Wowee, it’s getting hot! With 100F+ temperatures set to hold for the next week and it being teatime – classically indulged in between 2pm and 5pm back in Blighty – we thought it only fair to share our recipe for Tea & Sympathy’s delectably refreshing Iced Tea. While something of an Americanisation of the British cuppa, we take our hats off to this fine creation’s impressively delicious ability to hit the spot when the mercury rises. And while we don’t like to blow our own trumpet (terribly un-British, don’t you know), we do receive many a compliment and return visits from scores of satisfied customers as soon as we crack out our first batch of the year in the spring months. So, we’re more than happy to do our bit as New York swelters. Take note, then sit back and take a long, thirst-quenching sip!
Iced Tea
For truly fantastic iced tea, make it strong. For better results use a flavored loose tea such as blackcurrant, apricot, or mango, which are particular favourites. These, and many other interesting flavours, are available from our produce store, located next door to the restaurant. With summer sticking around, why not make a large batch and keep in in the refrigerator – it will last several days.
Serves 6
Preparation time: 30 minutes
6 heaped tablespoons of loose tea per pot
1 large teapot
Fresh boiling water
1 tea strainer
1 large heatproof pitcher
Sugar (opt)
- Heat the pot by swirling a little boiling water in it.
- Spoon the tea into the teapot and cover with boiling water. Let it stand for a good 5 minutes.
- Give the tea a stir then strain it into the pitcher.
- Refill the pot with more boiling water and the same tea leaves and again let stand for 5 minutes before straining it into the pitcher. This will give you approximately 10 glasses of tea with ice.
- If you are making a lot of tea, repeat the process and keep adding it o the pitcher, then chill.
- It is quite difficult to dissolve sugar in iced tea. A good tip is to mix some sugar with a little water and stir until the sugar dissolves. You may serve this on the side for those who like their iced tea sweet.
- If you wish to serve the tea immediately: Cool it down by filling a zip-lock bag with ice and placing the bag in the hot tea until the ice cubes have melted. This will cool the tea without diluting the taste. Repeat until the tea is cold.
- Another great idea for serving the tea: Fill some ice trays with the tea mixture. When ready to serve, fill the glass with the tea ice cubes and the iced tea. As the cubes melt, they will not weaken the tea.
- If you wish to have something a little more exotic: You may add a little fresh fruit or mint sprigs to the tea. For example, if you use a peach tea, a couple of slices of fresh peaches added to the glass give it that little bit of extra flavor. Also, slices of mango in mango tea taste luscious!
Who would have thought so much effort went into a cup of iced tea! Remember, we sell a wide selection of imported china teapots and tea strainers, as well as a delicious selection of fruit and herbal teas. And for those who want the gulp without the graft – we sell a different flavored iced tea to-go every day for only $2!
If you have any questions, or would like to order for shipment, please give us a call on: (212) 989-9735.
* As with all recipes featured on our blog, this comes from our book ‘Tea & Sympathy: The Life of a Teashop in New York’, by Nicola Perry and Anita Naughton. Please call the above number, or come by the store, if you are interested in purchasing one of the last remaining copies.
Tea & Sympathy 