Iced tea is a chilled tea beverage often enjoyed during warm weather. It can be prepared from a variety of teas, including black, green, white, and oolong,
and can be sweetened or unsweetened, depending on preference. Here’s a guide to making a classic iced tea, along with some variations and tips for serving:
Ingredients: – 4 cups of water – 4 tea bags (black tea is traditional, but you can use any type) – 4 cups cold water – Ice cube – Sweetener (optional: sugar, honey, or a sugar substitute) – Lemon slices (optional)
Instructions: 1. Boil Water: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. 2. Brew Tea: Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Let steep for 5-7 minutes. 3. Sweeten (Optional): If you prefer sweetened tea, add sugar to the hot tea and stir until dissolved. Start with 1/4 cup and adjust to taste.
4.Cool and Combine: Remove tea bags and let the tea cool to room temperature. Pour the brewed tea into a pitcher, add the remaining 4 cups of cold water, and stir. 5. Chill: Refrigerate until cold, about 2 hours. 6.Serve: Fill glasses with ice and pour the chilled tea over the ice. Garnish with lemon slices if desired.
Green Iced Tea: Use green tea bags instead of black tea. Follow the same steps, but steep for only 3-5 minutes to avoid bitterness.
Herbal Iced Tea: Use herbal tea bags for a caffeine-free option. Popular choices include peppermint, hibiscus, or chamomile.
Fruit-Infused Iced Tea: Add fresh fruit slices (such as peaches, berries, or citrus) to the pitcher for a fruity twist.