In France, the tradition of enjoying tea goes beyond a simple beverage. It's a cultural experience rooted in the French's daily lives. Cafés and salons de thé bustle with conversations, people-watching, and relaxation.

With the arrival of summer, iced tea has become a favorite, offering a respite from the heat.

The variety of iced tea in France is a testament to the country's rich cultural diversity. Paris, in particular, stands out as a melting pot. Various cultures have introduced their unique flavors and traditions, from the minty freshness of Moroccan tea to the tangy zest of British lemon tea.

In this post, we will explore 10 popular French iced teas and how you can recreate them at home.

1. Iced Mint Tea (Thé Glacé à la Menthe)

Mint tea (or thé à la menthe) is a refreshing drink. It showcases the influence of North African culture in France. This tea is rooted in the traditions of Algeria,Tunisia, and Morocco.

Traditional thé à la menthe is served in ornate teaware. It is served piping hot and very sweet. 

One of my favorite places in Paris to drink it is at the Salon de Thé de la Mosquée de Paris. There, you can enjoy a cup of mint tea with traditional North African pastries in the beautiful and shaded courtyard.

How do I make my own thé glacé?

Although this tea is usually served hot, you can enjoy the tradition of mint tea at home with an iced version. 

Clair Thé’s Moroccan Mint Green Tea combines the invigorating taste of fresh mint with the subtlety of green tea. A blend of gunpowder green tea and spearmint, this cooling and rejuvenating drink is a great way to beat the summer heat.

2. Lemon Iced Tea (Thé Glacé au Citron)

Lemon iced tea, or thé glacé au citron, is a classic and tangy favorite. It reflects the British influence on French tea culture. The fresh citrus notes of lemon perfectly balance out the rich, tannic taste of black tea. It is a staple during the hot summer months.

Lemon iced tea is popular among all ages in France. Young people love to grab a bottle of it on the way home for the goûter. It can also be found in the quaint cafés of Paris, where people sip on it while people-watching. Its bright and tangy flavor makes it an ideal refreshment on a hot day. 

How do I make my own thé glacé?

To make your own thé glacé au citron at home, we recommend a full-bodied tea like Clair Thé’s Assam Chota Tingrai. Fresh lemon helps bring out the tea’s bright and malty tasting notes. Sweet or unsweet, it’s ideal for serving at picnics.

3. Jasmine Iced Tea (Thé Glacé au Jasmin)

Jasmine has been prized for centuries for its floral intoxicating aromas and used to elaborate sophisticated perfumes and scented teas. Green tea is layered with fresh jasmine flowers picked at night until the tea absorbs the scent. It is very quintessential to the Vietnamese culture that is so intertwined with France.

The refreshing green tea and the summery jasmine notes transport you to faraway destinations. My favorite place to drink jasmine tea in Paris is Trà-art, a Vietnamese Salon de Thé that sources high end single-garden teas directly from Vietnam.

How do I make my own thé glacé?

You can easily create your own Jasmine Iced Tea at home by infusing Clair Thé’s Emperor’s Jasmine Green Tea. And then sit back and unwind with the refreshing and calming notes of this delicate tea.

4. Hibiscus Iced Tea (Thé Glacé à l’Hibiscus)

Hibiscus iced tea is a vibrant and tangy beverage. It is known for its striking red color and refreshing tartness. In France, it is known as jus de bissap (or hibiscus juice) due to its origins in West African cuisine. Whether it is juice or tea, the process involves steeping dried hibiscus flowers. It showcases the Senegalese and broader West African influence on French tea culture. This iced tea has gained popularity across France, even making its way into cocktails, especially in recent years. 

I like to get my fix of bissap iced tea at the BMK Paris-Bakamo restaurant in Paris. There, people gather over cold hibiscus iced tea and traditional Senegalese dishes.

How do I make my own thé glacé?

To try this out yourself, brew some of Clair Thé’s Rosehip Hibiscus tisane. It combines the bold flavor of hibiscus with the subtle sweetness of rosehips. Rosehip hibiscus tea offers a refreshing, healthful drink that is eye-catching and delicious.

5. Sencha Iced Tea (Thé Glacé au Sencha)

Sencha iced tea, or thé glacé au sencha, is a refreshing drink with a caffeinated boost. This green tea is known for its vegetal, soothing flavor, making it a perfect choice for a hot summer day. Japanese tea has become very popular in Paris, especially in the Palais Royal area.

When I’m in the area, I stop at Tomo Café, where sencha is brewed to perfection. The result is a light and invigorating beverage that offers a moment of calm and refreshment. In France, the appreciation for sencha extends beyond its taste. It represents a cultural connection to Japan, renowned for its tea ceremonies. This connection is celebrated in places like Tomo Café, where the elegance and simplicity of Japanese tea culture are embraced

How do I make my own thé glacé?

