Iced Tea Recipe

Time1h 30m

Serves8

Make Iced Tea Recipe in just 1h 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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1
Brew the tea
Bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and add 6 black tea bags (or a proportional amount of loose leaf tea in an infuser). Steep for 4–5 minutes for a clear, brisk iced tea; steep 6–8 minutes for a stronger brew. Avoid steeping longer than 10 minutes to prevent excessive bitterness.
2
After steeping, remove and discard the tea bags or strain out loose tea. Allow the brewed tea to cool slightly (5–10 minutes).

3
Make simple syrup (if sweetening)
While the tea is still warm, combine 1 cup granulated sugar with 1/4 cup hot water in a heatproof measuring cup or small saucepan. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves to make a concentrated syrup. This blends into cold tea better than adding dry sugar.
4
Stir the prepared simple syrup into the warm brewed tea to taste. Start with all if you want fully sweetened iced tea (about 1 cup sugar yields a medium-sweet pitcher). Mix thoroughly so the syrup is fully incorporated.

5
Prepare lemon and mint
If using lemon, slice the lemon into thin rounds or wedges. Lightly bruise the mint sprigs by clapping them between your palms or gently muddling to release aroma.
6
Add lemon slices and mint sprigs to the warm tea if you want their flavor infused. For a mild flavor, add now and remove after 15–30 minutes; for stronger flavor, leave in until chilled.

7
Cool and dilute: Pour the slightly cooled brewed tea into a large pitcher. Add 4 cups cold water (or adjust to taste) to bring the tea to serving strength and account for dilution from ice. Taste and adjust sweetness or dilution as needed.
8
Chill: Refrigerate the pitcher for at least 1–2 hours until cold. For faster cooling, fill the pitcher with ice (about 2 cups) and let sit until iced; this will dilute the tea, so reduce added cold water accordingly.
9
Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour iced tea over the ice. Garnish with lemon slices and a mint sprig if desired. Stir briefly and enjoy.
10
Storage: Keep leftover iced tea covered in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. If sweetened, flavor and clarity are best within 48 hours.