Hot Or Iced Tea Recipe

Bring water to a boil in a kettle or saucepan. Use about 6 cups of water for a strong concentrate if making iced tea, or 12 cups for multiple hot servings.

Measure Tea

If using tea bags: use 1 standard tea bag per 8–12 ounces (use 2 bags for this recipe batch). If using loose-leaf: use 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces (use 2 tablespoons for this batch).

Place tea bags or loose-leaf tea (in an infuser) into a heatproof teapot or large heatproof pitcher.

Pour the boiling water over the tea, cover, and steep. Steeping time: 3–5 minutes for black tea (stronger at 5), 2–3 minutes for green tea, and 5–7 minutes for herbal tea. Do not over-steep green tea to avoid bitterness.

After steeping, remove tea bags or strain out leaves to stop infusion.

While tea is still hot, add granulated sugar or honey to taste so it dissolves easily. Typical starting amounts: 1–2 tablespoons of sugar or 1 tablespoon honey per 12-cup batch; adjust per cup when serving.

For quick cold-friendly sweetening, stir in simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water heated until sugar dissolves, cooled) so the sweetener mixes without needing heat.

Add lemon slices or bruised mint leaves to the hot tea if you want infused citrus or mint flavor; remove leaves before chilling if making iced tea.

If making iced tea, prepare a brew stronger than usual (use same tea amount but less water or steep a bit longer) to allow for ice dilution.

Allow the brewed tea to cool at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 1–2 hours, or fill a pitcher with ice and pour the hot tea over the ice for quick chilling (this will dilute; use stronger brew accordingly).

If chilled concentrate was used, add 1–2 cups cold water to taste before serving to reach desired strength.

Serve over ice cubes in glasses. Garnish with lemon wedge and fresh mint if desired.

Pour hot tea into cups. Add milk or cream to taste if desired (start with about 1–2 tablespoons per cup).

Add sweetener (sugar or honey) to individual cups if preferred and stir until dissolved. Garnish with lemon wedge or mint.

Serve immediately while hot.