To me, ice tea is marvelous and essential for any warm and sunny day. It's a refreshing start to the day or great while planning a picnic, or even planning a day at the beach or pool! Summer time, especially is a great time to get into tea, and for many great reasons. When making and steeping tea leaves, it is always good to find out which tea you can reuse for steeping and which ones you can't, that way you get the most bang for your buck! Always ask a tea sales associate when buying which ones are re-steep-able. Also, when buying tea and steeping, make sure to get a good caffeine level which can vary (herbal teas never have caffeine because they are purely herbs and fruit mixes). I personally love herbal teas because they are relaxing and refreshing but have zero caffeine. For summer it's good to avoid caffeine every day to stay extra hydrated while still relaxing and getting decent sleep. If you're not familiar with Teavana already, the name of their company refers to "tea heaven" and is literally my favorite drink shop of all time, other than Wilson College's local tea and coffee shop C&C in downtown Chambersburg. Tea, along with coffee, is great iced and as long as you mix it right with their specialty blends, sugars, and honey, it can make for a terrific refreshment on any hot summer's day.

When steeping, make sure to add the amount given on the label as purchased, then, do the math, and you can easily calculate how much tea leaves you need. Herbal teas steep the longest for 4-5 minutes or more for adequate flavor whereas black teas steep between 1-2 minutes and white and green tea between 2-3 minutes. Depending on the blend, times may vary.

Now, let's get to what you're all here waiting for - the exciting part which is an amazing assortment of teas you can make iced for any summers day. I recommend making ice tea extra strong in half of a container or cup that you are using and when adding ice or cold water, you fill the rest, making for a good balance. Always add sugar and honey BEFORE mixing the rest over ice, along with cream or lemon, etc. that way you are mixing properly. Sample sweetness gradually before adding more to avoid over-sweetening and you will have your perfect cup of iced-tea.

Here are 18 Top Favorite Summer Iced-teas by Teavana -- (some blends you just can't forget).

1. ONLINE EXCLUSIVE (only) - Lemonade Tea Sampler - a Teavana exclusive

$25.00 for three fresh takes on a summer classic. (Blends Well)

These lush herbal infusions are delicious on their own or mixed with bold, black tea. Enjoy them over ice at your next picnic, party or pool day.

Includes:

Summer Lemonade Tea (2 oz)
Refreshing citrus balanced with the perfect amount of sweet. - $9.98 (sold separately)

Ingredients:

Apple bits, pineapple bits (pineapple, sugar, citric acid), orange peels, rosehip peels, white hibiscus, pineapple chips, natural flavors, citric acid, ascorbic acid (vitamin c), lemon crispies (maltodextrin, lemon juice concentrate, sugar, modified tapioca starch, sodium alginate, riboflavin [for color]), grapefruit, orange juice bits, marigold petals, lemon verbena

Blueberry Lemonade Tea (2 oz)
Juicy sweet blueberries, strawberries & cranberries balanced with tart citrus lemons. - $9.98 (sold separately)

Ingredients:

Apple bits, pineapple bits (pineapple, sugar, citric acid), blueberries, rosehip peels, hibiscus flowers, orange peels, grapes, elderberries, beetroot bits (for colour), natural flavours, strawberry slices, cranberry slices, citric acid, ascorbic acid (vitamin c), lemon crispies (maltodextrin, lemon juice concentrate, sugar, modified tapioca starch, sodium alginate, riboflavin [for colour]), grapefuit, orange juice bits, strawberry bits, red currants, marigold petals

Hot Pink Lemonade Tea (2 oz)
Tangy lemon & lemongrass with sweet pineapple and vibrant hibiscus. - $9.98 (sold separately)

Ingredients:

Apple pieces (apple, citric acid), lemongrass, candied pineapple pieces (pineapple, sugar) hibiscus blossoms, candied papaya pieces (papaya, sugar), beetroot pieces (for color), natural flavors, vervain, lemon peels, orange blossoms, marigold blossoms, ascorbic acid (vitamin c)

All teas in this sampler kit are caffeine-free

Follow steeping and brewing instructions on each individual tea package

2 oz brews 15–20 cups of hot tea or 7-10 cups of iced tea

2. Beach Bellini Herbal Tea

$9.98 - 2oz makes 15-20 cups (Blends Well)

Caffeine Free

Ride a wave of epic fruit flavor.

