Sweetened Iced Tea Recipe

Brew the tea

Bring 4 cups of water to a near boil (about 200°F / 93°C). Remove from heat and add 4 black tea bags (or an equivalent amount of loose leaf tea—about 1 tablespoon per bag). Let steep for 5 minutes for a standard-strength brew or up to 7 minutes for a stronger tea. Avoid steeping much longer to prevent bitterness.

Make simple syrup

While the tea steeps, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup hot water in a heatproof container or small saucepan. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. If you prefer less sweetness, start with 3/4 cup sugar and adjust later to taste.

Combine and cool

After the tea has steeped, remove and discard the tea bags (or strain loose leaves). Pour the hot brewed tea into a heatproof pitcher. Stir in the prepared simple syrup until fully incorporated. Add 4 cups cold water to the pitcher to dilute to desired strength. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more syrup or water if needed.

Chill and serve

Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour until chilled. To serve, fill glasses with ice (about 1 cup ice per glass) and pour the chilled sweetened tea over the ice. Garnish each glass with a lemon wedge or slice from the fresh lemon and a mint sprig if desired.

Storage

Store leftover sweetened iced tea in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Stir before serving, as separation can occur.