Iced Tea Recipe
Make Iced Tea Recipe in just 1h 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Tea Concentrate
To Finish
Method
Tea Concentrate
Steep the tea
Bring 6 cups of water to a rolling boil. Place 6 black tea bags (or the equivalent amount of loose-leaf tea—about 6 teaspoons) in a heatproof pitcher or pot. Pour the boiling water over the tea and cover. Let steep for 8 minutes for a full-bodied flavor; steep up to 10 minutes if you prefer stronger tea.
Sweeten while hot
Remove the tea bags (or strain out the leaves). While the tea is still hot, stir in 1 cup granulated sugar until completely dissolved. Stir thoroughly so the sugar fully integrates into the hot tea, creating a sweet tea concentrate. Taste and adjust sugar if you prefer it sweeter or less sweet.
Allow the sweetened concentrate to cool at room temperature for about 30–45 minutes, then place it in the refrigerator to chill another 30 minutes if you want faster cooling. Do not add ice yet or it will dilute the flavor prematurely.
To Finish
Dilute and serve
When the tea concentrate is cool, pour it into a large pitcher and add 6 cups cold water. Taste and adjust the strength by adding more cold water if it’s too strong or more concentrate if too weak. Refrigerate if not serving immediately.
Fill glasses with ice (about 1 cup ice per serving glass). Pour iced tea over the ice. Add a lemon slice and a mint sprig to each glass if desired.
Serve immediately. Leftover iced tea keeps covered in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days; stir or shake before serving as separation may occur.