How to Make Flavored Iced Tea

Sun tea, as the name implies, is a slow-brewed beverage made using the heat of the sun, but it is said to pose a hazard because of the potential growth of harmful bacteria. It is important to brew tea at a temperature of no less than 195 degrees Fahrenheit from three to five minutes, and the following easy instructions will help you make the flavored tea you love without the help of the sun. Consider the following tasty types of flavored iced tea, and even if it is the middle of winter, you can have the refreshing flavored iced tea you love without having to buy it by the jug. Give these flavored iced tea ideas a try, and transform ordinary iced tea into something more flavorful and for far less than the cost of flavored beverages sold in stores.

Before Beginning

For best results and consistent flavor ,it is important to begin with a clean pitcher, jar, or jug every time. Be sure to wash the container with hot soapy water, and rinse well, even if it previously contained iced tea. Difficult tea stains or hard water stains can be easily removed using white vinegar. Simply soak the jug in a vinegar and warm water solution before washing and rinsing as usual.

Typically, iced tea should be double the strength of the hot variety since it will be diluted by ice. Use more or less according to your personal preference.

Raspberry Flavored

To make one gallon of delicious raspberry flavored iced tea you will need 6 teabags filled with herbal raspberry flavored tea and 4 unflavored teabags of your choice. Allow a small pan of water to come to a full boil. Measuring is not required. Next, fill the bottom of a gallon pitcher with ice. Two ice trays or a few handfuls of ice is more than enough. After the teabags have steeped for several minutes, carefully remove them from the hot water and pour the liquid over the ice. Stir in one cup of sugar if desired, and fill the pitcher the rest of the way with cold water. Stir and enjoy this refreshing raspberry flavored drink over ice. Garnish with real frozen raspberries if desired.

Lemon Flavored

To make delicious lemon flavored iced tea, make two quarts of the regular variety according to the aforementioned instructions and six teabags using a brand and variety of your choice. Stir in two cans of frozen lemonade, and fill the pitcher the rest of the way with ice. The melted ice will dilute the frozen lemonade and help create a delicious and refreshing flavored beverage that is perfect all year round. Add sugar or artificial sweetener according to personal preference.

Mint Flavored

For genuine mint tea with tremendous flavor begin by combining two quarts of water, one-third cup of tightly packed fresh mint leaves, and one-half cup of sugar. Bring this mixture to a boil and turn the heat down to continue cooking over medium heat for several minutes. Stir it occasionally until it becomes syrupy in consistency. Strain it through a cheesecloth, a coffee filter, or a tightly woven metal strainer. Pour this mint syrup into a gallon of regular iced tea, and serve it over cubed or crushed ice. Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint if desired.