How to Make the Best Iced Tea

Make a batch of iced tea for summer sipping.

Keep a pitcher of iced tea in the refrigerator for cool refreshment on a moment's notice. Sweet or not, with added lemon or not, you can make it just the way you like it. Mix it up by using a flavored tea rather than a plain version. Start with filtered water for a better, clearer taste. This recipe results in 1 1/2 gallons of tea.

Things You'll Need

• 4 iced tea bags or your favorite flavored tea
• Microwaveable glass container
• Filtered water
• Sugar, optional

Instructions

1. Boil 1 gallon of filtered water on the stove or in a microwave-safe glass bowl. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil.

2. Remove the water from the heat and steep 4 tea bags for 5 to 10 minutes. The longer you leave the tea bags in the liquid, the better the flavor will be.

3. Pour 2 quarts of cold filtered water into a large pitcher. Remove the tea bags from and dump the tea into the cold water. Stir vigorously.

4. Make sweet tea by pouring 1/2 to 1 cup sugar into the tea and stirring thoroughly.

5. Place the tea in the refrigerator to cool at least 1 hour before consuming.