In a traditional iced tea, what should you do with the bags?

In preparing traditional iced tea, the correct approach is to leave the tea bags in the cup. This allows the flavors to fully develop and infuse into the water, resulting in a richer and more robust taste. The longer the tea bags are left in, the stronger and more flavorful the iced tea will become.

Steeping for the appropriate amount of time is critical, as it ensures that the tea achieves the desired strength. However, removing the tea bags too soon can result in a weak flavor, while discarding them before serving would prevent the full infusion of flavors from occurring, leading to a less satisfying beverage. Leaving them in provides a balanced taste, allowing the drink to reach its full potential.