Iced Black Tea Recipe
Make Iced Black Tea Recipe in just 1h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Tea Base
Sweetener (optional)
Finish & Serve
Method
Tea Base
- 1
- 2
Steep tea
Place 8 teaspoons of loose-leaf black tea in a heatproof pitcher or use 8 black tea bags. Pour the boiling water over the tea, cover, and steep for 5 minutes for a bright full-bodied tea (steep 4–6 minutes depending on desired strength).
- 3
Strain and cool
Remove tea leaves or tea bags. If using loose leaf, strain the tea through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pitcher. Allow the brewed tea to cool at room temperature for 15–20 minutes, then refrigerate until chilled (about 30–60 minutes) or proceed with iced-down method below.
Sweetener (optional)
- 4
Make simple syrup (quick)
If you want sweetened iced tea, combine 4 tablespoons granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons hot water in a small bowl or measuring cup. Stir until sugar is fully dissolved to make a quick syrup. Stir the syrup into the warm or cooled tea until evenly mixed. (Alternatively: make a 1:1 simple syrup by heating equal parts water and sugar until dissolved; cool before adding.)
Finish & Serve
- 5
Ice and garnish
Fill glasses with ice (about 1 cup ice per serving). Pour chilled tea over the ice, about 1 to 1¼ cups per glass. Add a lemon slice and 1–2 fresh mint leaves per glass if desired.
- 6
Serve
Serve immediately. Store any leftover tea in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Stir or shake before serving if sugar settled.