Iced Tea Recipe
Make Iced Tea Recipe in just 1h . 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 & Flavoring (optional)
Finish & Serve
Method
Tea Base
Steep the tea
Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and add 4 black tea bags (or equivalent loose tea in an infuser). Cover and steep for 5 minutes for standard strength, 7–8 minutes for a stronger brew. Do not over-steep more than 10 minutes to avoid bitterness.
Remove tea leaves
After steeping, remove the tea bags or strain out the loose leaves. Press gently on tea bags against the side of the pot with a spoon if you want a slightly stronger flavor, then discard the bags/leaves.
Sweetener (optional)
Make quick simple syrup (if using)
If you prefer liquid sweetener that dissolves well in iced tea, combine 1/4 cup sugar (or 1/4 cup water + 1/4 cup sugar for classic 1:1 simple syrup) in a small saucepan with an equal amount of water and warm until sugar dissolves. For this recipe assume 2 tablespoons of prepared simple syrup will be used per serving; allow to cool. (Alternatively stir 1 tablespoon granulated sugar or 1 teaspoon honey directly into the hot tea so it dissolves.)
Sweeten the warm tea
While the brewed tea is still warm, add your chosen sweetener: 1 tablespoon granulated sugar or 1 teaspoon honey per serving or about 2 tablespoons simple syrup for the batch. Stir until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust to preference.
Citrus & Flavoring (optional)
Prepare citrus and herbs
Roll the lemon on the counter and cut into wedges; slice 2 thin rounds of orange. Gently clap mint leaves between your palms to release aroma.
Add flavor to the tea
Add lemon wedges, orange slices, and mint to the warm tea to infuse for 5–10 minutes. Remove mint leaves after a short steep to avoid becoming bitter. If you prefer a cleaner lemon flavor, squeeze 1–2 wedges of lemon into the tea and discard the rinds.
Finish & Serve
Dilute and chill
Add 2 cups cold water to the brewed tea to bring it to a balanced strength and temperature. Transfer the tea to a pitcher and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled (about 30–60 minutes). For faster chilling, pour over a large amount of ice, noting this will slightly dilute the tea.