Make the Perfect Pitcher of Iced Tea

Photos courtesy of @verazhdanowa

When the temperature reaches 118 degrees here in Arizona, tea kettles hibernate and the pitchers come out. Our desert heat inspired the launch of our iced tea collection. In the spring we launched five 30-cup iced teas: Private Island, Everything's Peachy, Rosie Grey, Hibiscus, and Tropical Baecation.

Making a delicious pitcher of tea takes using the right steeping method. Did you know that making iced tea using the cold-brew method is the most effective? Making iced tea using boiling water and putting it in the fridge damages the leaves' chemical makeup causing the tea to taste bitter. 

Here are three tips to help you make the perfect pitcher of iced tea. 

Use the Cold-Brew Method

Add your tea to a pitcher filled with room temperature water and steep it in the fridge for eight hours or overnight. This will ensure that the tea oxidizes properly and will maximize its flavor. 

Use Disposable Tea Bags

When working with loose tea leaves add them to disposable tea bags with strings. Pull the strings tightly and tie all the strings together to prevent leaves from spilling out into the pitcher. 

Opt for Simple Syrup

When using the cold-brew method, use simple syrup to sweeten the tea. Make simple syrup mixing equal parts water and equal parts sugar in a saucepan over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves. Let cool to room temperature and add to brewed tea.