Iced Tea For Weddings: A Step-By-Step Guide For Couples

Iced tea is a refreshing drink to serve at a wedding, especially during the summer. It's easy to make and can be prepared in large quantities. The basic ingredients are tea and water, but you can also add sweeteners, fruits, and herbs to customise the flavour. Tea bags or loose-leaf tea can be used, with black tea, green tea, herbal tea, and fruit tea being popular choices. The tea is typically brewed with hot water, then chilled, diluted, and served over ice. Sweeteners such as sugar, honey, or syrups can be added to taste, and slices of lemon or mint leaves can be used as a garnish.

Choosing the tea type: black, green, herbal, or fruity

When it comes to choosing the type of tea for your wedding, you have several options: black tea, green tea, herbal tea, or fruity tea. Each variety has its own unique characteristics and will impart a distinct flavour to your iced tea. Here is a detailed guide to help you select the perfect tea type for your special day:

Black Tea:

Black tea is a traditional choice for iced tea and is likely the variety you are most familiar with. It has a robust flavour and can stand up to sweeteners and additional ingredients. Black tea also tends to have a higher caffeine content, which may be desirable for an afternoon or evening wedding. When brewing black tea for iced tea, be mindful that it can become bitter if oversteeped, so follow the recommended steeping times.

Green Tea:

Green tea is a healthy and refreshing option for iced tea. It has a more delicate flavour than black tea and can be a good choice if you want a milder-tasting drink. Green tea also has health benefits, such as antioxidants, and can be a good caffeine option if you are looking for something with a milder kick. When brewing green tea, pay attention to the water temperature and steeping time, as green tea is more sensitive to overheating and can develop a bitter taste if not brewed properly.

Herbal Tea:

Herbal tea offers a caffeine-free option for your wedding, and there are a variety of herbal teas to choose from. Some popular choices include mint, chamomile, and lemon verbena. These teas can add a refreshing and soothing flavour to your iced tea. Feel free to experiment with different herbal teas to find the one that suits your taste. Keep in mind that herbal teas may have varying steeping times and temperatures, so follow the instructions on the package for the best results.

Fruity Tea:

Fruity teas, such as hibiscus, peach, or berry blends, can add a burst of flavour to your iced tea and are an excellent choice if you want to create a unique and colourful drink. You can also consider adding fresh fruit slices or purees to enhance the fruity flavour. When brewing fruity tea, allow for proper infusion time to ensure the full flavour of the tea is released. Additionally, some fruity teas may contain actual fruit pieces, so be sure to strain the tea before serving to avoid any unwanted bits in your drink.

When selecting the tea type for your wedding, consider the overall flavour profile you want to achieve, the level of caffeine desired, and any additional ingredients you plan to include. By choosing the right tea type and brewing it correctly, you can create a delicious and refreshing iced tea that your wedding guests will surely enjoy!

Brewing methods: hot, cold, or sun tea

There are three main brewing methods for iced tea: hot, cold, and sun tea. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the best method for you will depend on your personal preferences and how much time you have.

Hot Brew

The hot brew method is the quickest and easiest way to make iced tea. It involves brewing tea with hot water, similar to how you would make hot tea. However, for iced tea, the hot brew should be twice as strong, so use two tea bags per cup of water instead of one.

Steep the tea in boiling or almost-boiling water for 3-10 minutes, depending on the box recommendations and your desired strength. If you are using loose-leaf tea, you can use a tea ball infuser or a fine-mesh strainer to remove the tea leaves after steeping.

Once the tea is steeped, remove the tea bags or strain the loose-leaf tea. If you are adding a sweetener like sugar or honey, stir it into the hot tea now, as these sweeteners will not dissolve in cold liquids. You can also add other flavourings, such as lemon or orange zest, fruit, or herbs, at this stage.

Finally, add an equal amount of cold water to the hot tea to cool it down, and serve the iced tea over ice immediately, or chill it in the refrigerator until it's ready to be served.

Cold Brew

Cold brewing gently extracts more flavour from the tea and results in a smoother, less bitter glass of iced tea. However, it does take much longer than the hot tea method, requiring anywhere from 8 to 24 hours.

To make cold brew iced tea, combine the tea and water in a pitcher and refrigerate it, covered, for at least 8 hours, but no more than 12 hours. Then, strain or remove the tea bags and serve the iced tea over ice, or keep it refrigerated until you are ready to serve it.

