Recipe: Almond Tea (Iced Tea)

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