recipe: Mint iced tea

It's been in the 80's for the last few days in Atlanta, and we've been running the fans. Requisite for a hot-weather meal in Georgia: a satisfactory pitcher of iced tea.

I prefer mint embellishment to lemon. Mint has the effect of subtly sweetening the mix, calling for less sugar. Of course, if you prefer, feel free to add sugar till it's almost crunchy.

Iced tea with fresh mint sprigs:

4 regular-sized bags of black tea
1/2 cup sugar
4 or 5 sprigs fresh mint

Place tea bags in a pitcher with six to seven cups water. Microwave five minutes. Let steep for ten minutes, then remove tea bags. Stir in sugar. Add mint sprigs. Chill in the refrigerator.

Iced tea with mint tea:

3 regular-sized bags of black tea

1 bag of peppermint tea
1/2 cup sugar

Place tea bags in a pitcher with six to seven cups water. Microwave five minutes. Let steep for ten minutes, then remove tea bags. Stir in sugar. Chill in the refrigerator.

Iced tea with mint and chamomile:

2 regular-sized bags of black tea

2 bags of peppermint-chamomile tea
1/2 cup sugar

Place tea bags in a pitcher with six to seven cups water. Microwave five minutes. Let steep for ten minutes, then remove tea bags. Stir in sugar. Chill in the refrigerator.