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.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

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
• Strainers

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.

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[kusta400]

on 5/11/2008 It was way, way to sweet. I would recommend about 1/2 cup of sugar instead.

[kusta400]

on 5/11/2008 It was way, way to sweet. I would recommend about 1/2 cup of sugar instead.

[retirednana]

on 7/22/2007 I liked it. It is really one of the better iced teas I have made.

[lisalle]

on 12/29/2006 for better taste you can used this recipe from teacuppa, they have a lot of different blend of iced tea
http://www.teacuppa.com/tealibrary.asp?id=11

on 8/14/2006 You can also use a tea bag, which eliminates the straining of the tea. I prefer Luzianne, but Lipton or another brand works as well.