Where's the "Cool" in Iced Tea?

Americans love iced tea - 80 % of this beverage in America is served chilled rather than hot! Perhaps that's because ice tea was first served at the St. Louis, Missouri Exposition in 1904 when a British merchant, Richard Blechynden, tried to sell his hot brew on a very hot day, without success. He tried adding ice and it became an instant hit - now isn't that cool?

Start with this basic recipe, then experiment with the additional ingredients for flavored recipes.

Basic Ice Tea Recipe

Here's directions on how to make iced tea(more recipes below).
  • 5 teaspoons black, loose leaves or 5 bags
  • 4 cups water

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Remove kettle and pour over leaves. Steep for about five minutes. Strain leaves or remove bags. Add 2 cups of cold water. Serve over ice. Yields One Quart

*Option for Sweetened
Add sugar to the 2 cups of cold water and stir to dissolve. Chill until ready to combine with the hot water and tea.

 

Tips from the TeaParty Bee tea party bee

red teapotTry these iced options:

  • Add 4-6 peppermint leaves for a mint flavoring.
  • Use slices of dried or fresh fruit for a sangria taste.
  • Add 1/8 tsp. each of ground nutmeg and cinnamon for spiced chi.
  • White, Green, Oolong and Herbal infusions also make great iced beverages.

 

Raspberry Zing

  • 4 bags of Red Zinger
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/2 cup simple syrup or to taste

Simple syrup:

  • 1/4 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Bring 2 cups of water just short of a boil. Remove kettle and pour over bags. Steep for about five minutes. Remove bags. Add 2 cups of cold water. Stir in simple syrup

* Optional: Squeeze orange and lime wedges into your brew and drop in wedges. Garnish with fresh raspberries. Serve over ice.

Almilla Iced Infusion
Submitted by Robert - San Angelo, TX, USA


If you like a vanilla and almond infusion, then you'll love this simple recipe combining the two flavors with your favorite green or oolong tisane.

  • 1 quart (4 cups) green or oolong tea
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
    *optional: 1/4 -1/2 cup sugar
Bring 2 cups of water just short of a boil. Remove kettle and pour over leaves. Steep for about five minutes. Strain. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Add 2 cups of cold water, vanilla extract, almond extract and lemon juice. Stir well and serve chilled or over ice.

 

 

 


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