Tea soft drink

It is a ready-to-drink beverage made with tea or tea extract, usually sweetened and sometimes flavoured or carbonated. The name does not guarantee it is brewed tea served cold; recipes differ between products.

The terms can overlap: both may describe a chilled, ready-to-drink tea beverage. “Tea soft drink” often suggests a sweetened soft drink, while iced tea can also mean plain brewed tea cooled over ice.

Chill it well and pour over ice; add a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint if you want a fresher flavour. If it is carbonated, pour slowly to keep it from foaming over.

Keep an opened bottle or carton in the fridge, close it tightly and use it within the time stated on its packaging. An unopened drink can usually be kept in a cool, dry cupboard if its packaging allows.

Brew strong black or green tea, sweeten it while warm so the sugar dissolves, then cool it in the fridge. Serve over ice with lemon; add sparkling water just before serving for fizz.

Its sweet, tea-like flavour goes well with savoury snacks such as sandwiches, crisps and spiced or fried foods. Lemon tea versions also pair nicely with fruit and lightly flavoured cakes.

It can contain caffeine when it is made with black or green tea or tea extract, but some versions use decaffeinated tea or flavourings instead. The ingredients or product information are the reliable way to tell.