Fred Thompson's Sweet Tea

Thompson suggests adding a pinch of baking soda to cut the bitterness of the tannins. Those who are watching their sugar intake may find that this allows them to use less sugar.

8 cups water

6 tea bags

¹₄ cup to ¹₂ cup granulated white sugar

1. Bring two cups of water to a boil. Remove from the flame, add tea bags and allow to steep for 15 minutes.

2. Remove the bags but do not squeeze them (this adds more bitter tannins).

3. Add sugar to the warm tea concentrate and stir to dissolve.

4. Add six additional cups of cold water to the tea. Allow the tea to come to room temperature before refrigerating to keep the tea from becoming cloudy.

Source: Fred Thompson, author of "Iced Tea."