@myeternalodyssey: Here’s the EASIEST sweet iced tea recipe for you to beat this heat!! All you need is 10 black tea bags 2 cups of sugar, & a pinch of baking soda! Why baking soda? According to google: Adding a small amount of baking soda to iced tea is a traditional Southern trick that improves the tea’s clarity and smooths its flavor. It works by neutralizing the naturally occurring tannins in the tea leaves. How baking soda improves iced tea Reduces bitterness: Tannins, which give tea its bitter and astringent taste, are acidic. As an alkaline substance, baking soda neutralizes this acidity, resulting in a smoother, less bitter taste. Prevents cloudiness: When brewed tea is chilled rapidly, tannins bind with caffeine, causing a murky appearance. Baking soda prevents this reaction, helping the iced tea remain crystal clear.