Boil fresh water. For each chosen tea, steep 1 tablespoon of loose leaf (or 1 tea bag) in 3/4 cup (180 ml) just-off-boiling water for the appropriate time: black tea 3–4 minutes, green tea 2–2.5 minutes at slightly cooler water (80–85°C), herbal tea 5–7 minutes. Use stronger-than-normal steeping so the final drink remains flavorful after dilution. Strain leaves or remove tea bags and let tea cool slightly (3–5 minutes).

Measure 1/2 cup of each brewed tea you want to include (for example: 1/2 cup black + 1/2 cup green for a blended cup). Total brewed tea should equal about 1 to 1 1/4 cups before adding ice and milk to yield a 12 oz cup after dilution.

Sweeten & Flavor

Add 1 tablespoon simple syrup (or honey) to the warm brewed tea so it dissolves easily. Stir to combine.

If using fruit syrup or puree, stir in 1 tablespoon now until incorporated. Add 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice to brighten flavors. Taste and adjust: add up to 1 additional teaspoon sweetener if a sweeter profile is desired.

If using mint for infusion, lightly clap 3–4 mint leaves between your palms to release oils and add to the warm tea for 30–60 seconds, then remove (or leave in for stronger mint flavor).

Assemble Drink

Fill a 12 oz cup with 6 ice cubes (about 1 cup by volume).

Pour the sweetened blended tea over the ice, leaving room at the top for milk/creamer if used. Aim for roughly 10–11 oz of liquid after ice melt/dilution.

If making a milk tea or tea latte, add 2 tablespoons milk and/or 1 tablespoon half-and-half. Stir gently to combine. For a layered presentation, pour milk slowly over the back of a spoon onto the iced tea.

Stir briefly and taste; adjust sweetness or lemon if needed.

Garnish & Serve

Garnish with a lemon wheel, a sprig of mint, or a slice of fresh fruit matching the flavor syrup used (peach slice, raspberry, etc.).

Serve immediately with a straw or long spoon. Provide optional extra syrup on the side for patrons to adjust sweetness.