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Ingredients
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Tea Base
Optional Sweetener
To Serve
Method
Brew Tea
Steep tea
Place 4 teaspoons loose leaf black tea into an infuser or use 4 tea bags in a heatproof teapot or large heatproof pitcher. Pour the hot water over the tea. Steep black tea 3–5 minutes depending on desired strength (3 minutes for lighter, 5 for stronger). If using green tea, steep 1.5–2.5 minutes.
Remove leaves
Remove the tea leaves or bags from the water to stop extraction. Taste a small spoonful and adjust strength by re-steeping with fresh leaves if too weak.
Cool to serving temperature
If serving hot, proceed to serving. If serving iced or cold, allow the tea to cool at room temperature for 15–20 minutes, then refrigerate until chilled (about 30–60 minutes) or pour over ice immediately (see 'To Serve').
Sweetening Options
Granulated sugar (hot infusion)
If using granulated sugar, add 3 tablespoons to the hot brewed tea while it is still hot and stir until fully dissolved. Adjust amount to taste. Cooling after dissolving will incorporate the sweetness evenly.
Simple syrup (cold friendly)
If you prefer an immediately cold sweet tea, use 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water heated until sugar dissolves, then cooled) and stir into chilled tea or into iced tea so it mixes evenly without graininess.
To Serve
Hot: Pour the brewed tea into cups. Garnish with a lemon slice and a sprig of mint if desired.
Iced: Fill serving glasses with about 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice cubes (or more to preference). Pour chilled tea over the ice. Add lemon slices and mint leaves. Taste and add more sweetener (simple syrup recommended) if needed. Stir and serve immediately.
Storage: Refrigerate leftover chilled tea in a covered container for up to 3–4 days. If sweetened, it will keep a similar time; unsweetened tea may keep up to 5 days but flavor will degrade.