How to Make Iced Tea
You do not have to be from the South to like ice tea. However, it helps to be from the South to know how to make it. In this blistering hot weather, the beverage of choice needs to be ready and available to refresh. There are as many tea recipes as there are varieties of teas. My favorite method does not take long, but the procedure is important. And note, it can be made and enjoyed anywhere on the globe.
Secrets to be shared:
Always start with a pretty pitcher
Add sugar to warm, not cold, tea
Only cut lemons into wedges
Instructions
Select a favorite heat-resistant pitcher that will hold 8-10 cups of water
Fill the pitcher with 6 cups of hot water from the tap
Place 2-3 family size Lipton tea bags in the pitcher (regular or decaf)
Put in the microwave on high for 5 minutes (do not boil)
Remove and cover the pitcher with aluminum foil
Let steep for 5 minutes
Remove the tea bags
Add 2 cups of cold water
Serve over abundant ice cubes
Adaptations
Sweet Tea
Select a 2 cup measuring cup and fill with 1 cup of water
Add 1 cup of sugar and stir
Microwave until the mixture is warm
Remove and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved
Add to the above tea mixture
Lemons
Cut a lemon into 8 even wedges. Do not slice. Sliced lemons do not go with ice tea.
