Iced Tea Recipe

Inspired by Cowgirl

Time1h 35m

Serves8

Make Iced Tea Recipe in just 1h 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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1
Boil water
Bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil in a kettle or large pot.
2
Steep tea
Place 6 black tea bags (or an equivalent amount of loose-leaf tea in an infuser—about 6 teaspoons) into a heatproof pitcher or large heatproof container. Pour the boiling water directly over the tea bags. Cover and steep for 5 to 7 minutes for a bright, full-bodied iced tea; steep 7 to 10 minutes for a stronger brew. Avoid steeping longer than 10 minutes to prevent pronounced bitterness.
3
Remove tea bags
After steeping, remove the tea bags or strain out the leaves. Press the tea bags lightly against the side of the pitcher with a spoon if you want a slightly stronger flavor, then discard them.

4
Make simple syrup (if using granulated sugar)
If you prefer sweetened tea, combine 1 cup granulated sugar with 1/4 cup hot water in a heatproof bowl or measuring cup. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved to make a concentrated simple syrup. (Alternatively, dissolve sugar directly into the hot brewed tea while it's still warm.)
5
Sweeten the tea
Stir the prepared simple syrup into the hot tea to taste. Start with half the syrup and add more if you prefer sweeter tea. Mixing while warm ensures the sweetener incorporates evenly.

6
Dilute and cool
Add 6 cups of cold water to the brewed tea to dilute the concentrate to a refreshing strength (adjust between 5–8 cups to taste). Stir to combine. Let the tea cool at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.
7
Chill
Refrigerate the tea uncovered until chilled, about 1 to 2 hours. For faster chilling, pour the tea into a shallow container or add a generous amount of ice (see next step) and then transfer to the fridge.
8
Serve
Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the chilled tea over the ice. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice or wedge and a sprig of fresh mint if desired. Taste and adjust sweetness or lemon as needed.
9
Make ahead and store
Store leftover iced tea in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. If the tea settles or concentrates over time, stir before serving. If tea becomes cloudy when chilled, that's normal; shake or stir to reincorporate.