Iced Tea Recipe

Bring water to a boil

Pour 8 cups of water into a pot or kettle and bring just to a rolling boil over high heat.

Steep tea

Remove the pot from heat. Add 4 black tea bags (or the loose-leaf equivalent) to the hot water. Cover and let steep 5 to 7 minutes for a robust brew (3 to 4 minutes for a lighter tea).

Remove tea leaves

After steeping, remove and discard the tea bags or strain out the loose leaves to prevent bitterness.

Cool to room temperature

Allow the brewed tea to cool at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before refrigerating. This prevents cloudiness and helps preserve flavor.

Make simple syrup (if using granulated sugar)

If you prefer sugar, combine 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 cup hot water in a heatproof measuring cup or small saucepan. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves to make a 1:1 simple syrup. Cool slightly.

Dissolve honey (alternative)

If using honey instead of sugar, warm 1/2 cup honey with 1/2 cup hot water and stir until combined, or stir honey directly into the still-warm brewed tea so it dissolves evenly. Adjust quantity to taste.

Sweeten the tea

Once the brewed tea is warm (not piping hot), stir in the desired amount of simple syrup or honey to taste. Start with 1/4 cup syrup per 8 cups of tea and adjust. Taste and add more if you prefer sweeter iced tea.

Add lemon juice

Stir 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice into the cooled, sweetened (or unsweetened) tea. Taste and add more if you like a brighter citrus note.

Add lemon slices and mint

Add lemon slices and fresh mint leaves to the pitcher. Clap the mint between your palms once before adding to release aromatics.

Refrigerate

Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and chill at least 1 to 2 hours until cold. For quickest service, you can pour over ice immediately, but chilling yields the best clarity and flavor.

Adjust strength if needed

If the tea tastes too strong after chilling, dilute with up to 2 cups cold water to desired strength.

Serve

Fill glasses with ice (about 1/2 to 1 cup ice per glass). Pour the chilled iced tea over the ice. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a sprig of mint if desired.

Storage

Keep leftover iced tea covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Stir or shake gently before serving as some separation may occur.