Either make some classic iced tea, or try something different this year. It's the perfect summer drink.
A tall glass of lemon iced tea is my own personal favourite summertime drink. It's mild enough to mix and blend with so many other flavours that you can probably drink a different kind of iced tea every day this summer and never have the same one twice. And the little hit of caffeine can help combat summer-heat drowsiness. Of course, there is nothing wrong with the classic recipe for iced tea, but why not try a few new ones this summer.
Basic Iced Tea Recipe
If you've only had bottled iced tea, you really need to try some home-brewed iced tea. It will whet you taste buds for more varieties.
- 2 tbs loose black tea
- 8 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
Stir the sugar into 4 cups of water until dissolved. Refrigerate until chilled through. Heat the remaining 4 cups of water in a pot, until boiling. Remove the pot from the stove immediately at boiling, and add your tea. Let it steep for about 6 or 7 minutes (longer will make it bitter, not stronger). Strain out the tea leaves and mix in with the chilled sugar water. Place back in the fridge to cool thoroughly, and serve over ice.
Creamy Iced Chai
Try something creamy and spicy this summer, for an exotic new iced tea variety. Might not be for everyone, but you won't know until you try it.
- 8 tbs loose black tea
- 6 cups water
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 4 tbs brown sugar
- 4 tsp ground cardamom
- 4 tsp ground cinnamon
Heat water in a pot until lightly boiling, add tea and cardamom. Remove from heat and let it steep for 4 or 5 minutes. Strain out the tea, and let the brew cool down. Stir in the sugar, cinnamon and milk. Mix until sugar is dissolved and serve over ice.
Orange Mint Tea
A refreshing blend of iced tea along with fruit juice and a lovely hint of mint.
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbs loose black tea
- 3 tbs mint leaves, fresh
- 2 tbs sugar
- 4 cups orange juice
Heat water to boiling, then remove from heat. Add tea, mint and sugar. Steep for 8 minutes then strain out the tea and mint leaves. Stir in orange juice and chill through before serving.
You can make any of these recipes with bagged tea instead of loose, if you prefer. Be aware that loose tea is usually better quality and will give a better taste to your iced tea. Use 1 tea bag for each tablespoon (tbs) of loose tea needed.
Also, if you find that your home made ice tea gets cloudy, it could be that you are putting it in the fridge too quickly. The rapid drop in temperature causes a reaction that makes it cloudy. Let it cool closer to room temperature before chilling further.
