A measuring scoop of leaves in a filter sachet, one litre of fresh water, one hour in the refrigerator: that is all the Thé des Maharajahs asks for in its iced version. Mariage Frères has adapted it for its French Summer Tea collection, teas specially created for cold infusion, supplied with a pack of filter sachets that simplify the process.

Paying tribute to the splendour of Indian palaces, this black tea celebrates the union of Assam and Darjeeling, the two great origins of northern India: the malty roundness of the one, the finesse of the other. Its vanilla hazelnut flavour is brightened by a hint of citrus, and the house speaks of pastry notes. The composition is simply tea and flavouring; the blend may contain traces of nuts.

The jar of black glossy blown glass, 175 mm high and 85 mm in diameter, holds 160 g of tea and closes with its measuring cap. Enough to prepare up to 24 litres of iced tea, through the summer and beyond, as the house points out that these teas can also be enjoyed the rest of the year.

Preparation takes three steps. Place one measuring cap, or 10 g of tea, in a filter sachet. Fold the flaps closed. Steep in 1 to 1.5 litres of pure water, in the refrigerator, for at least one hour. Cold infusion extracts very little tannin: the liquor is amber, smooth and free of bitterness, and the vanilla hazelnut comes through with a clarity that heat does not give. A hint of citrus refreshes the finish.

Serve very cold, in a large glass, with ice cubes, alongside a summer brunch, a fruit tart, hazelnut biscuits or a picnic. Prepared in a carafe, it keeps for two days in the refrigerator. Store the jar away from light and heat, and keep the filter sachets dry.