October's here, which means summer's just around the corner. You know what that means – backyard barbies, long afternoons in the sun, and desperately searching for something cold to drink that isn't just another fizzy drink.

Here's the thing: homemade iced tea absolutely smashes those overly sweet bottled versions you find at the shops. When you brew your own using quality loose leaf tea, you get actual flavour and none of that artificial aftertaste. Plus, it's dead simple to make.

Let me walk you through how to make brilliant iced tea at home, with some recipes using our handpacked loose leaf blends.

A Quick History

Iced tea became a thing at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair during a scorching heatwave. Some bloke running a tea plantation couldn't give away his hot tea samples – understandably. So he dumped it over ice instead. People went absolutely mental for it. Sometimes the best ideas come from desperation, right?

Why Loose Leaf Beats Tea Bags Every Time

Look, tea bags are convenient, but for iced tea? Loose leaf wins hands down:

The flavour's just better. Whole leaves give you depth and complexity that tea bag dust simply can't match.

You're tasting the tea itself, not paper or weird bag chemicals.

You control how strong you want it.

And honestly? Watching the leaves, fruits, and flowers open up in the water is pretty satisfying.

Three Cracking Iced Tea Recipes for Summer

I'm sharing three blends that make absolutely stellar iced tea. For all of these, we're using the hot brew method (sometimes called flash chilling) because it pulls out those bold, fruity flavours beautifully.

1. Tropical Paradise Iced Tea with Garden in Bloom

This one's a ripper if you're into tropical vibes. It's got black and green tea mixed with exotic fruits, and honestly, everyone loves it.

Why it's good for you: The caffeine from the tea gives you a nice, steady energy boost without the crash you get from coffee. The tropical fruits (pineapple, soursop) pack in Vitamin C and antioxidants. So yeah, you're basically drinking something that tastes like holidays while doing your body a favour.

Here's how to make it:

• 2 tablespoons Garden in Bloom loose leaf tea
• 1 litre water (90°C – just off the boil)
• Ice cubes
• Pineapple or orange slices for garnish

Chuck the tea leaves in a heatproof jug. Pour over the hot water and let it steep for 4 minutes – don't go longer or it'll get bitter. Strain it straight into another jug packed with ice. This flash chilling locks in all that flavour. Give it a good stir, top up with more ice, and pour into tall glasses. Slap a pineapple slice on top and you're done.

[Buy Garden in Bloom tea online here.]

2. Wild Berry Adventure Iced Tea with Jumanji

Want something with a bit more punch? Jumanji's your tea. It's got this intense forest berry thing going on that's absolutely perfect served ice-cold.

Why it's good for you: The black tea base gives you a proper energy kick. But the real stars are the berries – chokeberries, blueberries, currants – all packed with antioxidants that help protect your cells. We've also added moringa leaves for extra vitamins and minerals. Basically, it's a powerhouse in a glass.

Here's how to make it:

• 2 tablespoons Jumanji loose leaf tea
• 1 litre water (95°C – properly hot)
• Ice cubes
• Fresh or frozen mixed berries for garnish

Pop the tea in a heatproof jug. Pour over the hot water and steep for 5 minutes to get all those berry notes out. Strain into a jug full of ice and stir until it's cold. Serve over more ice and throw in a handful of berries. Done.

[Buy Jumanji black tea online today.]

3. Calming Alpine Meadow Herbal Cooler

Need something you can drink at 8pm without being up all night? Alpine Meadow's your answer. No caffeine, perfect for kids, and ridiculously refreshing.

Why it's good for you: Because it's caffeine-free, you can drink it anytime. The lemongrass helps you chill out (literally and figuratively), while the peppermint settles your stomach – especially good after a big meal. It's hydrating and calming, which is exactly what you need on a stinking hot day.

Here's how to make it:

• 2 tablespoons Alpine Meadow loose leaf tea
• 1 litre boiling water (100°C)
• Ice cubes
• Fresh mint and lemon slices for garnish

Put the herbs in a heatproof jug. Pour over boiling water and let it steep for 7-8 minutes. Strain into a jug filled with ice and stir until cold. Serve with fresh mint and lemon. Seriously refreshing.

[Buy Alpine Meadow herbal tea here.]

Ready to Up Your Summer Drink Game?

Making your own iced tea really is this easy. And once you start, you won't want to go back to the bottled stuff. Browse our full collection and buy loose leaf tea online – we deliver anywhere in Australia.

Happy brewing!