Where's the "Cool" in Iced Tea?

Americans love iced tea - 80 % of tea 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 tea merchant, Richard Blechynden, tried to sell his hot brew on a very hot day, without success. He tried adding ice to his tea and it became an instant hit - now isn't that cool?


iced tea recipes
"Days hot or cool -
it doesn't matter.
I'll have my
tea over ice !"
©Tea Party Circle
tea leaves

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

Basic Ice Tea Recipe

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

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

*Option for Sweetened Tea
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 Tea Party Bee tea party bee

red teapotTry these iced tea 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 ice tea.
  • White, Green, Oolong and Herbal tea also make great iced tea.

red teapotRaspberry Iced Tea

  • 4 bags of Red Zinger Tea
  • 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 tea bags. Steep for about five minutes. Remove tea bags. Add 2 cups of cold water. Stir in simple syrup

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

red teapotAlmilla Ice Tea
Submitted by Robert - San Angelo, TX, USA


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

  • 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 tea. Steep for about five minutes. Strain tea. 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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