Soda & Iced Tea Recipe

Prepare glass and ice

Place 1 cup of crushed ice into a tall serving glass. If you prefer less dilution, use larger ice cubes instead of crushed ice.

Add flavoring

Pour 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice over the ice. The vanilla adds aromatic sweetness while lemon brightens the flavor.

Top with soda

Slowly pour 2 cups (about 16 fl oz) of club soda or sparkling water into the glass. Pour down the side to preserve carbonation. Stir gently once with a bar spoon to combine flavoring without flattening the soda.

Garnish and serve

Garnish with a lemon wheel and optional mint sprig. Serve immediately with a straw.

Heat water

Bring 4 cups of fresh water to a near boil (about 200°F / 93°C). If you don't have a thermometer, bring to a rolling simmer.

Steep tea

Remove from heat and add 4 black tea bags to the hot water. Cover and steep for 4–5 minutes for a balanced strength. For stronger tea steep 6–7 minutes, for lighter 3–4 minutes.

Sweeten while hot

Remove tea bags (gently press against the side with a spoon to extract liquid) and stir in 3 tablespoons granulated sugar until fully dissolved. Dissolving the sugar in the hot concentrate ensures even sweetness.

Add lemon and cool

Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice to the hot sweetened tea. Allow the tea to cool for 10–15 minutes at room temperature.

Finish pitcher

Pour the cooled tea into a 2-quart pitcher and add 4 cups cold water to dilute to serving strength. Add 2 cups of ice cubes and 4 lemon slices. Stir gently and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled (at least 30 minutes) or serve immediately over glasses filled with ice.

Serve

Pour iced tea into glasses over ice, garnish each with a lemon slice and optional mint sprig. Taste and adjust with additional sugar or lemon to taste before serving.