Basic Sweet Tea (Green Tea)

Arctides Regalis's Note:

This is a simple recipe, yes. However, I've had some British/Irish/Scottish friends in the past who've taught me what real tea tastes like, and I've found that I like this flavor to be present in both hot and cold forms of the beverage. Not to criticize, but many Americans don't understand the specifics of how to brew tea to its full potential and flavor. Some overbrew it, some underbrew it. I will be covering brewing both black and green teas for making sweet iced tea, in separate recipes.

• Total Time: 10 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 5 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 8

Yield: 64.0 Quarts

For brewing the tea

• 4 (8 g) bags green tea leaves
• 40 ounces water
• 1 cup unbleached cane sugar

For chilling the tea

• 24 ounces ice cubes

Directions:

1. Put the ice aside in a container or pitcher that can withstand the hot tea without breaking and put it in the fridge while you're brewing.
2. Heat the 40 oz. of water in a pot, but not to a boil. It should be able to produce steam, but should not be boiling (boiling water overbrews green tea). Place the teabags in the hot water, and allow them to brew for 1 to 2 minutes while maintaining the current heat (hot but not boiling). Do not let the tea brew too long or it will end up too bitter.
3. Remove the tea bags from the pot, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the cup of cane sugar. It will dissolve almost instantly into the tea. Allow it to stand for a minute as your retrieve the container/pitcher.
4. Carefully pour the brewed tea into the container. It will melt most of the ice instantly, evening out the temperature so that the tea does not damage the container. Chill the tea further before serving.

Reviews

[HotPepperRosemaryJelly]

This is excellent! My DH and I shared it only with honey instead of sugar! Jelly

[katia]

Wordeful beverage and very healthy. I started drinking green tea 5-6 months now and its so good for me. For making this recipe I used green organic tea from Shri Lanka which I bought this summer from my trip to England. I reduced the ammount of sugar and very much enjoyed it . Made it for PAC Fall 2008. Thanks for sharing. I'm looking forward trying the black iced tea.