Strawberry and Mint Cold Brew Iced Tea

British strawberries are just starting to make their appearance, and there really is no better way to celebrate them than in a cold brew. This recipe asks very little of you: no boiling water, no waiting around for things to cool. Just tea, fruit, and a night in the fridge.

Cold brewing gives you a naturally smooth, gently sweet tea with none of the slight bitterness you can sometimes get from hot-brewed iced tea. Paired with fresh strawberries and a handful of mint, it makes for something that tastes properly summery, without any fuss.

What you'll need

• 4 teaspoons loose leaf green tea (or 4 teabags)
• 6 to 8 fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• A small handful of fresh mint leaves
• 1 litre cold water
• Ice, to serve
• A slice of lemon, optional

Method

1. Place the tea, strawberries and mint into a large jug or glass pitcher.
2. Pour over the cold water.
3. Stir gently, cover, and place in the fridge for 8 to 12 hours. Overnight works perfectly.
4. Strain through a fine sieve or a piece of muslin into a clean jug.
5. Serve over plenty of ice, with a slice of lemon if you like.

The cold brew will keep in the fridge for up to two days, though in our experience it rarely lasts that long.

A light, grassy green tea works best here. Something with a gentle natural sweetness lets the strawberries come through without competing. Browse our green teas to find one you love.

Keep brewing,
The Bellevue Team