At home, I make sencha iced tea with Clair Thé’s Sencha Nagashima. I especially recommend cold brewing it to draw out its creamy and sweet vegetal notes.

6. Chai Iced Tea (Thé Chai Glacé)

Chai iced tea, or thé chai glacé, is a flavorful and aromatic beverage. It reflects the influence of Indian culture on French tea traditions. This spicy and invigorating drink offers bold and exotic flavors. Chai is brewed with a blend of black tea and traditional Indian spices, such as cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. When served iced, it transforms into a refreshing drink that is both comforting and cooling.

A popular spot to enjoy traditional chai in Paris is Passage Brady. This area is known for its vibrant Indian community, supermarkets, and cuisine. 

How do I make my own thé glacé?

You can create your own tradition by brewing a glass of Clair Thé’s Golden Turmeric Chai at home. Brew a strong pot of tea, let it cool and pour it over ice. It’s especially delicious served sweetened and with some frothed milk. Try adding some ground cinnamon for a beautiful glass of iced tea!

7. Iced Oolong Bubble Tea (Bubble Tea Oolong Glacé)

Bubble tea, particularly iced oolong, is a popular, delicious beverage. The Taiwanese influence of bubble tea has global success, including in French tea culture. Bubble tea is known for its combination of tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls. It has become extremely popular among the younger generation in France.

A popular place to enjoy this innovative drink is Laizé in Paris. They craft their bubble tea using high-quality Taiwanese oolong tea. In France, bubble tea has become a popular social beverage. People often enjoy it with friends in trendy tea shops or take it to-go while exploring the city.

How do I make my own thé glacé?

Clair Thé’s Dong Ding Oolong can also be used to make bubble tea at home. Its aromatic base perfectly complements the sweet and chewy tapioca pearls. The result is a refreshing drink that offers a unique texture and flavor experience. You can also brew this oolong as a simple iced tea and enjoy it pure.

8. Peach Iced Tea (Thé Glacé à la Pêche)

Peach iced tea, or thé glacé à la pêche, is a sweet and fruity beverage. Sipping on this tea brings to mind France’s abundant produce markets. There, you can find the ripe and seasonal fruits France is famous for in the summer.  

The best time to enjoy peach iced tea is during the warm summer months. Fresh, local peaches are at their peak during this time, and their sweet and fruity flavor captures the joy of French summer.

My favorite salon de thé in Paris to enjoy fruit tarts (I recently enjoyed a peach rosemary tart) and sip tea is Le Loir Dans la Théière. It has been my refuge from the hustle and bustle of such a big city as Paris since I was a university student (a long time ago!).

How do I make my own thé glacé?

You can recreate the experience at home with a sip of Clair Thé’s Southern Peach tea.  This delicate tea combines high-quality green tea with the juicy flavor of ripe peaches. It is a refreshing way to experience summer’s abundance.

9. Lavender and Rose Iced Tea (Thé Glacé à la Lavande et à la Rose)

Tisanes including lavender and rose petals, create delicate and aromatic iced herbal teas that are as soothing as refreshing. They reflect the refined taste of French tea culture. Lavender and rose iced tea is a floral symphony of flavors and a sophisticated choice for tea enthusiasts.

Lavender and rose are particularly popular in the Provence region of France that is known for its fragrant lavender fields and lush rose gardens. This iced tea offers an aromatic escape.

One of the quaintest Salons de Thé in Paris is at the Musée de la Vie Romantique. You can sip your tea in a quiet and serene garden with a profusion of roses, lavender and even a grapevine climbing on an old cottage.

How do I make my own thé glacé?

To recreate the atmosphere of this bucolic place, brew a teapot of Clair Thé’s Monastery Garden Tisane and pour it over ice. Decorate with a sprig of lavender for a special touch.

10. Orange Blossom Iced Tea (Thé Glacé à la Fleur d’Oranger)

Orange blossom iced tea, or thé glacé à la fleur d’oranger, is a fragrant and intoxicating beverage. Orange blossom is a favorite in France, and can be found in beverages, pastries, and perfumes. It is a subtle and floral flavor that can be paired with many types of teas. Orange blossom iced tea is a favorite in chic French cafés and tea salons.

I like to sip on orange blossom iced tea at the Mademoiselle Angelina Salon de Thé near the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris. Its elegant flavor makes it perfect for enjoying in a garden.

How do I make my own thé glacé?

Clair The’s Orange Blossom Oolong makes for a wonderful iced tea. This tea is made using high-quality oolong tea, which offers a smooth, slightly sweet flavor. The infusion of orange blossoms adds a delicate floral aroma and a hint of citrus.

Summary

The world of French iced teas is as diverse and vibrant as the country's culture. These 10 popular French iced teas showcase the global inspirations that France has embraced.

They are more than just a way to cool down on a hot day. These iced teas are a journey through the diverse and dynamic world of French culture.

Let us know if you enjoy any of these iced teas at home by tagging us on Instagram at @clairthe.atl.