Twisted Tea Recipe

Brew the Tea

Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and add 4 black tea bags. Steep for 5 minutes for a full-bodied flavor, or 3 minutes if you prefer a milder tea. Remove and discard the tea bags, gently pressing them against the side of the pot with a spoon to extract extra flavor.

Sweeten and Brighten

While the tea is still hot, stir in 1 cup granulated sugar until fully dissolved. Add 1 cup fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon lemon zest (if using) and stir until combined. Taste and adjust sweetness or lemon to preference. Allow the sweetened tea to cool to room temperature (about 20–30 minutes).

Add Peach Flavor

Stir 1 cup peach nectar or peach puree into the cooled tea. If using puree and you want a smoother drink, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove solids.

Infuse with Fruit and Herbs

Add 1 sliced lemon and sliced peach (if using) and 8 mint leaves to the pitcher. Gently bruise the mint leaves with the back of a spoon before adding to release aroma. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours, to allow flavors to meld.

Dilute and Chill

Before serving, add 4 cups cold water to the pitcher and stir. Taste and adjust: if too strong, add more cold water; if too sweet, add more lemon juice; if too weak, add a small extra amount of peach nectar.

Serve Over Ice

Fill glasses with ice (about 1 cup ice per serving). Pour the tea mixture into glasses, leaving room for optional fizz or alcohol. If making alcoholic twisted tea, add 2 tablespoons (per serving) of vodka to each glass and stir gently.

Optional Fizz & Garnish

Top each glass with up to 1/4 cup club soda or sparkling water for a light effervescence (optional). Garnish with a lemon slice, a peach slice, and a sprig of mint. Serve immediately.