Iced Tea
Black, green, or herbal iced tea options.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
The Human Bean
While the concept of cooling beverages with ice has been around for centuries, iced tea as we know it gained popularity in the United States in the 19th century. Early recipes involved mixing green tea with liquor and serving it chilled. The 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis is often credited with popularizing iced tea, as a hot summer led a tea merchant to serve his tea over ice.
Iced tea is deeply ingrained in American culture, particularly in the Southern states where it's considered a staple beverage. It represents hospitality, relaxation, and summertime enjoyment.
Southern Hospitality
In the Southern United States, offering a glass of iced tea is a symbol of welcome and hospitality. It's often served at gatherings, meals, and even casual visits.
Summer Refreshment
Iced tea is a quintessential summer drink, providing a refreshing and hydrating alternative to sugary sodas. It is commonly enjoyed at picnics, barbecues, and other outdoor events.
Everyday Beverage
Iced tea is a common beverage in households and restaurants across the United States, often readily available in sweetened and unsweetened varieties.
Iced tea offers a refreshing and versatile flavor profile that depends heavily on the type of tea used. Common variations include black, green, and herbal teas, each with distinct characteristics.
Black iced tea typically provides a robust, malty, and sometimes slightly tannic flavor. Green iced tea offers a lighter, grassy, and potentially slightly bitter taste. Herbal iced teas showcase a wide range of flavors depending on the herbs used, from fruity and floral to spicy and earthy. Sweeteners like sugar, honey, or artificial sweeteners are often added to balance the tea's natural bitterness. Lemon is a frequent addition, providing a bright, citrusy tang. Other flavor additions can include fruits like peaches, raspberries, or mint.
Use Quality Tea Leaves
Opt for loose leaf tea or high-quality tea bags for a more flavorful and nuanced iced tea. Avoid using tea that is past its expiration date.
Brew a Strong Concentrate
Brew the tea stronger than you would for hot tea, as the ice will dilute the flavor. Use about twice the amount of tea leaves or tea bags per cup of water.
Cool Properly Before Adding Ice
Allow the brewed tea to cool slightly before adding ice. Adding ice to extremely hot tea can make it bitter. You can rapidly cool it by pouring it over ice in a pitcher but remember to account for the dilution and use more tea when brewing initially.
Sweeten to Taste
Add sweetener while the tea is still warm, as it will dissolve more easily. Adjust the amount of sweetener to your preference. Consider using simple syrup for easy mixing.
Filter Your Water
Using filtered water can improve the clarity and overall taste of your iced tea.
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