My Favorite Summer Tea Hack: Iced Kukicha

When summer arrives, my tea habits naturally change.

I still reach for Japanese green tea every day, but instead of warming my hands around a steaming cup, I'm usually filling a glass with ice.

One tea that truly shines this time of year is kukicha.

Made primarily from the stems of the Camellia sinensis tea plant, kukicha has a naturally mellow character with gentle sweetness, light umami, and subtle nutty notes. It's incredibly refreshing served cold.

One of the questions I hear most often is:

"Why does my iced tea taste weak?"

The answer is usually simple.

Ice melts.

And as it melts, it dilutes the tea.

My favorite solution couldn't be easier.

My Summer Tea Trick

If you're planning to pour your tea directly over ice, simply add one extra spoonful of kukicha to your teapot before brewing.

That slightly stronger infusion will naturally balance out as the ice melts, leaving you with a beautifully flavored glass from beginning to end.

No complicated measurements.

No special equipment.

Just one thoughtful adjustment.

One of the things I appreciate most about Japanese tea is that the smallest details often make the biggest difference.

Whether it's choosing the right water temperature, pouring evenly between cups, or adding an extra spoonful for iced tea, these tiny habits quietly elevate the entire experience.

Sometimes beautiful tea really is that simple.

So here's to slow summer afternoons, glasses full of iced kukicha, and finding little ways to make everyday rituals even better.

Happy sipping. 🍃🧊

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