Introduction: Ice Tea

Do you enjoy a cold glass of ice tea on a hot summer day. Here is a simple way to make your own while saving money and make it the way you like it. The instructions here are generic, but you can always add lime, lemon, or for those of you from Long Island, you can add some vodka, white rum, gin, and tequila to the mix. Enjoy your refreshing beverage.

What you will need:

  • Ice Tea Maker
  • Refrigerator (an ice chest can substitute if you are planning an outing)
  • 1 Cup Measuring Cup
  • 1 Gallon Jug or Pitcher
  • 1 Long Handled Wooden Spoon
  • 1 Towel (absorbent)
  • 1 Cup Sugar or Artificial Sweetener (e.g., Splenda)
  • 2 Tea Bags
  • 1 Quart Ice
  • 1 Gallon Water

Notice: Larger or smaller capacity ice tea makers may require adjusting the amounts listed above. This may be done by multiplying or dividing the capacities to get a ratio and apply that ratio to the amounts.

Step 1: Get Water

Pour 1 quart of water to the ice maker pitcher.

Step 2: Fill Tea Maker

Lift ice maker lid and empty water from pitcher into the top opening .

Step 3: Add Tea Bags

Place 2 large tea bags in the filter in the top of the ice tea maker.

Step 4: Fill Pitcher With Ice

Add ice to pitcher to the 1 quart line on the side of the picture.

Step 5: Add Water to Pitcher

Add 1 quart water to ice in the pitcher.

Step 6: Start Ice Maker

Place the pitcher of water and ice under the drain spout in the front of the ice maker and press the start button. Note: Start button is located on side or front depending on ice maker model.

Step 7: Add Sweetner

After the ice tea maker has shut off, add 1 cup of sugar or artificial sweetener to the ice tea using a 1 cup measuring cup then stir using a long handled wooden spoon.

Step 8: Store Tea in Jug

Pour mixed tea carefully into a 1 gallon jug or pitcher.

Step 9: Dry Container

Dry the jug/pitcher using an absorbent towel.

Step 10: Refrigerate

Place the filled jug/pitcher in the refrigerator (or ice chest for travelling) to chill the tea.

Note: For maximum enjoyment, make sure tea is poured in an individual beverage container over ice and is chilled before serving.