Counter-top Brewed Iced Tea {Cold-Brewed Tea}

I am a huge fan of cold brewing or counter-top brewing my iced tea. 

A little lesson on cold brewing...

As water absorbs into the tea leaves, it dissolves different substances and extracts them from the leaves. If the water you are brewing with is hot, it will extract quickly and completely. Using hot water also cooks the tea leaves which causes various chemical reactions (can change the aroma or substance of the tea). Cold water, on the other hand, will extract the tea more slowly and selectively. Cold-brewed teas tend to contain less caffeine and are less acidic. They will taste different than their hot-brewed counterparts. Cold-brewing produces a simpler extract and will not change the original flavors as much. Benefit in my opinion!!! :)

So, onto the simple recipe. 

I used Tazo Awake Black Tea...

I filled up an empty juice bottle with filtered water...

I used 10 tea bags, which were held in place by screwing the cap over the strings...

After just 10 min you can see the beginnings of tea...

I let my tea sit on the counter for 10 hours then I removed the tea bags 

and stored the brewed tea in the refrigerator.

My other favorite brand & flavor of tea to cold brew is 

Celestial Seasons Red Zinger Tea. YUM! 

Enjoy counter-top brewing your tea!!!