June 10, 2011
/https://www.thedailymeal.com/sites/default/files/recipe/2020/perfecticedtea_cropped.jpg "Basic (But Perfect) Iced Tea Recipe")
iStock/pjohnson1
Before you cast your traditional iced tea aside and get wild with interesting mix-ins, here's a recipe to help you make the basic version perfectly every time.
Ingredients
- 6-8 tea bags
- 4 cups hot water
- 1 quart cold water
- ½ cup sugar or ¼ cup honey, optional
Directions
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Drop in the tea bags in and steep for only 10-12 minutes, otherwise it will be too strong and tannic tasting. After steeping, take out the bags, squeeze gently and discard them. (Unless, of course, you were brought up in a house like mine, where tea bags are re-used three times. Probably why I became a chef.)
Sweeten if you like now — you may also use Stevia, agave, or Truvia for sweetener if you prefer. Place the hot tea in a pitcher and add the remaining cold water. Refrigerate until chilled.