6 OF THE BEST

Cold-brew teas, tried and tasted

By Pip Sloan

In the middle of a heatwave, a hot cup of tea doesn’t quite cut it. Our palates cry out for something refreshing, hydrating and, above all, cold. And with more of us seeking out lighter, less alcoholic ways to quench our thirst and keep our drinks interesting (remember when floating slices of lemon and cucumber in a glass was seen as the height of fashion?), iced teas and infusions are the perfect solution. And no, we don’t mean those pre-mixed bottles of (often sugarladen) “teas”, but loose-leaf and bagged infusions created especially for steeping in cold water, which have been hitting the supermarket shelves this year like never before – and in a range of weird and wonderful flavours. They certainly have the convenience factor (pop a tea bag in a water bottle and you’re set), but do they deliver when it comes to flavour? Here is our verdict on the latest offerings, from supermarket own-brands to speciality tea houses.

TETLEY COLD INFUSIONS MINT, LEMON AND CUCUMBER £2.50 FOR 12 TEA BAGS, MORRISONS

The smell is vaguely minty but also slightly reminiscent of an air freshener – likely due to the white hibiscus that makes up half the contents. The taste is surprisingly pleasant, though. Lemony, fresh, and with a strong peppermint kick. 8/10

SAINSBURY’S COLD BREW WATERMELON AND LIME INFUSION £2.50 FOR 15 TEA BAGS

There’s a strong scent of artificial lime and the water turns a murky pink colour after a few minutes, but the drink itself tastes of very little. Though the tea bags are predominantly spearmint leaves, this is subtle, and any watermelon flavour that comes through is weak. 5/10