This refreshingly smooth tropical blend tastes like a splash of summer sunshine. Pineapple, papaya, rose petals and full tangerine slices come together to create a juicy iced-tea experience inspired by the classic Champagne cocktail. Add a touch of bubbly to turn your tea into a celebration.

Tasting Notes:

Papaya, pineapple & citrus notes make a bright, tropical splash

Ingredients:

Apple pieces (apple, citric acid), candied pineapple pieces (pineapple, sugar), candied papaya pieces (papaya, sugar), candied mango pieces (mango, sugar), natural flavor, tangerine slices, apple slices, physalis, rose buds and petals

3. Mango Black Flavored Black Tea

$12.98 - 2oz makes 15-20 cups

Caffeine level 2: 16-25 mg

Description:

Sunny mango and crisp black tea converge in a celebration of mango that's as refreshing as a tropical rain shower.

This mango-lover's dream blends mango chunks, candied mango and mango chips with Ceylon tea from Sri Lanka, Chinese black tea from the Hunan Province, passion fruit pieces and marigold petals.

Tasting Notes:

Mango Black Flavored Black Tea

Ingredient:

Apple pieces, candied mango pieces (mango, sugar, citric acid), black tea, mango chips (mango, rice flour), natural flavor, mango pieces, passion fruit pieces (passion fruit juice concentrate, banana puree), marigold petals

4. Iced Passion Tango Pitcher Pack

$7.95 - 6 pitcher packs (1 box) = 0.48oz / 13.5g (Blends Well)

Description:

Iced tea for everyone.

A pitcher of iced tea is a welcome sight at any summer gathering, especially if you’re serving this punchy herbal infusion. Our convenient pitcher packs make it impossibly easy to brew 64 oz at once. Each box includes six pitcher packs.

• 1. Bring fresh (preferably filtered) water to a boil at 212°F.
• 2. Add pitcher pack to a 64 oz pitcher and fill it halfway with boiling water.
• 3. Add sweetener if desired.
• 4. Add sweetener if desired.
• 5. Let tea steep for 5 minutes, then remove pitcher pack.
• 6. Fill pitcher to top with cold water, then serve over ice.
• 7. Refrigerate tea and enjoy the results within 24 hours.

Tasting Notes:

Tropical pineapple, passionfruit and hibiscus with a touch of lemongrass and sweet cinnamon spice.

Caffeine free

Ingredients:

Hibiscus flowers, citric acid, natural flavors, cinnamon, apple, licorice root, lemongrass, fruit juice extract (color)

5. Raspberry Limeade Tea-Filled Tin

$27.97 - 8oz / 226g (1 tin) - makes 75-80 total cups (5 stars)

Description:

Happy hour in a tin.

Featuring a fruity, mixology-inspired blend of botanicals, this summer staple mingles sweet berries, tart citrus and soft florals to create a refreshing iced tea favorite. You’ll get 8 oz of tea in an airtight, light-blocking tin.

Tasting Notes:

Cocktail-esque creation of berry, lime, lemon & orange

Caffeine free

Ingredients:

Candied pineapple pieces (pineapple, sugar, citric acid), apple pieces, raisins, hibiscus flowers, orange peels, elderberries, juniper berries, rose hip peels, natural and artificial flavoring, orange slices, lime pieces, pineapple chips, lemon slices, strawberry slices, rose petals, red currants, lemon pieces (lemon juice concentrate, lemon cells), orange juice pieces, raspberries, blueberries, balsamico vinegar di modena, ascorbic acid (vitamin c), citric acid

6. Poolside- Perfect Iced Tea Sampler

$29.50 - 4 - 2oz Pouches/ 58g (per pouch) = (8oz total / 224g total) - makes 60-80 total cups (Blends Well)

Description:

Guaranteed to make a splash

Dive into summer with an all-star assortment of fruit-forward iced teas. This cannonball-worthy collection includes four of our favorite flavors—enough for 60 to 80 cups of tea.

