Flavored Iced Tea Recipe

Boil water and steep tea

Bring 8 cups water to a rolling boil in a kettle or medium pot. Remove from heat, add 6 black tea bags (or equivalent loose tea in an infuser) and steep 5 to 6 minutes for a full-bodied flavor. For lighter tea steep 3 to 4 minutes.

Sweeten while hot

While tea is still hot, remove tea bags (squeeze gently to extract flavor, discard bags). Stir in 1 cup granulated sugar until fully dissolved. This makes a simple sweetened iced tea; reduce sugar to taste if desired.

Cool slightly and add lemon

Allow the sweetened tea to cool 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature, then stir in 1 cup fresh lemon juice. Mixing while warm help incorporate lemon and preserve brightness.

Prepare mint and fruit

Lightly bruise the mint leaves by clapping between your palms or gently muddling to release oils. Thinly slice 1 cup fresh peaches (or chosen fruit) if using. If using berries, rinse and drain.

Infuse tea with mint and fruit

Add the bruised mint leaves and sliced fruit to the warm (not boiling) sweetened tea. Let the mixture steep for 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature for a noticeable flavor infusion; for a subtler taste, steep 10 minutes. Taste after infusion and remove fruit or mint when desired intensity is reached.

Strain and refrigerate

Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pitcher to remove mint leaves and fruit solids. Refrigerate the pitcher until well chilled, about 1 to 2 hours. For faster chilling, place the sealed pitcher in an ice bath.

Assemble glasses

Fill glasses with ice (about 1 cup ice per serving). Pour chilled tea over ice, leaving room for garnish. Add a lemon slice and mint sprig to each glass. If desired, add a few fresh fruit slices into the glass for color and extra flavor.

Adjust sweetness and serve

Taste one serving and if additional sweetness is desired, stir in simple syrup or dissolve a little sugar in warm water and add to the pitcher. Serve immediately. Keeps refrigerated up to 3 days; stir before serving.