Instructions: A cool treat: Dress up iced tea with fruit and herbs

The formula for iced tea - plain old black tea brewed extra-strong, then poured over a glassful of cubes that crack under the steaming onslaught - needs no elaboration, really.

A sprig of mint, maybe, if youve got some getting out of control in the back yard, and a lemon wedge if you can be bothered to cut one.

Then its hammock time.

But the urge to fiddle, to perfect, is human, and iced tea provides an easy opportunity.

Any favorite tea, herbal or otherwise, can be brewed up strong and poured over ice.

Beyond that lie the additions of herb-infused sugar syrups and lemonade or limeade.

The Big Bowl chain of Asian noodle restaurants specializes in an iced tea colored an inviting ruby, courtesy of the addition of hibiscus blossoms, and sweetened with stevia, an herbal sweetener.

"We tweaked it for a long time," said Matt McMillin, Big Bowls vice president of culinary operations.

"We approach beverages the same way we approach other dishes: Its a matter of balance" among sweetness, acidity and color.

The success of that tea has led the restaurant to use it as a base for occasional drink specials, from lemonade to vodka cocktails, where it can be substituted for equally colorful cranberry juice.

McMillin suggests that home cooks experiment by steeping a favorite dried fruit in the hot water with the loose tea.

Another approach:
Make a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves) with the addition of sliced fresh ginger, lemon grass or mint leaves, and use it to flavor your usual tea.

"Lemon verbena is great to steep in the hot tea before cooling it off," McMillin said.

He has used a similar method to impart flavor to the liquid base of homemade granitas, sorbets and ice creams.

"The skys the limit."

Heres one more suggestion:
Keep the tea preparation simple with hot water and lots of tea for a concentrated brew.

Start with China Mist herbal mix, not straight black tea. Try your own hand at sweetening. And dont forget the lemon wedge.

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