Back in May, we invited some of our readers to taste test a new range of ice teas by Stolen Recipe.

Unlike most ice teas which use tea extract, each bottle of Stolen Recipe contains real brewed tea, herbs and fruit juices. Best of all, there is no added sugar, no preservatives and no artificial colours or flavours.

But don’t take it from us, here’s what our taste testers had to say!

Fiona Moore, ACT

My partner tried the Berry and Pomegranate one the other night, after taking a sip of the Lemon and Lime and not liking it because of the peppermint in it, confused his taste bud a little too much! The Berry and Pomegranate was fine, but nothing too exciting.

I however was intrigued by the combination of lemon and lime with the peppermint tea – peppermint tea being my go-to drink of choice this winter, soothing, warm and caffeine free. So you’ll see me rugged up in my Canberra winter gear, trying it for the camera. I’m happy with the combination, definitely more interesting than the Berry and Pomegranate.

The Mango and Passionfruit will go well with the duty free alcohol we got when we flew into Sydney…. Malibu all the way! (It tastes nice on it’s own too, nice and tropical, not at all like ‘tea’. Good summer drink I think!)

Camille Dagher, NSW

The Chamomile had a very strong chamomile smell but the flavour is more subtle. The passionfruit leaves a soft taste in your mouth. I love chamomile so this tea was refreshing and relaxing.

Peppermint was my favourite as it tasted like real traditional ice tea. The lemon and lime notes are evident through not over powering and an added bonus is the peppermint factor – a nice tummy soother.

The Berry & Ginseng was my least favourite. It was still very tasty however I mainly tasted the berry flavour rather than the pomegranate. It had a rather strong smell that was a little off putting as I put the glass to my lips. I was not aware of any ‘energy burst’ from the ginseng either. Not that it specifically promises that, however you generally expect that bonus when you purchase a product with ginseng in it.

Overall I would definitely purchase the Chamomile and Peppermint varieties if I saw them in a café. Compared to other “iced teas” on the market – these are the real deal.

Creative suggestion: use these to distract your Nana in order to win scrabble. They are so authentic she will be whisked back to her childhood long enough for you to move her words around! ;-)

Ivan Law, NSW

Upon receiving my eagerly awaited trial pack, the first thing that hit me was the unique appearance of the Stolen Recipe Teas. Immediately I put them in the fridge to give them a proper chill before I tested them. A decent Ice Tea can’t be served at room temperature right?

Iced tea had always been a favourite beverage of mine, but there was always one thing that bothered me with other existing products available at the supermarket or corner store. They were all far too sweet and taste too processed, giving them an initial good taste but often left an undesirable after taste that did nothing to quench my thirst.

Time to try the Stolen Recipe Ice Teas.

Wow. Finally a taste of real brewed tea, and what a delight. The Stolen Recipe teas have such delicate flavours, each ingredient being instantly distinguishable from the rest, combining in harmony to become a delicious beverage. In particular, Felicity’s Stolen Recipe of Lemon and Lime had a distinctive and fragrant flavour of peppermint and lemon which really hit the spot and quenched my thirst after my game of tennis.

Deidre’s Berry and Pomegranate had a revitalising blend of green tea with a hint of
pomegranate, providing an interesting mix of flavours that complemented one another perfectly.

Finally, Blake’s Mango and Passionfruit provided a real smooth vibrant flavour that is great for all occasions.

Each of the teas have an authentic brewed taste to them, without relying on flavouring or sugars as do most other teas, and provide a real delight to the taste buds. To me, I love all of the flavours and I can’t wait till more recipes have been “stolen.”

Kate Sliwa, NSW

Ahhh…ice tea…perfect on a hot summers day!

My favourite by far was the Quench Blend – Lemon and Lime. This one would be perfect with a little vodka to make a Stolen Recipe “Caprioska”.

Second would be the Relax blend – Mango and Passionfruit. The combination of undertones of the mango and passionfruit make this one a relaxing drink over some ice and relaxing in the garden with the Sunday paper!

The Energy Blend – Berry and Pomegranate with the subtleness of the green tea was a fantastic energy booster after work and before a vigorous gym class.

And the winner is… Felicity’s Quench Blend!

The verdict is in and our taste testers all seemed to favour Felicity’s Quench Blend.

To sample Stolen Recipe for yourself, you can find it at selected cafes and gourmet grocers for RRP $3.50. Hop onto www.stolenrecipe.com.au for more information.