Iced Tea Recipe
Chilled, Refreshing Brewed Tea, Perfectly Balanced For A Hot Day
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Ingredients
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Tea Base
Sweetener (optional)
Citrus & Aromatics (optional)
To Serve
Method
Tea Base
Brew the tea
Bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil. Place 6 black tea bags (or the loose-leaf equivalent — about 6 teaspoons) in a heatproof pitcher or large heatproof bowl. Pour the boiling water directly over the tea bags to ensure full extraction.
Steep
Let the tea steep for 5 to 7 minutes for a balanced strength. For a stronger brew, steep up to 8 minutes; for a lighter brew, reduce to 3–4 minutes. Avoid steeping more than 8 minutes to prevent bitterness.
Remove tea bags
After steeping, remove and discard the tea bags (or strain out loose leaves). If you prefer, gently press the bags against the side of the pitcher with a spoon to extract remaining flavor, but do not squeeze aggressively to avoid bitterness.
Sweetener (optional)
Prepare simple syrup (if using granulated sugar)
If using granulated sugar, combine 1 cup granulated sugar with 1/4 cup hot water in a small heatproof container and stir until fully dissolved to make a concentrated syrup. If you prefer less sweetness, start with 1/2 cup sugar and 1/4 cup hot water. Alternatively you can use 1 cup prepared simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water) in place of these two ingredients.
Sweeten the hot tea
While the brewed tea is still hot, stir in the prepared simple syrup (or granulated sugar and hot water mixture) until fully incorporated. Sweetening while hot helps the sugar integrate evenly. Taste and adjust sweetness to preference.
Citrus & Aromatics (optional)
Add lemon and mint
Slice the lemon into thin rounds or wedges. Add the lemon slices and 8 fresh mint leaves to the warm tea after sweetening (or to unsweetened tea if not using sugar). Gently bruise the mint leaves between your fingers before adding to release aroma. Let the tea cool slightly with lemon and mint for 10 minutes to infuse a subtle citrus and herbal note.
To Serve
Dilute and chill
Add 6 cups of cold water to the brewed tea to cool it down and adjust strength. Transfer the tea to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until cold. For a quicker chill, fill a large pitcher with ice and pour the warm tea over the ice then transfer to fridge after ice melts and tea cools.
Storage
Store leftover iced tea covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If sweetened, flavors will meld and intensify slightly; give a quick stir before serving.