As the summer heat intensifies, nothing beats a chilled, flavorful drink to cool down and rejuvenate. Celebrity Chef Ranveer Brar has shared four delightful iced tea recipes that are perfect for the season: Lemon Iced Tea, Peach Iced Tea, Watermelon Iced Tea, and a special Iced Tea Mocktail. These recipes cleverly use different types of tea—white, green, oolong, and black—highlighting how their processing and oxidation levels influence flavor, strength, and brewing methods.
Understanding the Four Types of Tea
Chef Brar emphasizes the importance of choosing the right tea base:
- White Tea: Made from young leaves with minimal processing and no oxidation. It is the lightest and most delicate, best brewed at around 75°C.
- Green Tea: Unoxidized leaves that are steamed or pan-fried, offering fresh, grassy notes. Brew at 80-85°C to preserve its antioxidants.
- Oolong Tea: Partially oxidized, striking a balance between green and black tea. Ideal brewing temperature is 90-95°C.
- Black Tea: Fully oxidized for a robust, strong flavor. It requires boiling water (100°C) and longer steeping.
Darker teas need hotter water and more brewing time, while lighter ones are gentler. These recipes primarily use black tea as a strong base, with options for oolong and green tea.
Essential Brewing Bases
Black Tea Base (used for Lemon, Peach, and Mocktail recipes):
For 1 liter of water, add 3-4 black peppercorns, ¼ tsp fennel seeds (saunf), a sprig of tender mint stems, a pinch of salt, and 3 heaped tbsp of tea leaves. Bring to a boil, then add 10 heaped tbsp of sugar. Boil briefly, strain, and allow it to cool to room temperature or refrigerate.
Oolong or Green Tea Base:
Use 2 heaped tbsp of tea leaves per ½ liter of hot water. Pour hot water (slightly off boil for green/oolong) over the leaves in a jar, steep, then cool and chill.
These bases can be prepared in advance and stored for convenience.
1. Lemon Iced Tea
A zesty and classic cooler with bright citrus notes.
Ingredients (per serving):
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 lime, sliced
- A few fresh mint leaves
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2-4 ice cubes
- Chilled black tea base
Method:
In a highball glass, gently muddle the lemon juice, lime slices, mint leaves, and sugar. Add ice cubes and top with the brewed black tea base. Stir well. Garnish with a mint sprig and lime slice. Serve immediately.
2. Peach Iced Tea
Sweet, fruity, and wonderfully aromatic.
Ingredients (per serving):
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 ripe peach, sliced
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2-4 ice cubes
- Chilled black tea base
Method:
Muddle lemon juice, peach slices, and sugar in a glass. Add ice and pour in the black tea base. Stir gently. Garnish with a mint sprig and a fresh peach slice.
3. Watermelon Iced Tea
A hydrating, summery blend with a subtle spicy twist.
Ingredients (per serving):
- ¼ inch ginger, peeled and sliced
- 1 tsp sugar
- ⅓ cup watermelon, cubed
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp basil seeds (sabja), soaked
- A few extra watermelon cubes
- 2-4 ice cubes
- Chilled oolong tea base
Method:
Muddle ginger and sugar. Add watermelon cubes and honey, crushing lightly. Mix in lemon juice, soaked basil seeds, more watermelon, ice cubes, and the oolong tea base. Garnish with a watermelon slice, mint sprig, lime slice, and a sprinkle of basil seeds.
4. Special Iced Tea Mocktail
A crowd-pleasing batch drink that combines the best flavors.
Ingredients (for a large jug, serves multiple):
- 2-3 tbsp lemon juice
- Prepared lemon iced tea
- Prepared peach iced tea
- Additional brewed black tea base
- 6-8 ice cubes
Method:
In a large jug, combine the lemon juice, prepared lemon and peach iced teas, extra black tea base, and ice cubes. Stir thoroughly. Garnish with mint sprigs, watermelon and lime slices, and soaked basil seeds. Serve chilled in glasses.
Tips for Perfect Summer Iced Teas
These recipes balance strong, sweetened tea bases with fresh fruits, herbs, and a touch of spice for digestive benefits. Fennel, mint, and black pepper add cooling properties ideal for Indian summers. Adjust sweetness to taste—honey can replace sugar for a healthier twist. Always brew lighter teas more gently to retain their delicate flavors and health benefits.
Chef Ranveer Brar’s iced tea creations are not just drinks but an experience of layered flavors and refreshing coolness. Perfect for poolside gatherings, family brunches, or quiet afternoons, these recipes will keep you hydrated and delighted throughout the summer. Try them at home and enjoy the art of tea in its coolest form!
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