Flavored Iced Tea Recipe

Bring water to near-boil

Pour 10 cups of fresh cold water into a large saucepan or kettle and bring to a rolling boil.

Steep tea

Remove from heat and add 6 black tea bags (or equivalent loose-leaf in an infuser). Steep for 5 minutes for a balanced, not overly bitter flavor. For stronger tea steep 7–8 minutes; for lighter steep 3–4 minutes.

Remove tea bags

Remove and discard the tea bags (or strain out the leaves).

Make simple syrup

While the tea is hot, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup of the freshly brewed hot tea in a heatproof measuring cup or small saucepan. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves (about 2–3 minutes). If using honey, warm the honey slightly and stir 2 tablespoons into the hot tea instead of (or as part of) the sugar syrup.

Taste the sweetened tea and adjust sweetness by adding more syrup or honey to taste. Remember that dilution from ice will reduce perceived sweetness.

Prepare citrus and ginger

Thinly slice 1 lemon and half an orange. Lightly bruise the mint leaves by clapping or gently crushing between your fingers to release oils. Peel and thinly slice 1 tablespoon fresh ginger.

Add flavor to tea

Pour the hot sweetened tea into a large heatproof pitcher. Add the lemon slices, orange slices (if using), ginger slices, and the bruised mint leaves to the pitcher while the tea is still warm so the flavors infuse. Stir gently.

Cool and infuse

Let the tea come to room temperature (about 20–30 minutes) to allow flavors to meld, then refrigerate the pitcher uncovered for at least 1–2 hours, or up to 4 hours for a more pronounced infusion. For quicker cooling, place the pitcher in an ice bath or add a few ice cubes (remember to account for dilution).

Strain and adjust

Before serving, strain out the citrus slices, ginger, and mint if you prefer a clear drink. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity: add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if brighter acidity is desired, or more simple syrup/honey for sweetness.

Serve over ice

Fill glasses with ice (about 1 cup ice per serving). Pour the chilled flavored iced tea over the ice. Garnish each glass with a lemon wheel or mint sprig.

Store any leftover tea covered in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Stir or shake before serving, as flavors may settle.