Most folks would agree that ice tea is The drink of Summer. With some simple prepping, gourmet ice tea can be done in a jiffy. However, it doesn't get any easier than a cold infusion with your favorite loose leaf! No kettle to boil, no sunny spot required for large jars, barely any effort. Just water and tea, infuser basket optional.

Although providing an incredibly refreshing beverage, cold infusion isn't necessarily the same cup you may be used to when brewing with hot water. The resulting liquor tends to be a bit lighter, as the tea is extracted more slowly. Some find a cold infusion less acidic with many more of the subtle flavors coming out, which lends to more excitement in the experience.

Cold method brewing techniques vary quite a bit and are fairly flexible. This is where you get to really hone in on what thrills your own taste buds. You can brew it by the pitcher or by the glass. Brew for a few minutes, a couple hours, or over night in the fridge. Leave the tea leaves in the brew or try an infuser basket to be able to remove the leaves at will. Here are a few ideas to experiment with in your cold brewing adventure.

• Time to play: try the tea infusion at 15 minutes in, then an hour later, then at a couple hours. Put in the fridge and see what it's like the next day.
• Cup by cup: simply use cold filtered water in a tall tumbler with some ice; add tea leaves and stir.
• Fresh additions: add some freshly cut herbs or fruit to the tea for additional flavor layers.
• Filter or no filter: A delicate, premium loose leaf can simply remain in the water without getting bitter, allowing it to fully open and infuse. Some hardier leaves may be a bit strong for that, so using a filtering system is more appropriate. Bag your own, basket it, press it, or strain it.

Most importantly, have fun with it! Just think, there are no rules; go crazy and enjoy! Let us know which teas are your favorites to cold infuse.

[This is an archived post and some of the information below may no longer reflect Discover Teas' current situation.] While Discover Teas is still in business, we no longer have either of our brick and mortar locations. However, we have continued to host virtual Wu Wo tea ceremonies. Please sign up for our newsletter to be informed of the next one!

Standing outside the roped off rectangular area, we were onlookers to a most amazing spectacle...soon to become participants. First time ever at the 10th Anniversary World Tea Expo, the Wu Wo Tea Ceremony commenced. Brewing, steeping, pouring, serving followed. I had read up on this type of ceremony and what takes place, but I was not prepared for the wave of emotion that ensued. The sheer impact of SHARING was palpable, and the wave hit me like diving into the ocean of human consciousness and peace. Tears formed and were not kept from flowing. My heart expanded in that moment to a new understanding of tea and its power in raw form.

Not just its power to heal physically, but tea's power to heal communally. A bringing together of all diversities, with no words needed, just simple sharing of one's brew with others in close proximity. Truly amazing. I couldn't peel my eyes, nor my heart, away from witnessing.

In this Wu Wo Ceremony, volunteers sat lined around the rectangle. They had brought with them their own teapot, teacups, tray and any other tea brewing accoutrement they wish to set their personal tea brewing space. There were ones serving from fine China, some using modern tea wares, and those preparing in traditional Asian ceremonial style. It really ranged the spectrum of cultures and techniques.

The first steep was shared with three other participants to their left. The second steep was shared with three spectators. This is the point where lines blured and brewers and spectators all became participants, no separation. A third steep and a forth steep was prepared to share as well. All this was done in silence. No chit chat, no elaborate explanation to impress with tea knowledge, no competition, no experience necessary. Just the love of tea, a personal relationship with their own tea ceremonial preparation, the desire to share that love with others, and the openess to receive in kind.

It was so moving to be part of this event, it still brings me to tears as I write this, reminising the pure joy and beauty of human sharing through tea. At the end of it all, we had made connections and friends, without ever speaking a word. I knew right away this was something I had to bring home to DiscoverTeas to continue the sharing, to honor the movement that was created in that moment. Watch our calendar for an upcoming Wu Wo Ceremony!