Pineapple Berry Blue Rooibos Blend (2 oz)
A juicy-bright blend of tangy citrus and sweet berry. - $8.98 (sold separately)

Ingredients:

Apple pieces, green rooibos, black chokeberries, candied pineapple pieces (pineapple, sugar), raisins, black currants , rose hip peels, beetroot pieces, hibiscus flowers, natural and artificial flavoring, rose blossom leaves, blueberries, rose buds, marigold blossoms, orange blossoms

Strawberry Lemonade Herbal Infusion (2 oz)
Crisp lemon with a strawberry shimmer. - $6.98 (sold separately)

Ingredients:

Apple pieces, rose hip peels, apple slices, strawberry slices, strawberry pieces, natural and artificial flavoring, marigold petals, citric acid

Youthberry® Wild Orange Blossom White Tea Blend (2 oz)
Refreshing pineapple, citrus & açaí berry with light floral notes. - $9.98 (sold separately)

Caffeine Level 1: 1-15 mg

Ingredients:

Apple pieces, white tea, hibiscus flowers, rose hip peels, apple slices, candied pineapple pieces (pineapple, sugar, citric acid), candied mango pieces (mango, sugar, citric acid), natural and artificial flavoring, beetroot pieces, citrus slices, citrus peels, red currants, orange juice pieces, orange petals, rose petals, açai fruit powder (açai, maltodextrin)

Raspberry Limeade Herbal Infusion (2 oz)
Cool lime & sweetly tart berry. - (not listed as sold separately in 2oz alone)

Ingredients:

Candied pineapple pieces (pineapple, sugar, citric acid), apple pieces, raisins, hibiscus flowers, orange peels, elderberries, juniper berries, rose hip peels, natural and artificial flavoring, orange slices, lime pieces, pineapple chips, lemon slices, strawberry slices, rose petals, red currants, lemon pieces (lemon juice concentrate, lemon cells), orange juice pieces, raspberries, blueberries, balsamico vinegar di modena, ascorbic acid (vitamin c), citric acid

Youthberry Wild Orange Blossom tea contains some caffeine. The rest of the teas in this sampler kit are caffeine-free (decaf).

Follow steeping & brewing instructions on each tea package.

This iced tea sampler kit makes a great gift.

7. Midday MVPS Afternoon Tea Sampler

$25.00 - 6oz total (3 - 2oz packs)

Description:

Brighten your day with afternoon tea

A midday tea break is a surefire way to relax and recharge, and this tasty trio is the perfect excuse to step away from your inbox.

Youthberry® (2 oz)
Take a walk with this fruit-forward white tea blend.

Wild Orange Blossom (2 oz)
Plan your weekend with this refreshing citrus herbal blend.

Jade Citrus Mint (2 oz)
Find your second wind with this invigorating green tea blend.

Some teas in this sampler kit include caffeine (1–15 mg)

Follow steeping and brewing instructions on each individual tea package

All teas in this variety pack can be enjoyed hot or iced for an invigorating afternoon pick-me-up

This afternoon tea sampler makes a great gift

2 oz brews 20–25 cups

Teavana exclusive

8. All- Day Bae Tea Sampler

$30.00 - 6 oz tea total (3 - 2oz packets) - every 2oz makes 20-25 cups (60-65 cups total) (Blends Well)

Description:

Fill your day with deliciousness

This tempting trio includes our top picks for morning, noon and night. Because anytime is a good time for tea.

Rev Up (2 oz)
Rise, shine and boost your metabolism with this tropical black, oolong and green tea blend.

Youthberry® (2 oz)
Brighten your afternoon with this fruit-forward white tea blend.

Peach Tranquility® (2 oz)
Power down with peach, citrus, pineapple and chamomile. - $6.98 (sold separately)

Ingredients:

Apple pieces, candied pineapple pieces (pineapple, sugar, citric acid), rosehip peels, peach pieces (with rice flour), pieces, artificial flavoring, chamomile flowers, lemon verbena

Some teas in this sampler kit include caffeine

Follow steeping and brewing instructions on each individual tea package

All teas in this variety pack can be enjoyed hot or iced

This tea starter kit makes a great gift

2 oz brews 20–25 cups

Teavana exclusive

9. Dragonfruit Devotion Herbal Tea

$5.59 - 2oz (makes 15 - 20 cups)

Description:

Vibrant hibiscus balanced with sweet dragonfruit, guava and mango

The enticing flavors of this fruit-ladendelight are steeped with a delicious medley of dragonfruit, orange, mango, guava, and luscious strawberry. It's a tropical journey, soothed with the lush tropical fragrance of rose and orange flower blossoms.

