PM
I really enjoy iced green tea with mint, so I often just brew the green tea and sweeten with a bit of honey. Then I let it cool until almost room temperature, add some ice, and store it in the fridge with fresh mint twigs in the pitcher. I also love iced ginger tea, and in that case, I use white tea along with honey and ginger. It's cold and nasty again this weekend here in Boston, but I have been daydreaming of iced tea lately. Hope I can enjoy some soon!
Posted by: Julia E | June 12, 2011 at 12:26 PM
My favorite iced tea is taking a good black tea like Ceylon Sonata and mixing it a raspberry or mango herbal blend. Make it with twice as much tea and steep for 20+ minutes to make it strong. Add ice and enjoy!
My second favorite iced tea is definitely chai. Cook it on the stove for 15 minutes, let it chill, and then add cold almond milk.
-millerc72 at gmail dot com
Posted by: Christine Miller | June 12, 2011 at 09:12 PM
My current favorite iced tea is a shaken iced matcha that I now make at home using two chashaku scoops of matcha and ice water, shaken together in a chilled shaker, and served over ice. Especially good on a steamy day in NYC.
p.s. You are a natural on camera!
Posted by: notesontea | June 12, 2011 at 09:33 PM
In a saucepan add 1 qt. water & mint sprigs. Mix in 1/2 to 1 cup sugar. Bring to a boil on medium heat. Then remove from heat and add 6 tea bags for 10 minutes. Pour liquid and mint in a pitcher with ice. Yumm! I have some made today :)
Posted by: Valerie | June 13, 2011 at 12:57 PM
I love some southern sweet tea, and some cool mint tea. They also go great mixed together with an added lemon if you'd like the extra zing taste on a warm summer day! :)
theteacupoflife at gmail dot com
Posted by: Lu Ann | June 14, 2011 at 10:02 AM
this is a hard decision, but I would say my favourite berry fusion iced tea with a bit of sugar and fresh fruit.
Posted by: James | June 14, 2011 at 02:33 PM
My favorite iced tea from last summer was to steep orange tea until very strong, add a splash of cranberry juice (the real, unsweetened stuff), honey to taste, and chill. Yum - I wish it would stop raining and get warm here again!
Posted by: Becky | June 15, 2011 at 12:12 AM
mmm. peppermint tea with mango, chilled.
Posted by: Mary | June 15, 2011 at 07:49 PM
I like to start with making sun tea when it is about done I add some lemon,strawberry or peach or blackberries slices to it in the last hour of basking in the sun.Fill my favorite mason jar with ice and add the fresh tea...enjoy
Posted by: Lyndie Sanders | June 15, 2011 at 09:46 PM
My favorite iced sip combines jasmine tea with fresh ginger simmered in boiling water. Once cooled, I squeeze in fresh lime juice for a bright citrus burst and a swirl of agave. You can also add some muddled cantaloupe cubes at the bottom, for a fruity afterglow.
Posted by: Sara | June 16, 2011 at 12:28 PM