Soda & Iced Tea (lg) Recipe

Chill glass: Fill a large (16–20 oz) serving cup with ice to chill while preparing the soda.

Measure syrup: Pour 2½ fl oz (about 5 tablespoons) of soda syrup or cola concentrate into a measuring cup. If using bottled ready soda, skip to step 5.

Combine: Empty the chilled cup of any excess meltwater (leave ice if desired). Add the measured syrup into the cup over the ice.

Top with carbonated water: Slowly pour 16 fl oz carbonated water or club soda over the syrup and ice to preserve fizz. Pour gently down the side of the cup.

Stir gently: Using a long spoon or straw, give the drink 2–3 gentle stirs to mix syrup and carbonation without flattening the soda.

Garnish and serve: Add an optional lemon or lime wedge on the rim. Serve immediately with a straw.

Bring water to a boil: In a small pot or kettle, bring 4 cups water to a rolling boil.

Steep tea: Remove from heat, add 3 black tea bags to the hot water, and steep for 4–5 minutes for regular strength (longer for stronger).

Sweeten: Remove tea bags, squeezing gently against the pot to extract flavor. While tea is still warm, stir in 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or 2 tbsp simple syrup) until completely dissolved.

Cool: Allow the sweetened brewed tea to cool for 10–15 minutes at room temperature, then transfer to a pitcher and add 8 fl oz cold water to dilute and chill slightly.

Assemble: Fill a large (16–20 oz) serving cup with 1 cup ice. Pour the chilled tea over the ice.

Garnish and serve: Add 2 lemon slices if desired and serve with a straw. For best results, serve immediately or refrigerate the brewed tea and serve within 24–48 hours.