Twisted Tea Recipe

Make simple sweet tea

Bring 2 cups of the water to a gentle boil in a small saucepan. Add the granulated sugar and stir until fully dissolved, about 1–2 minutes.

Remove the pan from heat, add the black tea bags to the hot sugar water, and steep for 5 minutes for a robust flavor (6–7 minutes if you prefer stronger tea).

Remove and discard the tea bags, stirring in the fresh lemon juice. Transfer the concentrated sweet tea to a heatproof pitcher and add the remaining 4 cups of cold water. Stir to combine and cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator until cold (about 30–60 minutes).

When the tea is chilled, pour the sweet tea into a large pitcher and add the vodka (or light rum). Stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust: add up to 2 more tablespoons sugar while warm (if you prefer sweeter) or an extra tablespoon lemon juice for brightness.

To serve, fill individual glasses with about 1 cup of ice. Pour 8 ounces (about 1 cup) of the prepared Twisted Tea over ice per serving. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a mint sprig, if using.

Store any leftover mixed Twisted Tea in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. If storing longer, separate alcohol and tea; combine just before serving.