Thrive in the Heat: How to Make Herbal Iced Teas
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Hydration on a hot day is essential, especially a long work day on the farm. But we're also herb farmers, so of course, we like to jazz our H2O up with herbs!
Whether you’re reaching for a moment of calm, a burst of energy, or just something delicious to serve over ice, this is your invitation to play and create with herbs this summer.
Taste & Convenience
When working with bitter or strong herbs like chamomile and sage, cold brewing works wonderfully to cut the bitter edge. The same theory applies to black and green teas, giving you a less tannic and caffeinated drink.
We love to brew our iced teas in jars overnight so they are ready and waiting the next day. We'll use the extra-large mason jar so there's enough for the whole family to pour & go.
In this post, we’re sharing two easy ways to make herbal iced tea: the classic hot-to-iced method and a slower cold infusion. Our Iced Tea Bundle features of five favourites for a refreshing summer drink.
If you are looking to extract minerals and other nutrients more fully to make a true “nourishing infusion", you'll want to check out our post "How to Make Nutrient-Rich Herbal Infusions".
🍵 Method 1: Hot Brew, Chilled
This is the quick and classic method: brew your tea hot, then chill it in the fridge or pour over ice.
How to Make It
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp Foggy River Farm loose-leaf tea or single herbs
- 2 cups boiling water
- Optional: raw honey or maple syrup, lemon slices, extra fresh herbs
Instructions:
- Pour boiling water over your herbs in a heat-safe jar, teapot, or French press.
- Steep for 10–15 minutes (or longer for stronger flavour).
- Strain and let cool, then refrigerate or pour over ice.
- Add sweetener, fruit, or juice if desired.
Tip: Brew a strong concentrate and dilute with cold or sparkling water when serving—for a bigger batch or a lighter flavour.
Perfect For:
- Refresh Tea – A bright mix of spearmint, peppermint, and anise hyssop.
- Mint Punch Tea – Five unique mint varieties with mellow notes of fruit & spice, make for a fun twist on mint tea
- Boost Tea – Our bestseller in any season! So good with honey to enhance the flavour.
- Spearmint – Naturally cooling and slightly sweet
🌿 Method 2: Cold Infusion (No Heat Needed)
Cold infusions are slow-steeped in cool water to gently draw out flavour and benefits. This quick-prep method is ideal for soothing and aromatic herbs.
How to Make It
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp dried herb (or a small handful of fresh herbs if you have them)
- 2 cups cool or room temperature water
- A mason jar or lidded container
Instructions:
- Add herbs to your jar and cover with cool water.
- Seal and refrigerate for 4–8 hours (or overnight).
- Strain and serve over ice.
- Optional: Add sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or sugar), citrus slices, or a sprig of fresh mint.
Tip: If using honey or sugar, you may need to dissolve it in a small amount of warm water first.
Perfect For:
- Tree of Life Tea Blend
- Forest’s Edge Tea Blend
- Lemon Balm – Light, lemony, and mood-lifting
- Soothe - Our chamomile-forward herbal bend for smooth digestion
- Raspberry Leaf – Earthy and mineral-rich; a great base to add extra flavours
💡 Mix & Match: Create Your Own Signature Iced Tea
Use our single herbs to explore flavour combinations:
- Uplifting & Calming: Lemon balm + spearmint
- Fresh & Floral: Red clover + raspberry leaf
- Cooling & Nourishing: Ultimint + nettle leaf
Herbal iced teas are endlessly adaptable. Follow your senses and have fun!
🧊 A few last tips:
- Store leftover iced tea in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Sweeten while the tea is still warm for best results. Try honey, maple, or sugar.
Herbal iced teas offer an easy, everyday way to enjoy the plants we grow with care.
Try your own blend, and let us know your favourite combinations. We love seeing what you’re brewing!
