Ingredients
10 sprigs fresh mint
2 family-size teabags
1/2 cup sugar
Fresh lemon juice (optional)
Fresh mint sprigs

Directions
Grasp mint sprigs in one hand and twist sprigs with second hand to crush stems and bruise leaves to release flavorful oils. Place mint and teabags in a 4-cup glass measuring cup. Add 4 cups of boiling water. Cover and steep 5 minutes.

Strain mixture through a wire-mesh sieve into a pitcher, discarding teabags and mint.

Add 4 cups of cold water. Add sugar and fresh lemon juice, if desired, stirring until sugar dissolves. To serve, pour over ice cube-filled glasses, and garnish with fresh mint sprigs.

Special Note: A tall glass of minted iced tea is very refreshing on a hot summer day. While spearmint is the traditional mint used in iced tea, it’s fun to experiment with other varieties of mint such as orange and chocolate mint to create uniquely flavored beverages.