Say goodbye to diluted iced tea! Tea ice cubes are a convenient way to keep your iced tea chilled without watering down the flavour. They are incredibly versatile as they can also elevate iced lattes, smoothies, cocktails, lemonades and other drinks.
What are Tea Ice Cubes?
Tea ice cubes or iced tea cubes are simply steeped tea frozen in ice cube trays. They are so easy to make and once they are frozen you can use them in any iced tea or tea latte drink.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe/Hack:
No one likes very weak, watered down tea. This is the best way to keep iced tea strong and flavourful because when the ice melts, it is just more tea in your glass.
You can use any type of tea to make ice cubes. I like to keep it simple, but you can also flavour the tea with additional ingredients (ie. herbs, sweetener, etc.) before making ice.
Tea ice cubes don’t even need to be “cubes”. Use other silicone molds for fancy shaped tea ice like hearts, fruit, flowers, spheres, etc.
Ingredient Notes
Only 2 ingredients needed:
Tea
Black tea, green tea, white tea, herbal tea, oolong tea – basically any type of tea! Tea bags or loose leaf tea can be used, too.
Water
Heat the water to the temperature needed based on the type of tea being used.
Tea Recommendations
Any tea can be turned into ice! Get some inspiration with these suggestions:
- Matcha Ice Cubes
- Earl Grey Ice Cubes
- Chai Ice Cubes
- Rooibos Ice Cubes
- Chamomile Ice Cubes
- Peppermint Ice Cubes
- Hibiscus Ice Cubes
- Butterfly Pea Flower Ice Cubes
- ….and so much more!
Tea Ice Cubes Recipe
Ingredient measurements and full directions are in the printable recipe card below.
Step 1: Steep the tea and let it cool.
Steep loose leaf tea or tea bags in hot water. The temperature of the water and steeping time will vary depending on the type of tea you are using. So, it is best to follow the instructions that came with the tea.
For example: If using a black tea or herbal tea, steep in freshly boiled water for 5 minutes. For a green tea, steep in under boiling water for 2 minutes.
After steeping, remove the tea bag or strain the loose leaf tea. Let the tea cool for 15 minutes. It should not be too hot before the next step.
Step 2: Fill ice cube trays.
Pour the cooled tea into ice cube trays. Place it in the freezer for 3 to 4 hours (time may vary) or overnight.
Step 3: Use the iced tea cubes!
When ready to use, remove the ice from the trays. Add them to a glass and pour iced tea, milk tea or cold brew tea and enjoy!
I recommend that you use the same type of iced tea that was used to make the ice cubes so you are not mixing tea flavours.
How to Use
- Keep iced tea and tea lattes cold and flavourful
- Make tea granita or tea slushies
- Add to pitchers or glasses of lemonade
- Serve them inside of cocktails that require ice
- Blend a few up with smoothies for added flavour and benefits
- Upgrade sparkling water by combining the two
- Reduce puffy eyes with green tea ice cubes
Variations
If you want to add extra flavour and dress up your ice, considering adding the following to the tray before freezing:
- Fresh herbs
- Edible flowers
- Fruit pieces
- Spices
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ice cubes does this recipe make?
This recipe should fill a standard ice cube tray and make approximately 24 ice cubes. However, the exact amount will vary depending on size and shapes.
How do I store tea ice cubes?
They should be stored in an airtight container or ziploc bag, not in the tray. If stored properly, they can be kept in the freezer for a couple of months.
Can I add sugar or other sweeteners to the tea before freezing?
Yes, you can. I prefer freezing unsweetened tea though as the drinks I add the ice to later would be sweetened already.
Can I make ice cubes with bottled iced teas or cold brew tea?
Yes, you can make iced tea cubes with ready made teas or cold brew tea, too.
Tea Ice Cubes
Equipment
- ice cube tray
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons loose leaf tea or 2 tea bags
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Steep loose leaf tea or tea bags in hot water. The temperature of the water and steeping time will vary depending on the type of tea you are using. So, it is best to follow the instructions that came with the tea. For example: If using a black tea or herbal tea, steep in freshly boiled water for 5 minutes. For a green tea, steep in under boiling water for 2 minutes.
- After steeping, remove the tea bag or strain the loose leaf tea. Let the tea cool for 15 minutes. It should not be too hot before the next step.
- Pour the cooled tea into ice cube trays. Place it in the freezer for 3 to 4 hours (time may vary) or overnight.
- When ready to use, remove the tea ice cubes from the trays. Add them to a glass and pour iced tea, milk tea or cold brew tea and enjoy! Store any leftover tea ice cubes in an airtight container or resealable bag in the freezer for up to 2 months.