Iced Tea Recipe

Time1h 35m
Serves6

Make Iced Tea Recipe in just 1h 35m. 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)

Finish & Serve

Method

Tea Base

1

Steep the tea

Bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and add 6 black tea bags to a heatproof pitcher. Pour the boiling water over the tea bags. Cover the pitcher and steep for 5 to 7 minutes for medium strength (7–10 minutes for stronger tea).

2

After steeping, remove the tea bags, pressing gently against the side of the pitcher with a spoon to extract liquid but not to squeeze out bitter tannins.

Sweetener (optional)

3

Make a simple sugar solution

If you want sweetened iced tea, combine 3 tablespoons granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons hot water in a small heatproof cup. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves to form a concentrated syrup. Add the syrup to the warm tea and stir to combine. (If not using sugar, skip this step.)

Finish & Serve

4

Add 4 cups cold water to the pitcher to dilute the tea to drinking strength (adjust 3–5 cups to taste). Stir to combine.

5

Allow the tea to cool at room temperature for 15–20 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour until chilled.

6

Serve

Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour chilled tea over the ice. Garnish each glass with 1 lemon slice and 1 mint sprig. Serve immediately.