Saffron & Rose Water Iced Tea
Refresh with a sugar-free saffron and rose water iced tea. Tips for blooming saffron, sweetener swaps, storage, and a cold-brew option.
This sugar-free iced tea is deliciously refreshing, and delightfully complex in flavor. The addition of rose water is a nice touch, as it adds a subtle sweetness without any sugar.
Submitted by: Geoff Marshall from Chicago, IL
Yield: 8 cups of iced tea
- Bloom saffron in a few tablespoons of hot water to release color and aroma before adding to the iced tea.
- Use just a small amount of rose water. It is potent so start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to taste.
- You can make this ahead and keep it chilled 2 to 4 days. Use hot liquids to dissolve sugar or a syrup if you want it sweet.
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Preparation Instructions:
Bring 3 cups of water to a boil. (Reserve 2 cups of cool water.)
In a small dish, steep saffron threads in 2-3 tablespoons of hot water.
Use the remaining hot water to steep the tea bags for 3 minutes.
Remove tea bags, add ice cubes and cool water. Add saffron infused water and rose water.
Serve over ice and enjoy.
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More About This Recipe
If you are adding sugar to this recipe, add it to the hot tea. Sugar dissolves best in warm liquids. Ten you can chill it with ice and cool water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this iced tea ahead of time and store it?
Yes. Cool the tea, cover, and refrigerate. It keeps best 2 to 4 days. If you leave saffron threads in the container the flavor and color may deepen over time. Taste before serving and remove threads if the flavor becomes too strong.
How do I bloom saffron and how much should I use?
Crush the threads lightly, then steep them in 2 to 3 tablespoons of hot water for a few minutes to release color and aroma. For this recipe 1/4 teaspoon of threads is a good amount. Avoid adding a lot more because saffron can become overpowering or bitter.
Can I make a caffeine free version?
Yes. Substitute decaffeinated black tea bags or use rooibos for a naturally caffeine free result. Brewing times are similar but check taste and adjust steep time if needed.
How should I sweeten the tea if I want sugar or alternatives?
Dissolve sugar or honey into the hot tea before adding ice so it blends evenly. For cold-safe options, use simple syrup, agave, or a liquid sweetener. If you prefer zero calorie sweeteners, use powdered stevia or monk fruit according to package directions.
Is rose water safe to drink and how much should I add?
Use food-grade rose water made for culinary use. It is strong, so start with 1/2 teaspoon for this batch and add a little more only if you want a stronger floral note.
How do I avoid a bitter or astringent iced tea?
Do not over-steep the black tea bags. About 3 minutes is ideal for this recipe. Remove the bags promptly, and avoid using boiling water for long contact with the tea leaves. Also do not overuse saffron or rose water.
Can I make a cold brew version of this tea?
Yes. Combine the tea bags and saffron with cold water in the refrigerator and steep 6 to 12 hours. Strain, add 1/2 teaspoon rose water to taste, then serve over ice. Cold brewing produces a smoother, less bitter cup.
Can I make this iced tea ahead of time and store it?
Yes. Cool the tea, cover, and refrigerate. It keeps best 2 to 4 days. If you leave saffron threads in the container the flavor and color may deepen over time. Taste before serving and remove threads if the flavor becomes too strong.
How do I bloom saffron and how much should I use?
Crush the threads lightly, then steep them in 2 to 3 tablespoons of hot water for a few minutes to release color and aroma. For this recipe 1/4 teaspoon of threads is a good amount. Avoid adding a lot more because saffron can become overpowering or bitter.
Can I make a caffeine free version?
Yes. Substitute decaffeinated black tea bags or use rooibos for a naturally caffeine free result. Brewing times are similar but check taste and adjust steep time if needed.
How should I sweeten the tea if I want sugar or alternatives?
Dissolve sugar or honey into the hot tea before adding ice so it blends evenly. For cold-safe options, use simple syrup, agave, or a liquid sweetener. If you prefer zero calorie sweeteners, use powdered stevia or monk fruit according to package directions.
Is rose water safe to drink and how much should I add?
Use food-grade rose water made for culinary use. It is strong, so start with 1/2 teaspoon for this batch and add a little more only if you want a stronger floral note.
How do I avoid a bitter or astringent iced tea?
Do not over-steep the black tea bags. About 3 minutes is ideal for this recipe. Remove the bags promptly, and avoid using boiling water for long contact with the tea leaves. Also do not overuse saffron or rose water.
Can I make a cold brew version of this tea?
Yes. Combine the tea bags and saffron with cold water in the refrigerator and steep 6 to 12 hours. Strain, add 1/2 teaspoon rose water to taste, then serve over ice. Cold brewing produces a smoother, less bitter cup.
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