ALMOND TEA (ICED TEA)

"Almonds and almond extract are mainstay seasonings in the South, so it seemed natural to test this flavor with tea. The result is a tea that enhances a meal of grilled foods or that can be served as an engaging nonalcoholic aperitif."

8 cups cold water
9 regular-size tea bags or 3 family-size tea bags
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons pure almond extract
Juice of 3 lemons

Bring 2 cups of the water to a slow boil in a small saucepan. Add the tea bags, cover, and remove from the heat. Let steep for 10 minutes.

Remove the tea bags without squeezing them.

Pour the steeped tea into a 2-quart heatproof container. Add the sugar and stir or shake until dissolved. Add the vanilla, almond extract, and lemon juice and stir or shake to combine. Add the remaining 6 cups cold water and stir.

Let cool, then chill and serve over ice.

Makes about 2 quarts
Source: Iced Tea: 50 Recipes for Refreshing Tisanes, Infusions, Coolers, and Spiked Teas by Fred Thompson