Crystal-Clear Nilgiri Iced Tea
Nilgiri is famous for staying perfectly clear over ice—this refreshing iced tea shows off its non-clouding brilliance with fresh citrus and mint.
If there is one thing every iced-tea lover should know about Nilgiri, it is this: it almost never turns cloudy. Most black teas develop a hazy 'tea cream' when chilled, but Nilgiri's clean composition keeps the glass crystal-clear and sparkling. That clarity, plus its bright, fruity flavor, is exactly why blenders prize it for iced tea.
This recipe leans fully into that quality. A well-brewed Nilgiri, cooled and poured over plenty of ice, holds its golden-amber color and fresh aroma without a trace of murkiness. Fresh citrus and mint make it even more refreshing on a hot day.
The trick to clarity is letting the brewed tea cool to room temperature before refrigerating, rather than shocking hot tea with ice. With Nilgiri this is easy, since it resists clouding far better than most black teas—but the gentle cooling guarantees a flawless, glassy pour.
Serve this iced tea tall, with orange and lemon wheels and a sprig of mint. Lightly sweetened or unsweetened, it is a clean, thirst-quenching drink that looks as bright as it tastes—the perfect showcase for Nilgiri's signature clarity.
Ingredients
- 4 tsp Nilgiri loose-leaf tea (or 4 tea bags)
- 4 cups freshly boiled water (95°C)
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar, to taste (optional)
- 1/2 orange, sliced into rounds
- 1/2 lemon, sliced into rounds
- Fresh mint sprigs
- Plenty of ice cubes
How to make it
- 1Brew the Nilgiri tea in the freshly boiled water for 3–4 minutes, then strain out the leaves.
- 2Stir in honey or sugar if using, then let the tea cool to room temperature.
- 3Refrigerate the cooled tea for at least 1 hour.
- 4Fill tall glasses with ice, add the orange and lemon slices and mint, and pour over the chilled tea. Serve immediately.
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