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Iced tea is such a light and refreshing beverage it amazes me that so few people know about it. I spent my young childhood in the south of the USA where it was usually referred to as “sweet tea” and generally contained a bit more sugar than other versions of iced tea. After living in the North East of the United States for most of my life I became accustomed to referring to it as “iced tea” and usually having the option between unsweetened and sweetened. Now that I live in Canada, while it is not completely unheard of, I am surprised to find it fairly difficult to find in any form other than super sweet bottled varieties. It is not common in restaurants and is rarely prepared and served in homes. Some people who I have met here have never even heard of iced tea. This is surprising to me since it is so easy to prepare, as well as being a very low cost and healthy alternative to soft drinks. I’ve even managed to wean my caffeine addicted husband off of daily Dr Pepper consumption by replacing it with iced tea. Being tea, it contains enough caffeine to satisfy that desire, and is refreshing while not being made mostly of sugar like most sodas and juices.

If you are someone who buys iced tea mixes then I urge you to reconsider this behavior. Making fresh iced tea is not difficult or time consuming and the end result is more delicious and good for you! Also by making it yourself you have control over the amount of sugar you consume.

This recipe yields two liters (quarts) of iced tea. (about 6 servings)