Of course I will share it....
Why wouldn't I want to share this happiness?
Why wouldn't I want to share this pure sweet, warm, fragrant goodness?
1) Boil water. This is really important, everything else flows from this.... Make sure it rolls, that it is fully totally and without reservation boiling.
2) Fill Nalgene to 800 ml line with just boiled water. Important Do not use the BPA old Lexan bottles, no. Use the new Tritan bottles. What good would enjoying all this tea be, if it killed you.
3) Place 2 tea bags in superheated water. I buy Lipton, but my girl and her family buy Red Rose, either taste good, but I would give the edge to Lipton Orange and Black Pekoe.
4) Allow to seep for 15 minutes. I know, this seems long, but there is a method to the madness.... And, you may find that you like it slightly shorter, but I like strong tea. Set an alarm or timer, timing is key, I think.
5) Remove bags, purge excess water with index finger and thumb, say "OWW, that's hot". Be so intent upon the goodness, the rightness that you are about to experience, that you totally forget to protect yourself from the hot bag. Be that vulnerable and ready.
6) Add a slightly rounded 1/4 cup measure of sugar. With time, you may adjust the sugar level to taste, but don't be shy the first couple times. Go boldly.
7) Add cool tap water, or ice to fill Nalgene to throat of bottle. And this is key.... Resulting temperature should be just barely cool enough to drink. I am talking like hot enough to scare small children, hot enough to steam on cool mornings, hot enough that your camping partners will want to sleep with it for the warmth.
8) Shake. And this is part of the beauty of the Nalgene. You can shake it to mix up all that goodness, for the perfect solution.
9) Set down. Be calm.
10) Enjoy your brew. For best results and greatest drinking pleasure.... Slurp.... Slurping draws air across the brew, into your sinuses, where you smell the fragrance. Your tongue basks in the sweet fluid. Your mouth warms from the delicious heat. Swish fluid around in your mouth as you swallow. Feel free to make appreciative noises. Do not be dissuaded from doing so by the disapproving glances of those nearby, they would be jealous, if they only knew.
Yes, it is a sensual experience. Drink it in.
Marion
