Snapple Recipe

Brew tea

Bring 3 cups of water to a near boil (about 200°F / 93°C). Remove from heat and add 3 black tea bags. Steep for 4–5 minutes for a medium-strength brew (steep up to 6 minutes if you prefer stronger). Avoid oversteeping to prevent bitterness.

After steeping, remove the tea bags, gently pressing them against the side of the pot with a spoon to extract liquid (do not squeeze too hard or it will become bitter).

Sweeten and flavor

While the tea is still hot, stir in 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon honey until fully dissolved. Add 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest. If making a fruit-flavored Snapple-style drink (peach, raspberry, etc.), stir in 1 teaspoon of natural peach extract or 1 tablespoon peach nectar now. Taste and adjust sweetness or fruit concentrate to preference.

Cool and dilute

Let the sweetened tea come to room temperature (about 10–15 minutes). Pour the brewed tea into a pitcher and add 1 cup cold water to dilute to a ready-to-drink strength. Refrigerate if you prefer it very cold, or proceed to serve over ice.

Assemble glass

Fill a serving glass with about 1 cup of ice cubes. Pour chilled tea over the ice. Garnish with a lemon slice and a mint sprig if desired.

Serve immediately. Leftover tea will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; stir before serving. Shake or stir again if any concentrated fruit extract has settled.