Native Tea Ice Cubes

kawakawa ice cubes in a cup
Turn your favourite New Zealand native tea into refreshing ice cubes that add flavour as they melt.

Why Make Native Tea Ice Cubes?

There's nothing worse than a cold drink becoming diluted as the ice melts. Native tea ice cubes solve that problem by adding more flavour instead of watering your drink down.

They're also an easy way to enjoy New Zealand native botanicals in a different way.

Use them in:

  • Iced tea
  • Sparkling water
  • Lemonade
  • Herbal mocktails
  • Iced lattes
  • Summer cocktails
  • Smoothies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (250ml) water
  • 1 Native Tree Farm tea bag, or 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea
  • For extra flavour use 2 tea bags, or 2 teaspoons of lose leaf tea

Suitable teas include:

  • Kawakawa Tea
  • Kūmarahou Tea
  • Mānuka Calm Tea

How To Make Native Tea Ice Cubes

Step 1

Prepare your tea as normal.

Pour hot - boliled water over your tea and steep for:

  • Kawakawa Tea: 3 minutes
  • Kūmarahou Tea: 2 minutes
  • Mānuka Calm Tea: 3 minutes

For a stronger flavour, steep slightly longer.

Step 2

Remove the tea bag or strain the leaves and allow the tea to cool.

Step 3

Pour the cooled tea into an ice cube tray.

Step 4

Place in the freezer for 4–5 hours or until completely frozen.

Step 5

Transfer the cubes to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.

Ways To Use Native Tea Ice Cubes

Kawakawa Ice Cubes

Add to your favourite drink, works well with many flavours.

Kūmarahou Ice Cubes

These ice cubes go well with a sweeter beverage. Kūmarahou has a bitter flavour. 

Mānuka Ice Cubes

A milder flavour, works well with Coconut water or sparkling water.

Native tea ice cubes are great blended into healthy smoothie mixes.

Mixed Native Botanical Ice Cubes

Freeze different teas in separate trays and combine them in a jug for a unique New Zealand-inspired drink.

Tip: For a decorative touch, place a small kawakawa leaf at the top of you cup.