The Secret to Making Iced Tea

The secret to making iced tea is easy when you follow the tips and tricks below, generously supplied by the Tea Party Bee!

When you know how to make iced tea properly, it is a rewarding experience - whether it's serving your guests at a tea party or relaxing on the porch with a cool glass of this refreshing beverage in your hand.


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

So don't feel guilty about your affinity for tea over ice (some say tea should only be drunk hot) - on a steamy day nothing beats ice tea for a thirst-queching drink.
In fact, it is good all year round. Enjoy!

5 Ways to Make Ice Tea:

1. Sun tea recipe
2. Pot brewed
3. Ice tea maker
4. Coffee maker
(see below)
5. Cold method- Fill container with 4 cups of cold water. Add 5 bags/ 5 teaspoons of tea and cover. Refrigerate overnight or for 8 hours. Strain tea and serve.

red teapot Iced Tea Recipes
For large parties, make a pretty ice ring to float in your tea.

 

Tips from the Tea Party Bee tea party bee

red teapotGeneral guidelines for iced tea is to brew the tea twice as strong as for hot, using double the amount of tea. Also remember that the tea will get diluted when served over ice, which is another reason to brew stronger. One option is to make "tea cubes" instead of ice cubes.

red teapot If tea tends to be bitter, add a pinch of baking soda.

red teapot When making ice tea, it sometimes has a tendency to "cloud". Some teas have a high acid content, which will change the pH level, and as hot tea cools, the compounds in the tea clump, giving the tea a murky appearance.
Here are some suggestions to help keep your tea from being cloudy.

  • Use tea labeled specially for making iced tea.
  • Pour the hot tea into the cold water
  • Allow the tea to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
  • Add some hot water to clear up tea that is already cloudy.
  • Add slices of lemon - citrus acid help balance pH or
  • Try adding a little powdered vitamin C
  • If water clouds right after brewing, lower brewing temperature.
  • Hard water, chlorine, and high mineral content can be the cause of cloudy tea. (Use filtered, spring water.)

Here are two items Not to use when making iced tea!

  • Do not use a cast iron or aluminum pot.
  • Do not use a coffee maker.

 

 

 

 

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