Tea-rrific Travels: Refreshing Iced Teas from Around the World

Iced tea is a beloved beverage around the globe, offering a refreshing escape from the heat and a delightful burst of flavor. While many are familiar with the classic sweet teas of the Southern U.S. and the varied iced teas of Asia, there are countless other variations to discover. From the streets of Mexico to the markets of Japan, each region brings its distinctive twist to this chilled drink. 

Join us as we dive into the world of iced teas and explore the diverse and delicious ways different cultures enjoy this refreshing beverage. Grab yourself a nice tall glass and join us as we toast to the delightful world of iced teas around the globe. 

Agua de Jamaica — Mexico

Agua de Jamaica is a vibrant and refreshing drink made from dried roselle hibiscus, water, sugar, and ice. This popular Mexican beverage is known for its tangy, slightly tart flavor and deep red color. Often enjoyed with fresh lime wedges or mint leaves, Agua de Jamaica is a staple at street stands, markets, and restaurants throughout the country. 

You may be wondering how a drink that originated from Jamaica became popular in Mexico. The hibiscus plant, native to Africa, was introduced to Jamaica during the colonial period. Through trade routes and cultural exchanges between the Caribbean and Latin America, the hibiscus plant made its way to Mexico. Over time, Mexicans incorporated the hibiscus into their own culinary traditions, creating the beloved Agua de Jamaica. 

Next time you’re in Mexico, head to almost any beach to try it. You’ll find it alongside classic horchata and other types of agua frescas on boardwalks, street stands, and specialty stores. Not only is this Jamaican-inspired drink cooling on hot days, but the hibiscus is also rich in heart-healthy antioxidants. 

Tereré — Paraguay

When you’re visiting Paraguay, take the opportunity to discover the refreshing taste of tereré. Made with the yerba mate plant, tereré is a cold drink that’s best enjoyed on a hot day. While it is traditionally consumed from a guampa — a special drinking vessel often made from cattle horn — you can also find it served in various other containers. Some recipes for tereré call for added juices or herbs to enhance the sweet taste profile and to boost health benefits. 

Tereré is so ingrained in the culture of Paraguay that the country celebrates National Tereré Day every February 26. The drink is also inscribed on the UNESCO list of practices that provide Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. For a traditional experience, visit Mercado 4 in Asunción, a bustling marketplace where you’ll find numerous vendors selling yerba mate and accessories. Or, visit Casa del Tereré in Encarnación, a shop dedicated to this traditional beverage. c 

Sago’t Gulaman — The Philippines

It’s hard to go anywhere in the Philippines without seeing sago’t gulaman on the menu. The iconic Filipino iced tea is made with a sugar syrup mixed with sago balls and cubes of gulaman to combine into a sweet and thick drink. You’ll find sago’t gulaman everywhere from fancy restaurants to roadside street markets. The drink pairs especially well with the savory meat options that the Philippines is known for serving. The milky drink varies in color from pink to brown depending on the specific ingredients used. Meanwhile, the sago balls and gulaman cubes deliver an almost chewy texture. You’ll find yourself ordering another round once you indulge in this delicious drink. 

If you’re in Manila, a great place to try out some sago’t gulaman is Aristocrat, which serves traditional Filipino dishes and drinks. For a more casual experience, visit street vendors in areas like Quiapo or Divisoria, where sago’t gulaman is commonly sold. Additionally, many local eateries and carinderias across the country serve sago’t gulaman, making it easy to find wherever you go. 

Mugicha — Japan

The Japanese mugicha drink is a tea made with roasted barley grains that give off a toasty flavor. Many people compare the taste to that of coffee, but mugicha has no caffeine. While you can enjoy mugicha hot or cold, most places in Japan serve it cold during the hot summer months. The drink is also most typically made without sweeteners, although some people choose to sweeten their mugicha with the use of sugar or flavored syrups. The ability to customize this drink is one of the reasons why it’s so popular with both locals and tourists. 

What’s more, mugicha may have health benefits as well, potentially lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, improving cholesterol levels, reducing blood sugar, and boosting the number of good bacteria in the gut. 

