I’ve always fancied myself as a bit on a tea expert, only because I’m obsessed with the stuff! I’m obviously not really an expert, as that would take years of training and going back and forth to China, Japan, and India- however I do know my steeping times, correct water temperatures, and the difference between a good green, Oolong and even a Pu-erh tea. Now that the weather has turned super hot, I’ve been playing around with attempting to create the perfect pitcher of iced tea.
Many iced teas can be boring, tasteless and even bitter – so much so, that they have to been laced with sweetener to be palatable. I rarely ask for iced tea when out and about, as they’ll typically use low-quality tea bags to make it with. I made the mistake of ordering a sweetened iced tea when visiting my in-laws in Georgia once, and it nearly took my head off – it was sooooooooooo sweet! Not my thing at all. I don’t like most artificial sweeteners and if it’s made with sugar syrup, I feel ghastly after a couple of glasses, so here’s how I make what I consider to be the best iced tea ever!
It’s all about the actual tea you use of course, and I suggest going with loose leaves if you want a really superior drink. There are a few companies who make great tea bags, one of which is Bird Pick (see below.)
My 3 favorite blends for ice tea are:
1. Teamotions “Find Strength” Passionfruit Jasmine Green Tea. I am besotted with these teas, especially for iced tea. Each 
Teamotion tea has been created to affect your emotions. They all contain a blend of either green, white or black tea and herbs (adaptogens,) which help you out emotionally. This particular blend lends itself beautifully to a sweet, fruity and fragrant tea. I add a little agave nectar to sweeten it up a bit and hey presto, you have an impressive beverage, which will give you and your guests and little strength when the kids are running amok.
2. The Art Of Tea Peach Oolong: I first tried this in a Wholefoods store when they were handing out little sample cups. I love all Art Of Tea blends, however, this blew my away as an iced tea. I prefer to serve it unsweetened so you really get the beautiful peachy taste of this fine Oolong blend.
3. Bird Pick Caramel Houjicha Pyramid Tea Bags: This tea bag pick is insanely delicious for making a creamy iced tea or iced blended 
drink. The Houjicha tea is a nutty toasted green tea, which is low in caffeine. This one is caramel flavored and simply delicious when you add a little almond or soy milk. You can also make an ice blended tea by throwing the whole lot in a blender with a little agave nectar and a ton of crushed ice.
4. Celestial Seasonings: Although I’m not usually a great fan of commercially bagged teas, I do think that all the Celestial Seasonings teas make for a great iced tea.
5. Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Genmaicha Tea: You can either buy this tea loose or in bags. It is a lovely grassy green tea, blended with toasted rice to give it a rich nutty flavor. It makes a really delicious iced tea. If you buy your Genmaicha now, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf will donate a portion of the proceeds to The Japan Relief Fund.
To make your iced tea:
1. Boil fresh filtered water. For green tea boil to around 165 degrees, for Oolong boil to around 185 degrees, and bring the water to a rolling boil for black tea.
2. Steep the tea in a large pyrex measuring jug: 2-3 minutes for green tea, 3-4 minutes for Oolong, and 5 minutes for black tea.
3. Pour through a strainer into a large glass pitcher.
4. Add the agave nectar if you want it a little (or a lot,) sweeter.
5. For most teas (not the caramel flavored one,) I like to add slices of orange and lemon to the pitcher.
6. Don’t add ice until you are just about to serve.
7. Place a slice of lemon and orange, crushed ice, and a spring of fresh mint in each glass before serving.