How to Make Iced Tea

How to Make Iced Tea. Summer's perfect drink has been a favorite for generations. For best results, use whole-leaf loose tea and good water. This recipe makes about two quarts.

Things You'll Need

• 2 heaping tbsp. orange pekoe or black whole-leaf tea
• 8 c. high-quality water
• 1 c. sugar
• lemon slices or mint sprigs for garnish (optional)
• Groceries
• Cooking Pots
• Drinking Glasses
• Pitchers
• Strainers

Instructions

1. Place the sugar and half the water in a 2-quart serving jug and stir to dissolve the sugar, then chill.

2. Bring the remaining water to boil in a nonreactive pot.

3. Remove the water from the heat as soon as it boils and add the tea.

4. Cover and steep for 5 to 8 minutes.

5. Strain the hot tea into the sugared water.

6. Add lemon slices or mint sprigs if desired, or place them in serving glasses as a garnish.

7. Fill serving glasses with ice and pour the tea in them to serve.

Tips & Warnings

• Pouring the hot tea into the cold water helps keep the tea clear.

• Any pot will work for making this recipe as long as it isn't cast iron or aluminum, which will react unfavorably with the tea.