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Delicious Yet Refreshing!  Ice Tea! Here's a simple and refreshing recipe to make the perfect glass of iced tea:

Ingredients:

• 2-3 tea bags (black tea, green tea, herbal tea, or a blend)
• 2 cups of water (for steeping)
• Sweetener of your choice (sugar, honey, agave, etc.)
• Fresh lemon slices or mint leaves, melon balls, cucumber, or your favorite fruit (optional, for garnish)
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Boil Water: Bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil. You can use a kettle or a pot for this.
2. Steep Tea Bags: Place 2-3 tea bags in a heatproof pitcher or container. If you prefer stronger tea, you can add an additional tea bag. Pour the hot water over the tea bags.
3. Steep Time: Let the tea steep for the appropriate amount of time based on the type of tea you're using:
   • Black tea: 3-5 minutes
   • Green tea: 2-3 minutes
   • Herbal tea: 5-7 minutes

   Be cautious not to over steep, as it can lead to a bitter taste.

4. Add Sweetener: While the tea is still warm, add sweetener to taste. Start with about 1-2 tablespoons of sugar or honey, and adjust according to your preference. Stir well until the sweetener is completely dissolved.
5. Cooling and Chilling: Allow the tea to cool to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the pitcher in the refrigerator.
6. Refrigerate: Once the tea has cooled, move the pitcher to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1-2 hours. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and results in a more refreshing drink.
7. Serve: When you're ready to serve, fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour the chilled tea over the ice.
8. Garnish: For an extra touch, garnish your glass of iced tea with fresh lemon slices or a sprig of mint.
9. Enjoy: Sip and savor your perfectly brewed and chilled glass of iced tea!

Feel free to experiment with different tea flavors, sweeteners, and garnishes to create your own signature iced tea recipe. Cheers to a delightful and cooling beverage!

Bonus:  Did you know that iced tea's popularity skyrocketed in the early 20th century due to an unexpected turn of events at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair? Richard Blechynden, a tea plantation owner, faced a problem when the fair visitors shied away from his hot tea offerings on a scorching day. To salvage his sales, he poured the tea over ice, creating the first iced tea, which quickly became a hit!  Fair attendees flocked to Blechynden's booth to sample this novel and revitalizing drink. The chilled tea was a delightful and much-needed respite from the sweltering heat, and it quickly gained popularity among the crowds. ??Iced Tea History.