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
Bring water to a boil
Pour 8 cups of cold water into a kettle or large saucepan and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
2
Steep the tea
Remove the boiling water from heat. Add 6 black tea bags (or equivalent loose leaf in an infuser). Cover and let steep for 5 minutes for a brisk flavor or up to 7 minutes for a stronger brew. Avoid more than 8 minutes to prevent excessive bitterness.
3
Remove tea bags
After steeping, remove and discard the tea bags (or remove the infuser). Gently press tea bags against the side with a spoon to extract flavor if desired, but avoid over-pressing which can increase bitterness.

4
Prepare simple syrup (if sweetening)
If you want sweetened iced tea, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup hot water in a heatproof container. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved to make a concentrated syrup. (For lighter sweetness, use 3/4 cup sugar or reduce to taste.)
5
Sweeten the tea
Stir the prepared simple syrup into the hot brewed tea until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more syrup or plain sugar dissolved in a little hot water.

6
Add lemon and dilute
While the tea is still warm, stir in 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice. If the concentrate is too strong for your preference, add up to 2 cups cold water to reach desired strength and volume. Taste and adjust lemon or sweetness.
7
Chill
Allow the tea to cool to room temperature (about 20–30 minutes), then transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until cold. For faster chilling, pour tea into a shallow container to increase surface area, or add ice (note: ice will dilute the tea).
8
Serve over ice
Fill glasses with ice (about 1 cup ice per glass). Pour chilled tea over the ice, garnish with lemon slices and a mint sprig if desired. Stir before drinking. Serve immediately.
9
Storage
Store any leftover iced tea in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Stir before serving. If tea tastes flat after storing, brighten with a squeeze of fresh lemon or a small splash of simple syrup.