Drinks Recipe

Citrus Honey Iced Tea (Yields 4 servings)

1. 1

   Brew the tea

   Bring 4 cups of water to a near boil (about 200°F / just off a full boil). Remove from heat and add 4 black tea bags. Steep for 4–5 minutes for a balanced strength. For a smoother flavor, briefly pour 1/2 cup of the near-boiling water over the tea bags in a small cup to bloom them for 30 seconds before combining with the rest of the water.

2. 2

   Sweeten with honey

   While the tea is still hot, remove the tea bags (gently pressing against the side with a spoon to extract flavor, but avoid squeezing bitter tannins). Stir in 3 tablespoons honey and 1 pinch salt until fully dissolved. The pinch of salt brightens the flavors.

3. 3

   Add citrus

   Stir in 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice and 1/2 cup fresh orange juice to the warm sweetened tea. Taste and adjust: if too tart, add up to 1 additional tablespoon honey; if too strong, plan to add more cold water when chilling.

4. 4

   Chill and dilute

   Pour the tea into a heatproof pitcher and add 2 cups cold water and 2 cups of ice. The cold water and ice will quickly bring the temperature down and dilute the concentrate to a pleasant strength. If you prefer unsweetened or less sweet, add up to 1 cup additional cold water. Stir gently to combine.

5. 5

   Serve

   Fill 4 glasses with ice, pour the chilled citrus honey tea over the ice. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice, an orange slice, and a mint sprig if using. Serve immediately.

6. 6

   Make-ahead & storage

   The brewed, sweetened, and citrus-mixed tea can be refrigerated in a sealed pitcher for up to 3 days. Add fresh ice and garnishes just before serving. If storing longer than a day, keep juices separate and add when serving for brightest flavor.