Since cold brewing maintains the natural sweetness of the tea, you will likely need less sweetener with this method. You can also add other flavourings, such as fruit or herbs, to the tea during the steeping process.

Sun Tea

Sun tea is an old-fashioned method of brewing iced tea that uses the power of the sun. Combine tea and water in a covered pitcher or jar and place it outside or in a sunny window for at least 6 hours. As the sun warms the water, the tea will slowly release its flavour.

After the tea has steeped, strain or remove the tea bags and serve the iced tea over ice, or keep it refrigerated until you are ready to serve it. Sun tea has a nostalgic feel, but there is a slight chance of bacterial growth if the water and tea bags are left in the food safety "danger zone" of 40-140°F. To minimise this risk, thoroughly clean your container and sterilise your tea bags before brewing.

Sweeteners: sugar, honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup

Sweeteners are a key component of iced tea, and there are several options to choose from, including sugar, honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup. Each sweetener will impart a unique flavour and level of sweetness to the tea, so it is worth experimenting to find the perfect combination for your wedding.

Sugar is the most common sweetener and can be used in either granulated or caster form. It is important to stir it into the hot tea to ensure it dissolves completely. You can also create a simple sugar syrup by simmering equal parts sugar and water until the sugar has dissolved and then stirring it into your chilled tea.

Honey is another popular choice for sweetening iced tea. Like sugar, it should be stirred into the hot tea to ensure it dissolves. You can also use honey to make a simple syrup by simmering it with an equal part of water. Honey will give your iced tea a unique flavour and a slightly different colour.

Maple syrup can also be used to sweeten iced tea and is a good option if you are looking for a more unique flavour. It is a liquid sweetener, so it will dissolve easily into your cold tea.

Agave syrup is another liquid sweetener that can be used in iced tea. It has a mild flavour, so it won't overpower the taste of the tea.

When choosing a sweetener for your wedding iced tea, consider the type of tea you are using and the overall flavour profile you want to create. You can also provide a variety of sweeteners and let your guests customise their drinks.

Flavourings: lemon, mint, basil, or fruit

Flavouring your iced tea with lemon, mint, basil, or fruit is a great way to add a refreshing twist to your drink. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of these ingredients:

Lemon: Lemon slices or lemon juice can be added to iced tea to give it a tangy, citrusy kick. However, it is recommended to add lemon juice just before serving, as leaving slices in the tea for too long can make it taste bitter.

Mint: Fresh mint sprigs or leaves can be used to infuse your iced tea with a refreshing, cool flavour. You can add them directly to the tea as it brews in the refrigerator, or add them to each glass as a garnish.

Basil: Basil is another herb that pairs well with iced tea. Like mint, you can add basil sprigs or leaves to the tea as it brews, or add them to individual glasses as a colourful and aromatic garnish.

Fruit: A variety of fresh fruits can be used to flavour iced tea, such as strawberries, cherries, peaches, watermelon, pineapple, or citrus fruits. You can steep the fruit in the tea, similar to making sangria, or use it as a garnish. Alternatively, you can add fruit purees or juices to your tea for a natural sweetener.

Serving and storing: best served over ice, store in the fridge

Serving iced tea at a wedding is a great way to keep your guests refreshed and happy. Here are some tips for serving and storing your iced tea:

Serving

• Ice is essential! Be sure to serve the iced tea over ice to keep it chilled and refreshing.
• Use a glass carafe or pitcher to showcase the beautiful colour of the tea.
• For a stunning presentation, add some garnishes such as lemon slices, fresh mint sprigs, or other herbs like basil or rosemary.
• If you're serving a large group, consider using multiple dispensers or pitchers to ensure there is enough tea for everyone.
• Provide sweeteners on the side so guests can adjust the taste to their preference. Common sweeteners include sugar, honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup.
• If using a sweetener that doesn't dissolve easily, such as honey, be sure to stir it into the hot tea before chilling.
• For an adults-only crowd, you can even add a splash of alcohol to each glass, such as spiced rum, gin, or Pimm's.

Storing

• Store the iced tea in the refrigerator at all times to keep it chilled and fresh.
• Use a pitcher or container with a sealable lid to prevent the tea from absorbing other odours in the fridge.
• If you've added a sweetener, it's best to drink the tea within eight hours to prevent fermentation or bacterial contamination.
• Unsweetened tea can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks, but it's best consumed within the first 24 hours for optimal flavour.

By following these tips, you'll be able to serve delicious and refreshing iced tea at your wedding, keeping your guests happy and hydrated!

Frequently asked questions