Basic Sweet Tea (Black Tea)

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.

• Ready In: 10 mins
• Serves: 8
• Yields: 2 Quarts

Ingredients

• For brewing the tea

• 4 (8 g) bags black tea, leaves. you can use whatever variety you want. i however advise against using black chai. earl grey
• 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. Bring the 40 oz. of water to a boil in a pot. Place the teabags in the boiling water, and allow them to brew for 2 to 3 minutes while the water boils. When the water has brewed to an oily, reddish-brown, appearance (after 2 to 3 minutes).
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.