Té Helado Recipe
Make Té Helado Recipe in just 2h 45m. 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 & Aromatics (optional)
To Serve
Method
Tea Base
- 1
- 2
Steep tea
Place 6 black tea bags (or an equivalent amount of loose-leaf tea in a tea infuser) into a heatproof pitcher. Pour the boiling water over the tea. Let steep 5 to 7 minutes for medium strength; steep 3 to 4 minutes for lighter tea or 8 minutes for stronger flavor. Avoid over-steeping to prevent bitterness.
- 3
Remove tea bags
Remove and discard the tea bags (or remove the infuser). Gently press them against the side of the pitcher with a spoon to extract flavor, then discard.
- 4
Cool slightly
Let the brewed tea cool at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before chilling to avoid cloudiness and to allow room-temperature infusion of added citrus or sweeteners if used.
Sweetener (optional)
- 5
Make simple syrup (if sweetening)
If you want sweetened iced tea, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup hot water in a heatproof measuring cup or small saucepan. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved to make a simple syrup. Let cool slightly.
- 6
Add to tea
Stir the simple syrup into the warm-brewed tea to taste (use all for sweet tea, or start with 1/2 cup and increase). Mix thoroughly so the sweetener is fully incorporated while the tea is still warm.
Citrus & Aromatics (optional)
- 7
- 8
Infuse flavor
Add lemon slices, orange slices, and mint sprigs to the warm (not boiling) tea to allow gentle infusion. Let them steep with the tea as it cools for about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove mint after strong aroma develops to avoid bitterness.
Chill & Serve
- 9
Strain and refrigerate
If you used loose citrus or mint, strain the tea into a clean pitcher using a fine-mesh sieve. Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 2 hours (preferably 3–4 hours).
- 10
Serve over ice
Fill glasses with ice (about 1 cup ice per 8-12 oz glass). Pour chilled tea over the ice. Add a lemon slice and a mint leaf as garnish. Adjust sweetness with additional simple syrup or a squeeze of fresh lemon if desired.
- 11
Storage
Store leftover iced tea covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If cloudiness appears, stir gently before serving. Keep garnishes separate if you want them fresh longer.