A measuring cap of rooibos in a filter sachet, a carafe of water, one hour in the refrigerator: Rio Summer, in its red rooibos version, is one of the two iced teas that Brazil inspired at Mariage Frères, in the French Summer Tea collection. The black glass bottle, decorated with summer stripes, contains 160 g, with its measuring cap and a pack of filter sachets.

The declared composition combines red rooibos, açaí, green maté and flavourings; the house also mentions a mild mint and Brazilian fruits. The blend may contain traces of tree nuts and is listed in the catalogue under the Jardin Premier label. The green maté provides a little caffeine, which our sheet describes as low; the rooibos, for its part, contains none.

Cold-brewed, the rooibos gives a red liquor, round, low in tannins and without bitterness. The açaí berries, which the house describes as chocolatey, bring a dark, soft fruitiness; the mint refreshes; the Brazilian fruits add a sunny sweetness; the green maté, grassy and slightly bitter, holds everything together and keeps it from being sugary. A fruity, indulgent and very thirst-quenching drink.

Allow one measuring cap, that is 10 g, in a filter sachet, for 1 to 1.5 litres of pure water, in the refrigerator for at least one hour. The bottle makes up to 24 litres. Serve over ice, with a slice of lime or a few fresh mint leaves; it accompanies grills, a brunch, a fruit platter, and suits a table where tea is usually avoided.

Brewed tea keeps for two days in the refrigerator in a closed bottle. The bottle keeps best closed, away from light and strong odours, and the house intends it for summer as well as for the rest of the year.