Refreshing, flavourful, and easy to customize, iced tea is one of summer's must-have drinks. However, a few small mistakes can turn a delicious brew into a drink that's too bitter, too bland, or simply disappointing.

Good news: making excellent iced tea at home is much simpler than you think. Here are 5 common mistakes to avoid to fully enjoy every sip.

1. Steeping the tea too long

This is probably the most common mistake. One might think that a longer infusion will give more flavour, but this is not always the case.

When certain teas steep for too long, they can develop an unpleasant bitterness or astringency. The result? Iced tea that is less smooth and less balanced.

Our tip: respect the recommended steeping time according to the type of tea. Green tea generally requires a shorter steeping time than black tea or fruit infusions.

2. Using water that's too hot

Not all teas are prepared at the same temperature.

Boiling water may be suitable for some infusions, but it risks altering the delicacy of a green tea or a white tea. The aromas then become more bitter and lose some of their subtlety.

Our tip: adjust the water temperature to the type of tea chosen. It's a small detail that can completely transform your tasting experience.

3. Adding too much ice immediately

Pouring hot tea over a large quantity of ice cubes may seem like the fastest method. However, the ice melts quickly and can dilute your drink.

The result: iced tea that lacks flavour.

Our tip: prepare a slightly more concentrated infusion if you want to pour it directly over ice cubes. You can also let your tea cool down before adding it to the ice.

4. Sweetening too much before tasting

Fruity teas and summer infusions often have a natural sweetness. Adding a lot of sugar from the start can mask the flavours of the tea and fruits.

Our tip: always taste your iced tea before sweetening it. If necessary, add a small amount of honey, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener.

You might be surprised: sometimes, a few pieces of fresh fruit are enough to provide a pleasant sensation of sweetness.

5. Forgetting about cold brewing

Iced tea doesn't necessarily have to be prepared with hot water.

Cold brewing involves letting the tea steep slowly in cold water, directly in the refrigerator. This method often results in a sweeter, more delicate, and less bitter drink.

Our tip: place your tea in a carafe of cold water and let it steep for several hours in the refrigerator. The exact time depends on the type of tea and the desired preparation.

The secret to good iced tea? Experimentation

Green tea, black tea, fruit infusion, citrus fruits, berries, fresh herbs... the possibilities are almost endless.

Add a few slices of lemon, strawberries, raspberries, peaches, or even a few mint leaves to create your own summer drink.

And most importantly, have fun trying different methods. The best iced tea is the one that suits your taste.

With our Fruits du Soleil theme, it's the perfect time to discover new flavours and transform your favourite teas into refreshing drinks.

A sip of sunshine, directly in your glass.