History of Iced Tea

North American inventions

The birth of iced tea was invented in the United States in 1904 at the St. Louis World's Fair, which took place in the summer. That summer had been particularly hot, and a tea seller called Richard Blechynden was finding it difficult to attract customers to the booth where he was serving piping-hot tea. He hit on the idea adding ice cubes to the tea. It was an immediate success, and iced tea was born.

The Perfect Iced Tea

It is important to Steep the tea in water at room temperature, not hot water. Place two teaspoons of tea in 2 pints (1 liter) of Water at about 680F/200C. Leave to infuse for between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on the type of tea and according to taste (allow less time for green teas than for Oolong and red teas).

Citrus peels, spices, sugar, or honey may be added if desired. Strain the tea and place in the refrigerator. Drink within 24 hours.

The best teas to drink as iced teas are Camomille, Childhood Dreams, Peppermint, Jardin des Merveilles, Green Mint, Jardins de Darjeeling, Fruit Rouge, Grand Earl Grey, and Green Jasmine.