Tasting Notes:

Vibrant hibiscus balanced with sweet dragonfruit, guava and mango

Caffeine free

Ingredients:

Apple pieces, candied mango pieces (mango, sugar) hibiscus flowers, lemongrass, dragonfruit pieces (dragonfruit, sugar, citric acid), rose petals, orange peels and more. See full list of ingredients.

10. Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea

$6.98 - 2oz (makes 15 - 20 cups)

Description:

Sweet peach infusion with light citrus and floral undertones

A peaceful medley of soft peach and sweetpineapple gently falls across your palate, while calming Roman chamomile and lemon verbena shower over you, creating a tranquil treat.

Tasting Notes:

Sweet peach infusion with light citrus and floral undertone

Caffeine free

Ingredients:

Apple pieces, candied pineapple pieces (pineapple, sugar, citric acid), rosehip peels, peach pieces (with rice flour), pieces, artificial flavoring, chamomile flowers, lemon verbena

11. Blackberry Mojito Green Tea

$8.98 - 2oz (makes 15 - 20 cups)

Description:

Blackberry highlights with raspberry notes and a light spearmint kick

This refreshing flavored green tea perfectly captures the Latin-inspired minty mojito cocktail by combining succulent blackberries and raspberries with a spearmint kick.

Tasting Notes:

Blackberry highlights with raspberry notes and a light spearmint kick

Caffeine Level 1: 1 - 15 mg

Ingredients:

Apple pieces, green tea, hibiscus flowers, rose hip peels, artificial flavoring, raspberry pieces, blackberries, spearmint, cactus blossoms, plum pieces (plum, rice flour), raspberries

12. Raspberry Balsamico Herbal Tea

$6.99 (sale) - 2oz (makes 15 - 20 cups)

Description:

Well-balanced myriad of berries: grapes, elderberries, juniper berry, strawberry, red currant, raspberry and blueberries with an elegant balsamic finish

Gorgeously invigorating, this herbal tea is fruit and floral amore with a splash of Italian soul. Plump and juicy raspberries, grapes, blueberries and strawberries delicately blend with juniper berries, elderberries and red currants, softened with rose petal and hibiscus flower kisses. We then finish with a culinary classic from Modena- a sweet Balsamico Vinegar, creating a cup of pure delizioso summer enjoyment.

Tasting Notes:

Well-balanced myriad of berries: grapes, elderberries, juniper berry, strawberry, red currant, raspberry and blueberries with an elegant balsamic finish

Caffeine free

Ingredients:

Apple pieces, grapes, hibiscus flowers, elderberries, juniper berries, strawberry slices, rose petals, red currants, artificial flavoring, raspberries, blueberries, Balsamico vinegar di Modena

13. Golden Monkey Strawberry Lemonade Tea

$11.30 - 2oz (makes 15 - 20 cups)

Description:

A new spin on a summer classic

Inspired by our favorites tastes of summer, this invigorating blend is the perfect way to beat the heat. Black tea, strawberries and refreshing citrus combine to create a cannonball-sized splash of iced tea flavor.

Tasting Notes:

Black tea with bright strawberry notes and a lemony twist.

Caffeine Level 4: 40+ mg

Ingredients:

Apple pieces, black tea, rose hip peels, apple slices, strawberry slices, strawberry pieces, natural and artificial flavoring, marigold petals, citric acid.

14. Berry Kiwi Colada Herbal Tea

$9.98 - 2oz (makes 15 - 20 cups)

Description:

Bold flavors of strawberry, kiwi, and prickly pear with sweet pineapple and mango

Loaded with the flavors of kiwi, prickly pear, mango, pineapple and strawberry with just a hint of creamy coconut, this tropical taste adventure creates the perfect getaway to your own personal paradise.

Tasting Notes:

Bold flavors of strawberry, kiwi, and prickly pear with sweet pineapple and mango

Caffeine free

Ingredients:

Hibiscus, hibiscus flowers, rose hips, candied pineapple pieces (pineapple, sugar, citric acid), candied mango pieces (mango, sugar, citric acid), carrot slices, tangerine pieces (tangerine, cane sugar, citric acid), coconut chips, apple slices, artificial flavoring, strawberry slices, lemon verbena.

