Iced Tea

My friends tell me that they have no idea how to make Iced Tea, and that is such a shame.

So since this Blog is about all things domestic and how to do them, here's how:

You will need a 2 Litre jug  - that's roughly 4 pints.
4 Tea Bags - I have used Yorkshire Tea.
8 teaspoons of sugar.
The juice of 1 Lemon.
Ice.
500ml glass or 1/2 pint.
Straws.
Small 1 pint or 500ml measuring jug.
Clingfilm.

Boil 1/2 a pint of water use it to brew the teabags in the measuring jug, for 3-5 minutes, remove the teabags and stir in the sugar.
Add to your serving jug and top up with COLD WATER to almost 2 Litres.

It will look dark and a little unappetising, but now a little science happens!
I love the interesting things that happen and I like to share them.
Which is why my friends call me "Dr Domestic".

The juice of the lemon needs adding now. As an acid it acts like an oxidising agent on the tea, lightening it to a mellow gold. Don't  worry if you get pips in and some lemon flesh, because you can always strain it or fish them out with  a spoon, as you pour it later. You can even add the whole of the spent lemon!

Now put the jug to chill in the refrigerator. You might want to cover it with some clingfilm so it doesn't pick up any unwanted flavours. You don't want an onion ruining your drink!

Go away and do a job while it chills for 30 minutes.

Now take a large glass say 500ml or a 1 pint and half fill it with ice. Pour the cold tea over the ice and swirl around with a straw to really chill it.

There you have it, Iced Tea.
It's simple, cooling, and better for you on a hot day. Refreshing!