Per's Refreshing Minty Iced Tea

When the weather starts to warm up I like to make iced tea to have on hand for a refreshing break on a sunny day. I learned this recipe from my good friend Jan Perry, who I affectionately refer to as "Per". I've known Per my whole life and she's always has a big patch of mint growing outside her back door. When Andy & I visited her a few years ago in Connecticut he tried some of her iced tea and loved it. So I got the recipe for our enjoyment out here on the West Coast.

Ingredients:
2 Liters Water
Handful of fresh mint leaves - about 20
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
5 Roses tea bags - or whichever brand you prefer

Directions:
1. Put 2 Liters water on to boil.
2. In small saucepan combine 1/3 cup sugar, 1/3 cup water and torn up mint leaves. Put on low heat and stir until sugar is disolved and small bubbles form. Turn heat off and let sit. You will have a minty syrup.
3. Place tea bags in pitcher and add boiled water. Let steep for 5 minutes and remove tea bags.
4. Pour mint syrup through a strainer into iced tea.
5. Serve over ice cubes immediately or allow to cool.

Mint grows like crazy and will take over your whole yard. It's best grown in a container. Just about everyone has mint growing in their yard or neighborhood, so don't buy it. It's readily available for free most of the year.

I've always bought Rose's tea because I like the figurines that are included in the box. Lipton or Tetly is fine too. You don't need fancy tea for this recipe.