Contains coconut

15. Strawberry Grapefruit Xue Long Green Tea

$12.98 - 2oz (makes 15 - 20 cups)

Description:

Bold, bright flavors of pink grapefruit, balanced by sweet strawberries, apples, and lemongrass

Strawberry, apple, sliced orange, and lemongrass are complemented with a squeeze of tart grapefruit flavor and then balanced with soft notes of marigold and hibiscus. Best over ice, this invigorating green tea infusion swirls sweet and tart together for a refreshing tea as unique as you.

Tasting Notes:

Bold, bright flavors of pink grapefruit, balanced by sweet strawberries, apples, and lemongrass

Caffeine Level 1: 1 - 15 mg

Ingredients:

Hibiscus, apple pieces, lemongrass, orange peel, Xue Long green tea, orange slices, apple cubes (apple, citric acid), natural and artificial flavoring,strawberry pieces, marigold petals

16. Strawberry Blush/Peach Tranquility Tea Blend

$9.98 - 2oz (makes 15 - 20 cups)

Description:

Strawberry Blush Rosé is complemented by dreamy Peach Tranquility for a fruity and floral duo.

Harmony is embodied in this sophisticated oolong tea and herbal blend. Strawberry Blush Rosé is complemented by dreamy Peach Tranquility for a fruity and floral duo, delicious in every way. A très bien relaxing treat!

Tasting Notes:

Strawberry Blush Rosé is complemented by dreamy Peach Tranquility for a fruity and floral duo.

Caffeine Level 1: 1 - 15 mg

Ingredients:

Apple pieces, candied pineapple pieces (pineapple, sugar, citric acid), grapes, rose hip peels, oolong tea, natural and artificial flavoring, fennel, hibiscus flowers, peach pieces (peach, rice flour), tangerine pieces (tangerine, cane sugar, citric acid), grape slices, grapefruit (grapefruit, glucose syrup, natural starch, sugar), anise seeds, juniper berries, liquorice root, orange juice pieces, rosebuds, star anise, peach pieces (peach, sugar), rhubarb pieces, strawberry slices, rose petals, strawberry pieces, vanilla pieces, chamomile flowers, lemon verbena

17. Precious White Peach White Tea

$14.98 - 2oz (makes 15 - 20 cups)

Description:

Fruity, softly sweet and fragrant peach with delicate floral undertones

This delicate and delightful peach medley blends white tea and soft herbs for an aromatic calmness that seeps into your night. Warm, light blossoms of chamomile, marigold petals, lemon verbena and rose hips create a blush of herbs to drift into an evening of comfy, peachy sweetness.

Tasting Notes:

Fruity, softly sweet and fragrant peach with delicate floral undertones

Caffeine Level 2: 16 - 25 mg

Ingredients:

White tea, apple pieces, candied pineapple pieces (pineapple, sugar, citric acid), rose hip peels, peach pieces (peach, rice, flour), artificial flavoring, lemon verbena, chamomile flowers, marigold petals

18. Watermelon Mint Chiller White Tea

$14.98 - 2oz (makes 15 - 20 cups)

Description:

Refreshing melon and sweet honeydew with soothing eucalyptus and peppermint

This refreshing white tea is crisp, clean and the perfect antidote to a hot day. Melon, brisk flavors of peppermint and soothing, stimulating eucalyptus mix marvelously with notes of pineapple, tangerine and berries creating a minty, juicy chiller that will keep you calm and collected no matter how high the mercury rises.

Tasting Notes:

Refreshing melon and sweet honeydew with soothing eucalyptus and peppermint

Caffeine Level 2: 16 - 25 mg

Ingredients:

White tea, cantaloupe melon pieces (melon, sugar, citric acid), candied pineapple pieces (pineapple, sugar, citric acid), candied papaya pieces (papaya, sugar, citric acid), hibiscus flowers, apple pieces, natural and artificial flavoring, lemongrass, honeydew melon pieces (sugar, honeydew, natural starch), blackberries, tangerine pieces (sugar, tangerine, natural starch), pineapple chips, eucalyptus leaves, raspberries, raspberry pieces, lime pieces

Enjoy all of these unique and summery iced teas! Delicious both hot AND cold!

Coming from a local tea connoisseur near you.

Until next time!

Source: http://www.teavana.com/us/en/tea/iced-tea