Iced Tea
Around 75 to 80 percent of tea consumed in the U.S. is iced, according to the Tea Association of the U.S.A., from Snapple peach iced tea, a favorite in my household, to common iced tea made at home to fancier brands.
To make a glass of iced tea at home, you can use any of the teas above using package instructions, or follow our guidelines and pour the hot tea over ice.
If you want to make a big batch, make a concentrate by adding eight to 10 tea bags to a quart of hot water and steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Then simply pour the tea over ice. You can sweeten to taste, which can be a trial-and-error process, so start small and add your sweetener little by little until you reach the sweetness you want. Then remember or write down what “to taste” means to you.
Gear to Make the Perfect Cup of Tea
In addition to brewing methods, the perfect cup of tea also depends on the gear you have to make it.
What to Drink Your Tea From
If you’re considering using clayware tea pots or cups for your tea, make sure they are glazed, otherwise it may not be food-safe, Teng says. Some clayware can contain lead and other heavy metals. But porcelain can be used glazed or unglazed, and glassware will also work, Teng says. But she doesn’t recommend using metal teaware. “While we can use metal kettles to boil water, the risk of tea having a chemical reaction with metal teaware is very high,” and it could impact the tea’s flavor, Teng says.
Electric Kettles With Special Features
Getting your water up to the right temperature is essential to preparing the perfect cup of tea. Some electric kettles have buttons for different temperatures, making it easier to prepare it well.
