iced tea

speaking of tea, which i often do, i have made the best iced tea ever at home! well, i was trying to make a home version of a popular coffee chain's black iced tea.

the tea: Tazo's Black Iced Tea. This is not the same as Tazo Awake Tea. Tazo Black Iced tea is brewed hot but intended to be served cold. It comes in large tea bags. Each is intended to make a gallon of tea. You can order it here. I have not seen it in stores.

the water: filtered

the pitcher: Bodum Celyon Iced Tea Jug with Filter. This container is very sturdy, can stand up to hot water, and has a handy integrated tea filter.

the method: open tazo tea bag and empty half of the contents into the filter. (The large bags make a whole gallon and this container is closer to half a gallon which is why i only used half a tea bag. Save the rest for later.)

Fill the container about half way with hot water. Let tea steep for 5 minutes. Don't oversteep, it will get bitter. If you want stronger tea it is best to use more tea leaves, not to extend the steep time.

Remove tea filter. Fill the rest of the picture with ice and cold water and drink when chilled.

If you want it sweetened make some simple syrup. Sugar won't dissolve in cold tea but simple syrup will.

Simple Syrup:
bring equal parts sugar and filtered water to boil in a small sauce pan, stirring constantly. Allow to simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat and Chill. You can store this in the fridge and sweeten your tea as needed.

enjoy!