Canada Nestea Recipe

Steep the tea

Place 4 black tea bags (or 4 teaspoons loose leaf) in a heatproof pitcher. Pour 4 cups of boiling water over the tea. Let steep for 5 minutes for a bright-but-not-bitter brew; steep up to 7 minutes for a stronger flavor. Remove tea bags or strain leaves and discard.

Sweeten

While the tea is still hot, add 1 cup granulated sugar and stir until fully dissolved. This creates a concentrated sweet tea base (sugar dissolves best in hot liquid). Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.

Dilute and chill

Add 4 cups cold water to the sweetened tea to cool and dilute to serving strength. Stir to combine. Refrigerate the tea until thoroughly chilled, about 45–60 minutes, or place in an ice bath to cool faster (stir occasionally).

Prepare citrus

While the tea chills, juice enough lemons to yield 1/2 cup lemon juice and one orange to yield 1/4 cup orange juice. If using, zest one lemon to get about 1 tablespoon zest (avoid bitter white pith).

Brighten the tea

When the tea is chilled, stir in 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice and 1/4 cup fresh orange juice. Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and the 1 tablespoon lemon zest if using. Taste and adjust: add more lemon for tartness or more sugar (1–2 tablespoons) if you prefer sweeter.

Assemble servings

Fill 4 tall glasses with about 1 to 1.5 cups crushed ice each. Pour the chilled flavored tea over the ice, dividing evenly (about 2 cups tea per serving).

Garnish and serve

Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a sprig of fresh mint. Serve immediately with a straw. Optionally provide additional lemon wedges and extra sugar syrup on the side.