Tea By The Gallon Recipe
Make Tea By The Gallon Recipe in just 1h 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Base Tea
Sweetener (Optional)
Citrus & Flavoring (Optional)
Ice & Serving
Method
Brew Concentrate
Steep tea
Remove from heat. Add 20 black tea bags (or equivalent loose-leaf) to the hot water. Cover and steep for 6–7 minutes for a full-bodied base (5 minutes for lighter, 8–10 minutes for very strong).
Remove tea
Lift out the tea bags (or strain loose-leaf) and gently press the bags against the side of the pot with a spoon to extract flavor, then discard bags/leaves.
Sweeten (Optional)
While the brewed tea is still hot, add 1 cup granulated sugar (or 3/4 cup honey) if you want sweet tea. Stir until completely dissolved. Taste and adjust: add up to 1/4 cup more sugar for very sweet tea.
Dilute & Chill
Pour the sweetened (or unsweetened) concentrate into a clean one-gallon container or beverage dispenser. Add the remaining 1.9 liters of cold water to make up the full gallon. Stir to combine.
Allow the tea to cool at room temperature for 10–15 minutes, then refrigerate until chilled (at least 1–2 hours). If you need it quickly, add ice but be aware it will dilute the tea.
Add Flavorings & Serve
If using lemon or peach: add sliced lemons, peach slices, or a splash (about 1/4–1/2 cup) of peach concentrate to the chilled gallon and gently stir. Add mint sprigs for aroma (tuck them into the dispenser).