(Photo: John Lawton)
Whether you like your brew crisp and thirst-quenching or sweet and silky, one of these iced tea winners—chosen from 74 contenders—will suit you to a tea.
Best Lightly Sweetened :
Tazo Organic Iced Black Tea
Brisk, flavorful, and satisfying, this crowd-pleaser comes from—surprise!—the java aficionados at Starbucks (which also owns Tazo).
To buy: $1.70 for 13.8 ounces, at supermarkets.
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(Photo: John Lawton)Best “Sweet” : Sweet Leaf Organic Sweet Tea
This iconic southern take on tea is strong and sugary but never cloying. Happily, you don’t need to be below the Mason-Dixon Line to enjoy it: Just head to the grocery store.
To buy: $1.60 for 16 ounces, at supermarkets.
(See also: 5 great new ice cream flavors)
(Photo: John Lawton)Best Unsweetened : Tejava Unsweetened Black Tea
Unsweetened teas can be harsh and tannic. But not this soft, smoky favorite made with hand-picked leaves from Indonesia.
To buy: $3.70 for four 12-ounce bottles, at supermarkets and Trader Joe’s.
(Photo: John Lawton)Best Lemon : Pure Leaf Iced Tea With Lemon
Like your tea with a little pucker? Give this icy refresher a try. Fresh and tangy, it stops just this side of tart, thanks to a welcome dash of sugar.
To buy: $1.70 for 18.5 ounces, at supermarkets.
(Photo: John Lawton)Best Peach : Snapple Peach Tea
Lush, juicy fruit flavor elevates this black- and green-tea blend far above the syrupy, candy-like competition. Make it your new convenience-store go-to.
To buy:$1.30 for 16 ounces, at supermarkets.
(Photo: John Lawton)Best Green : Honest Tea Classic Green Tea
Sure, it’s healthy—courtesy of all those antioxidants. But it’s also delicious: Think vibrant notes of green apple and mango.
To buy: $1.50 for 16 ounces, at supermarkets and natural-food stores.
