Restaurants›Bistro Ibarra Tagaytay›Iced Tea Recipe

Iced Tea Recipe

Inspired by Bistro Ibarra Tagaytay
Time30m
Serves6

Make Iced Tea Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Tea Base

Sweetener (optional)

Citrus & Flavor (optional)

To Serve

Method

Tea Base

1

Steep the tea

Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Place 4 black tea bags (or an equivalent amount of loose-leaf tea — about 4 tablespoons) into a heatproof pitcher or pot. Pour the boiling water over the tea and let it steep for 5 minutes for a balanced strength or up to 8 minutes for a stronger brew. Avoid steeping longer than 8–10 minutes to prevent bitterness.

2

Remove tea

After steeping, remove the tea bags or strain out the loose tea leaves. Gently press the tea bags against the side of the pitcher with a spoon to extract flavor (optional).

Sweetener (optional)

3

Make simple syrup (quick)

If you want sweetened iced tea, dissolve 1 cup granulated sugar in 1/4 cup hot water to make a quick syrup. Stir until completely dissolved. Pour the syrup into the hot brewed tea while it's still warm so it blends evenly. Taste and add more syrup if desired.

4

Alternative

Alternatively, add simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water (simmer 1:1 until sugar dissolves) or use honey/agave in place of sugar; if using honey, mix into warm tea so it dissolves fully.

Citrus & Flavor (optional)

5

Add lemon and mint

Stir 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice into the warm tea if using. Add 6–8 fresh mint leaves and lightly bruise them first (clap between your palms or gently crush) to release aroma. Leave 2–3 lemon slices and a few mint leaves aside for garnish.

To Serve

6

Cool and dilute

Allow the tea to cool for 10–15 minutes at room temperature, then pour into a pitcher and add 4 cups cold water (or adjust to taste — less water for stronger tea). Alternatively, refrigerate until chilled. Taste and adjust sweetness or lemon.

7

Serve over ice

Fill glasses with ice cubes (about 2 ice cubes per 3/4 cup serving or more if desired). Pour chilled iced tea over ice, garnish with reserved lemon slices and mint leaves. Serve immediately.

8

Storage

Store leftover iced tea in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Stir gently before serving. If cloudiness appears when chilled, it does not affect safety — it’s a natural tannin precipitation; shake or stir to clarify.