How to Brew Iced Tea?

How to Make Iced Tea

You will extract the most pleasure from fine tea, steeped with care. The Republic of Tea’s Minister of Fire & Water suggests the following step-by-step ritual for infusing hot tea before cooling and icing it:

Heat Your Water

• It begins with the water—the element that brings tea to its full potential. Fresh water yields a better cup. We recommend using filtered, spring or bottled water.
• Fill your kettle with fresh, cold water and heat to a rolling boil—unless you’re making green or 100% White Tea. In that case, stop short of boiling to avoid “cooking” the delicate tea.
• Iced tea requires a double strength infusion (compared to hot tea). So plan on about two teaspoons of tea or herbs or two tea bags per six-ounce cup. If using whole leaf tea, place in tea infusing basket or teapot.

Time Your Steeping

• Pour the water over the tea, cover if in a pot, and infuse to taste. Different teas take well to different infusing times. Experiment to find your ideal time, but take care – don’t steep for too long or you’ll find your tea has gone bitter or acidic.

Enjoy Your Homemade Iced Tea

• Remove the tea bag or infuser, or use a strainer for the leaves. Allow the tea to come to room temperature.