China Black Iced Tea Recipe

Inspired by Da Claudio

Time35m

Serves4

Make China Black Iced Tea Recipe in just 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 32 fl oz (about 1 liter) of fresh, filtered water to a rolling boil (about 205–212°F / 96–100°C). Use a kettle or saucepan.
2
Preheat teapot or pitcher
Pour a small amount of the boiling water into the teapot or heatproof pitcher, swirl to warm, then discard the rinse water. This helps maintain steeping temperature.
3
Steep the tea
Add 4 teaspoons of China black tea leaves to an infuser, teapot, or directly into the warmed pitcher. Pour the boiling water over the leaves and steep for 4 minutes for a bright, full-bodied brew (3–5 minutes acceptable depending on desired strength).
4
Strain
After steeping, strain the leaves out immediately to avoid over-extraction and bitterness. If leaves are loose in a pitcher, pour through a fine mesh sieve into a heatproof bowl or another pitcher.
5
Cool to room temperature
Let the strained tea cool at room temperature for 10–15 minutes, or place the container in an ice bath to speed cooling (do not add ice directly yet to avoid diluting).

6
Prepare simple syrup (if using)
If you don't have simple syrup, make it quickly: combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan (for example, 1/4 cup sugar + 1/4 cup water), heat gently while stirring until sugar dissolves, then cool. Use 2 tablespoons per batch or adjust to taste. You may substitute 1 tablespoon honey instead—stir it into the warm tea so it dissolves fully.
7
Add sweetener to the warm (but not piping hot) tea so it dissolves easily. Start with 2 tablespoons simple syrup or 1 tablespoon honey, taste, and add more if desired.

8
Add lemon
Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to brighten the tea. Taste and adjust (add up to 2 tablespoons if you like a more pronounced citrus note).
9
Chill and serve
Fill serving glasses with ice (about 6 cups total divided among 4 servings). Pour the cooled, sweetened, and flavored tea over the ice. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a mint sprig if desired.
10
Storage
Store any leftover unsweetened brewed tea in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If sweetened, use within 48 hours for best flavor.