How to Make Ice Tea With an Ice Tea Maker

Use a brewer to make a quick pitcher of ice tea.

If you have an ice tea maker, it's so easy to make this heavenly drink that you have no excuse for not enjoying it all year long. If you have an ice tea maker or you're in the market for one, then you probably already know that with some water, a few tea bags and some ice, you can have fresh-brewed ice tea in as little as 15 minutes. But first, you have to know how to do it.

Things You'll Need

• 10 to 20 black tea bags
• Sugar
• Lemon juice
• Water
• Ice
• Large wooden spoon

Instructions

1. Find a spot on the kitchen counter to place the ice tea maker. Plug in the machine and fill the pitcher with water to the first line, which should say "Water." Open the plastic door on the top of the brewer and pour in the water. Fill the pitcher with ice, up to the line marked "Ice."

2. Line up the pitcher so that the opening is directly underneath the spout for the tea maker. If it is not aligned properly, the ice tea will pour all over the counter.

3. Add 10 tea bags for regular ice tea or up to 20 for a stronger brew. Place them in the larger opening on the machine and try to spread them out evenly. Hit the "Start" button to begin the brewing cycle.

4. Stir in sugar and lemon when the tea is done brewing. Stir thoroughly to dissolve the sugar so that it doesn't collect at the bottom of the pitcher. Serve over ice with a slice of lemon.

Tips & Warnings

• Read the instructions that came with the brewer for more details about using and caring for your particular model.