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
Sweetening (optional)
Flavor & Finish
Method
Tea Base
Brew
Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and add 4 black tea bags. Steep for 4 to 6 minutes depending on desired strength (4 minutes for lighter, 6 minutes for robust).
Remove and discard the tea bags, gently pressing them against the side of the container with a spoon to extract flavor but not bitterness.
Allow the brewed tea to cool at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before refrigerating to speed chilling and avoid cloudy ice dilution.
Sweetening (optional)
If using granulated sugar: while the tea is still warm, stir in 1 tablespoon granulated sugar until fully dissolved. If you prefer an easier cold-sweetening option, stir in 2 tablespoons simple syrup after chilling.
Taste and adjust sweetness: add more simple syrup or dissolved sugar to reach your preferred sweetness level, a tablespoon at a time.
Flavor & Finish
Once the tea is cooled to room temperature, transfer it to the refrigerator and chill at least 30 minutes (or until cold).
Fill two serving glasses with ice (about 1 cup ice per glass). Pour the chilled tea evenly over the ice.
Stir in 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice per glass (2 teaspoons total) and taste; add more if desired.
Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and two mint leaves if using. Serve immediately.