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Ingredients
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Tea Base
Sweetener (optional)
Citrus & Aromatics (optional)
Method
Brew Tea
- 1
Heat water
Bring 8 cups of fresh cold water to a near boil. For black tea bring to a rolling boil (about 212°F / 100°C). For green tea heat to just under boiling (about 175–185°F / 80–85°C); if using green tea, remove about 1/2 cup of hot water before adding tea bags to cool slightly.
- 2
Steep
If using tea bags: add 4 black tea bags to the hot water (or substitute 4 green tea bags if making green iced tea). Steep black tea 4–5 minutes for full flavor; steep green tea 2–3 minutes to avoid bitterness. If using loose tea, use 8 teaspoons in a fine mesh infuser and steep the same times.
- 3
Remove leaves/bags
Remove tea bags or strain out loose tea promptly when steep time is reached to prevent over-extraction and bitterness.
Sweeten (optional)
- 4
While the brewed tea is still warm (but not boiling), stir in desired sweetener. For granulated sugar, add up to 1 cup and stir until fully dissolved. For a lighter sweetness, use 1/4–1/2 cup sugar or 1/2 cup simple syrup. If using honey, add to warm tea and stir until incorporated.
- 5
Taste and adjust sweetness to preference. Remember that chilling will slightly mute sweetness; make slightly sweeter than room-temperature preference if you want it notably sweet when iced.
Cool & Finish
- 6
Allow the sweetened or unsweetened tea to cool at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. For faster cooling, place the pot in an ice bath and stir occasionally.
- 7
Transfer the tea to a pitcher and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 1–2 hours. If you need it immediately, fill a pitcher with ice and pour the warm tea over the ice (this will dilute slightly).
- 8
- 9