In Tokyo, visit grocery stores like Don Quijote or Ito Yokado, where mugicha is readily available. In Kyoto, check out Nishiki Market, where you can find vendors selling mugicha along with other traditional foods. Additionally, convenience stores across Japan stock bottled mugicha. 

Karkade — Egypt

The ancient Egyptian Pharaohs introduced karkade to the world, and the delicious drink, made with hibiscus petals, has stood the test of time. Many people liken the taste to a sweet cranberry juice. You’ll find karkade at restaurants, coffee stands, and from vendors hawking the cool drink in the streets of Egypt. 

Like many other teas in this corner of the world, karkade is known for its medicinal properties. The substantial amount of vitamin C in karkade is said to improve the immune system, provide diuretic benefits, and help to maintain healthy blood pressure levels. 

While karkade is most generally enjoyed cold, some people prefer to drink it warm. In Cairo, visit traditional cafes like El Fishawy in Khan El Khalili, where you can enjoy karkade in a historic setting. In Luxor, head to local markets like Luxor Souk, where street vendors sell it. 

Bubble Tea — Taiwan

Also called boba tea, Taiwanese bubble tea has already taken the world by storm. The distinctive milky tea includes chewy balls of tapioca at the bottom of the glass, all of which creates a flavor and textural explosion. Although the first bubble teas were made with iced milk tea, you can now find this beverage made with a variety of mixers and bases. Oh, and you’ll need an extra wide straw to be able to draw up the boba balls that sit at the bottom of the cup. 

While boba tea got its start in Taiwan, it has spread all over the world and you can find this beverage nearly anywhere these days. But if you truly love boba tea, you owe it to yourself to travel to Taiwan and experience this beverage in its traditional home. 

Start in Taipei’s Ximending district, where you’ll find numerous bubble tea shops such as Chun Shui Tang, which is credited with inventing bubble tea. For a diverse range of flavors and toppings, visit Ten Ren Tea, a popular chain across Taiwan. In Taichung, explore Fengjia Night Market for stalls specializing in distinctive bubble tea creations. For a taste of traditional and innovative boba tea, also try places like Come Buy and Tiger Sugar, known for their brown sugar bubble teas. 

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Red Rooibos Iced Tea — South Africa

One of the most popular herbal teas in the world comes from a plant that’s only grown in South Africa. Rooibos iced teas are praised for their high antioxidant benefits and lack of caffeine. The earthy taste makes it complementary to a number of spices and fruits. The full-bodied beverage is also rich in tannins, making it a great nighttime beverage that promotes healthy sleep patterns. Additionally, red rooibos is also known for its ability to help digestion. 

While you’re in South Africa, visit supermarkets like Pick n Pay, Checkers, or Woolworths, where you’ll find a wide selection of red rooibos tea bags and loose leaf options. For a more specialized experience, visit tea shops such as Cape Tea Co. in Cape Town, known for their extensive range of rooibos teas. Additionally, many cafes and restaurants across the country serve red rooibos tea, often with a choice of milk or as an iced tea option during the warmer months. 

FAQs:

Q: Can I make Agua de Jamaica at home?
A: Yes, you can. Steep dried hibiscus flowers in boiling water for about 10 minutes, strain, then sweeten with sugar to taste. Chill and serve over ice, garnished with lime wedges or mint. 

Q: Where can I find Sago’t Gulaman outside the Philippines?
A: Sago’t gulaman can often be found in Filipino restaurants, Asian grocery stores, or specialty shops that focus on Southeast Asian cuisine. Alternatively, you can make it at home with sago pearls, gulaman (agar), and a sweet syrup. 

Q: How do I prepare mugicha?
A: To prepare mugicha, roast barley grains until golden brown, then steep them in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and chill the tea, sweeten if desired, and serve cold or at room temperature. 

Q: Is karkade only served cold?
A: No, karkade can be enjoyed both cold and warm. While it’s typically served cold in Egypt, especially in summer, some people prefer to drink it warm during cooler months or to soothe sore throats. 

Q: Can I customize bubble tea at home?
A: Yes, you can customize bubble tea at home by using different types of tea bases (black, green, or herbal), milk (dairy or plant-based), sweeteners, and various flavors. Add tapioca pearls and adjust the sweetness to your liking. 

Did we leave your favorite iced tea off our list? Tell us in the comments section below!