Welcome to the Rise Yaupon blog, your go-to source for all things Yaupon Holly tea! Today, we're diving into the refreshing world of iced Yaupon Holly tea and sharing our expert tips on how to prepare a beverage that will keep you hydrated and relaxed all summer.  As passionate growers of our own Yaupon trees and committed to providing you with the highest quality ingredients, we're here to help you beat the heat and savor the natural goodness of Yaupon Holly tea in every sip.

Step-by-Step Guide to Brewing Iced Yaupon Holly Tea

1. We Started with Quality Ingredients:

We harvest each Yaupon Holly leaf by hand from trees that had no herbicides or pesticides applied.  We sanitize, dry, grind, blend and package all in house, ensuring that each glass of iced tea is bursting with pure flavor and vitality.  Are we certified organic? No, but we grow our Yaupon organically.  For the additional ingredients we add, we try to source locally, but we always buy organic products to create each flavor profile.

2. Brew the Tea Concentrate:

We’ve made it easy for you to start - we have already put your tea into teabags.  To prepare a gallon of iced tea, start with 5 teabags of your favorite Rise Yaupon blend, or mix and match blends to create your own concoction!

Use either a gallon pitcher or a metal mixing bowl and pour in some boiling water - you’re making a concentrate out of your 5 teabags.

Set it and forget it - you can’t oversteep your tea because Yaupon doesn’t have tannin.  Our team at Rise Yaupon leaves the concentrate our kitchen counter until it’s room temperature.  If you can’t wait (and really, we don’t blame you), you’ll want to steep the tea for at least 5-10 minutes.

3. Sweeten to Taste (Optional):

If desired, sweeten the tea while it's still warm by adding honey, agave nectar, or your preferred sweetener. Stir until the sweetener is fully dissolved, adjusting the amount to suit your taste preferences.  Remember, Yaupon doesn’t have bitterness, so you are sweetening to taste, rather than sweeten to overcome!

4. Dilute Your Concentrate:

Put your concentrate into a gallon pitcher and fill up the rest of the way with cold water.  You can keep your teabags in - if leaving longer than 3 days, we recommend taking them out (the tea will be fine, but the bag will start to disintegrate).

5. Chill:

Serve your tea over ice if you just can’t wait or put your gallon in the refrigerator to chill.

6. Garnish and Enjoy:

Garnish your iced Yaupon holly tea with a slice of lemon, a sprig of fresh mint, or a few berries for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal. Stir gently to mix the flavors, then sit back, relax, and enjoy your refreshing creation!

Tips for Customizing Your Iced Tea

Experiment with different sweeteners, such as maple syrup (we love Happy Hill Maple Syrup) or stevia, to find your perfect balance of sweetness.

Add a splash of fruit juice, such as orange or pineapple, for a fruity twist on traditional iced tea.

Try infusing your tea with additional flavors by steeping it with herbs, spices, or citrus peels during the brewing process.

Why Choose Rise Yaupon?

At Rise Yaupon, we're dedicated to providing you with the finest quality Yaupon Holly tea, sourced directly from our own sustainably grown trees. With Rise Yaupon, you can trust that every glass of iced tea is crafted with care and packed with the natural goodness of Yaupon holly tea.

Preparing iced Yaupon Holly tea is a breeze with our simple step-by-step guide and expert tips. Whether you're lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard barbecue, or simply seeking a refreshing pick-me-up, iced Yaupon holly tea is the perfect beverage to keep you cool and hydrated all summer long. So grab your favorite glass, fill it with ice, and pour yourself a taste of pure refreshment with Rise Yaupon tea. 

Cheers to chilling out in style with the natural goodness of American-grown Yaupon Holly tea!

Rise!