Lemon Iced Tea Recipe
Make Lemon Iced Tea Recipe in just 1h 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Tea Base
Syrup / Sweetener
Lemon & Finish
Method
Tea Base
Steep the tea
Remove the boiling water from heat and let it sit for 30 seconds to cool slightly (to ~95°C / 203°F). Add 6 black tea bags to the hot water and steep for 4 to 6 minutes depending on desired strength (4 minutes for lighter, 6 for stronger).
Remove bags and cool briefly
Remove the tea bags, gently pressing them against the pot with the back of a spoon to extract flavor without tearing. Allow the brewed tea to cool at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes.
Syrup / Sweetener
Make simple syrup
In a small saucepan combine 60 ml water and 3 tablespoons granulated sugar. Heat over medium, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is clear (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly. If using honey instead of some sugar, stir 1 tablespoon honey into the warm syrup until incorporated.
Taste and adjust sweetness: start by adding half the syrup to the brewed tea, stir and taste. Add more syrup to reach desired sweetness. If you prefer no syrup, dissolve sugar directly into a small amount of hot tea instead.
Lemon & Finish
Add lemon juice
Once the tea has cooled slightly, stir in 60 ml (about 4 tablespoons) fresh lemon juice. Mix thoroughly so the citrus disperses evenly.
Combine tea and syrup
Pour the sweetened syrup into the lemon-tea mixture a little at a time, tasting as you go so the balance of sweet and tart suits your preference.
Chill
Transfer the lemon iced tea to a pitcher and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 1 hour. For faster cooling, add 1–2 cups of ice to the pitcher (the ingredients list includes 4 cups of ice for serving).
Serve
Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the chilled lemon iced tea over the ice, garnish each glass with a lemon slice and 2 mint leaves if using. Stir gently and serve immediately.
Make-ahead & storage
Store leftover iced tea in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If separation occurs, stir or shake gently before serving. Add fresh lemon slices and mint just before serving to preserve brightness.