Fresh Brewed Iced Tea Recipe
Make Fresh Brewed Iced Tea Recipe in just 1h 15m. 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 & Serve
Method
Tea Base
Steep tea
Place 8 teaspoons of loose black tea in a heatproof pitcher or use 6 tea bags. Pour the boiling water over the tea, cover the pitcher, and let steep for 5 minutes for a balanced strength (6 minutes for stronger tea).
Remove tea leaves
After steeping, strain out the loose leaves with a fine mesh strainer or remove tea bags. Press gently on bags or leaves to extract remaining liquid, then discard the leaves/bags.
Sweetener (optional)
Make simple syrup-style sweetener
If you want sweetened iced tea, combine 3 tablespoons granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons hot water in a small bowl or measuring cup. Stir until fully dissolved.
Stir the dissolved sugar into the hot brewed tea while still warm so it blends evenly. Taste and add up to 1 tablespoon more sugar if you prefer sweeter tea.
Finish & Serve
Dilute and cool
Stir in 4 cups cold water to the concentrated hot tea to bring it to serving strength and lower the temperature. This yields a balanced brew; adjust water if you prefer stronger or weaker tea.
Chill
Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until well chilled. For quicker cooling, add a couple handfuls of ice, stirring until cooler, then refrigerate.
Storage
Store leftover iced tea covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If separation or cloudiness occurs, stir before serving.