12 Types Of The Best Tea For Iced Tea

If you are looking for the best tea for iced tea, then look no further, as our list of the best options will have you set to make the perfect blend of iced tea.

If you want to make iced tea, it is tempting to make a cup of tea and add some ice. While this would technically give you an iced tea, it’s not the right way to go about it. So we have curated a list of the best teas to use for iced tea to help you.

Before trying our selection, check out our guide on the best tea for iced tea.

What To Look For In The Best Tea For Iced Tea

There are very few drinks as refreshing as a cold iced tea during the middle of a scorching hot summer day. And the good news is that you can make iced tea out of virtually any type of tea. For the uninducted, iced teas are just what they sound like; brewed tea that has been chilled.

Prior to being chilled, the tea is made the same way as usual, i.e., it is brewed in boiling water. After the blend acts as an infuser within the hot water, it is then refrigerated and cooled. After which, ice and other ingredients are added.

How To Pick The Best Tea For Iced Tea

If you are looking for an iced tea that suits your taste, start off with the black tea or herbal tea you already drink as a hot brew. Then, try it in its iced-tea format. If that doesn’t suit your taste, then give some of the other classics, high-quality iced tea blends, such as black tea, with lemon, simple syrup, and a wedge of lemon.

From there, you can expand to some of the more adventurous cold brew iced tea recipes.

In terms of where to buy the best tea for iced tea, the good news is that you don’t need to buy tea that is specifically designed for it. Instead, you can purchase tea that is used for the traditional brewing method and use it to make the iced alternative.

Can You Make Iced Tea From Tea Bags?

Choosing bags instead of loose tea is a much easier way to make this cold-brew drink, and it’s not difficult to do either. All you do is brew the tea as you normally would, then remove the bags and allow the hot tea to cool in the refrigerator.

From there, you can add sugar, lemon, and mint to the brewed tea to suit your own tastes. So, not only can you make tea from tea bags, it is actually one of the best ways to make iced tea.

1. Best Overall Type of Tea for Iced Tea: Hibiscus Tea

The hibiscus flower is a bright pink flower that, when dried, can be steeped for tea. It results in a gorgeous tea with a slightly tart flavor. You can drink it as is or sweeten it with some raw honey to taste.

If you choose to make iced tea with hibiscus, you will gain some incredible health benefits. Studies show that hibiscus tea may help prevent cancer, support liver function, promote weight loss, and help lower blood pressure. It is rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial properties.

If you sweeten it with raw honey, you will boost the health benefits even more!

2. Best Mild Iced Tea: White Tea

White tea has a very delicate flavor and produces a flavor-filled, albeit mild iced tea. It comes from tea buds picked just before they fully open. On top of the smooth, delicate flavor, white tea comes with one additional benefit.

The steeping process requires far less time than green or black tea leaves due to their delicate nature. That means you can have your batch of white iced tea ready in no time!

A favorite tea for centuries, it has been prized in traditional medicine for its health benefits. White tea is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies also show that it may support brain health, lower insulin resistance, and lower the risk of osteoporosis.

White tea does contain some caffeine. If you avoid caffeine or are limiting your intake, you will want to turn towards herbal tea as your iced tea base.

3. Best Iced Tea With A Kick: Peppermint Tea

Peppermint has a very distinct aroma and flavor. It has been prized for much of recent history due to its great taste and excellent health benefits. Herbalists use peppermint to help support digestion, and relaxation and fight infections.

Recent research seems to support many of the traditional medicinal uses for peppermint. So, you may be able to positively support your health when you choose peppermint iced tea!

Peppermint has a very distinct and robust flavor. However, if you prefer a smooth iced tea, it won’t be the best choice for you.

4. Best Traditional Iced Tea: Black Tea

Traditionally, iced tea is made from black tea and is likely what you are used to drinking. Therefore, it makes a fantastic base for iced tea.

What you may not know is that your favorite iced tea comes with some wonderful health benefits. Black tea has lots of antioxidant properties. Studies show that it may help improve gut health, reduce cancer risk, help lower blood pressure and the risk of stroke, and help boost heart health.

Brands like Prince Peace offer quality, flavorful tea, in eco-friendly packaging so it’s a win-win.

5. Best Fruity Iced Tea: Wild Berry Tea

Twinnings offer a wonderful option for fruity iced tea. Their ‘Wild Berries’ option combines the flavors of raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and blackcurrant to make an inviting glass of iced tea.

The aroma in this tea is like no other and continues to entice, even after it is cooled. It should also be noted that other brands have wild berry options (although Twinnings is our favorite one), so keep an eye out to see suitable offers in places like Amazon and in your local grocery store.

6. Best Iced Tea On The Go: Lipton

Lipton has nailed the bottled iced tea game, and their green tea with mint and lime version is one of the most refreshing drinks you can pick up when on the go. It provides a viable alternative to soft drinks, and you actually get some of the benefits of drinking actual tea.

It’s far lower in calories than some of the other drinks you will find in the soft drink aisle and is relatively low in calories. Of course, you can’t customize the same way you would a homemade iced tea, but after tasting this, you won’t want to change a thing.

7. Best Iced Tea When Trying Something Different: Iced London Fog Tea Latte

Earl Grey isn’t quite as popular in The States as it is in the UK. There, it is one of the most popular types of tea, and it’s now getting a rejuvenation as more and more people realize its potential as an iced tea.

One of the best ways to enjoy an Early Grey Tea is with a drink called an ‘iced London fog.’ This drink consists of iced earl grey tea, honey, and milk. It’s sweet and silky and a drink you’re sure to enjoy.

8. Best Iced Tea For Its Aroma: Darjeeling Tea

If you have never smelled the delicious aroma of Darjeeling tea, then you are missing out. It is the only tea in the world protected under the Geographical Indication (GI) trademark.

And the good people of Darjeeling in West Bengal, India, are right to protect their assets. It is made from the Camellia sinensis that is grown and processed in the area, and it creates an enticing scent that is like no other. This aroma isn’t lost when it’s iced either, so not only can you enjoy its taste, but you can also enjoy its bouquet.

9. Best Iced Tea For Benefits: Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is considered a holistic supercharger for your body, with health benefits that include improved brain activity, better sleep, and a reduced level of anxiety. It can have a grassy flavor, which doesn’t suit all palettes. However, we think even if you don’t like it, it might be worth it for the benefits.

10. Best Iced Tea For Antioxidants: Pomegranate Tea

Pomegranate tea is delicious as an iced-tea ingredient. Honestly, if you’re looking for a tea flavor that is ideal when sweetened or unsweetened, then this is for you. An added bonus is that it is full of antioxidants and tastes beautiful when hot, cold, or at room temperature.

11. Best Non-sweetened Bottled Iced Tea: Pure Leaf Iced Tea

We have already touched upon the fact that sometimes, it can be hard to find the time to brew tea, let it cool, and add ice. For that reason, bottled iced teas can be a lifesaver.

One of the best ones out there comes from Pure Leaf Iced Tea. It’s a blend of traditional black tea and it tastes fresher than you would think. Their recipe is simple, but it just works.

12. Best Matcha Iced Tea: Cold Brew Matcha Latte

You can make matcha iced tea in the same way you make other cold brews, and it’s delicious. Matcha has seen a boost in popularity in recent years, and this is another way you can enjoy the drink.

To make an iced matcha latte at home, all you need is the milk of your choice, matcha tea, honey, vanilla syrup, and ice. It really couldn’t be simpler.