How to Make Delicious Iced Tea
Nothing beats having a glass of iced tea on a hot summer day. Whether you prefer classic sweet tea or a more exotic fruit-infused variety, making iced tea has never been easier. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make iced tea from scratch.
Step 1: Choose the Type of Tea
The type of tea you choose will ultimately determine the flavor, sweetness, and unique taste of your beverage.
- Black Tea: Black tea is fully oxidized and has a bold, robust flavor with a hint of earthiness. It pairs well with sugar and is often the base of classic sweet tea.
- Green Tea: Green tea is known for its grassy flavor and earthy aroma. It’s less bitter than black tea and is considered a healthy alternative. This tea pairs well with fruit and herbal tea additives.
- Fruit Tea: These popular blends combine the flavors of several fruits and herbs for a bright and flavorful drink. Fruit tea is often served with a bit of honey or other sweetener.
Step 2: Boil the Water
Start by boiling water in a pot or kettle. Depending on the type of tea you’re using, a longer steep time may be required for a more robust flavor.
- Black Tea: Boil two cups of water and steep in the tea for five minutes
- Green Tea: Boil two cups of water and steep in the tea for two minutes.
- Fruit Tea: Boil two cups of water and steep in the tea for seven minutes
Step 3: Add Sweetener
Now it’s time to add sweetener or other flavorings to your tea. If you’d like a classic Southern sweet tea, add 1/4 cup of sugar for each cup of tea. For a lighter sweetness, honey or agave nectar can be used.
Fruit tea can also be sweetened with honey, agave nectar, or a fruit syrup. Other flavorings, such as mint leaves, can also be added to enhance the flavor.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Once you’ve added your sweetener and flavorings, it’s time to chill the tea. You can either pour the hot tea over ice, or pour the tea into a heatproof container and cool it in the refrigerator for a few hours.
Finally, serve your cold iced tea with a lemon wedge or other garnish. Enjoy!
