Fresh Brewed Iced Tea Recipe
Make Fresh Brewed Iced Tea Recipe in just 1h 45m. 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 & Garnish
Method
Tea Base
- 1
- 2
Steep the tea
Remove the pot from heat. Add 6 black tea bags (or equivalent loose leaf) to the hot water, submerging them fully. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes for a bright, slightly astringent tea; steep 7–8 minutes for a stronger brew. Avoid more than 10 minutes to prevent excessive bitterness.
- 3
Remove tea bags
After steeping, remove the tea bags (or strain out loose leaf). Gently press each bag against the side of the pot with a spoon to extract flavor, but do not squeeze so hard that bitter tannins are released.
Sweetener (optional)
- 4
Make simple syrup (if using)
If you want sweet tea, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup hot water in a heatproof measuring cup or small saucepan. Stir until sugar fully dissolves into a clear syrup. Allow to cool slightly (2–3 minutes).
- 5
Sweeten the tea
Stir the prepared syrup into the warm brewed tea until evenly incorporated. Taste and add more syrup if you prefer sweeter tea. If you prefer an unsweetened version, skip this step.
Finish & Chill
- 6
Add lemon
Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice to the brewed tea. Adjust to taste — more lemon for a brighter, tart flavor.
- 7
Cool to room temperature
Allow the tea to cool at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, uncovered, until it stops steaming.
- 8
Chill
Transfer the cooled tea to a pitcher and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 1 hour. For quicker chilling, place the covered pitcher in an ice bath for 15–20 minutes.
- 9
