Lemon & Lime Ice Tea Jar Recipe

Brew the tea

Bring 1.5 liters of water to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and add 6 black tea bags (or an equivalent amount of loose-leaf tea in an infuser). Steep for 5 minutes for a balanced strength; 7 minutes for stronger flavor. Avoid oversteeping to prevent bitterness.

Remove the tea bags or strain out loose leaves, gently pressing the bags against the side to extract liquid (do not squeeze them hard). Allow the brewed tea to cool at room temperature for about 15 minutes.

Prepare citrus

While the tea cools, juice fresh lemons and limes to get 120 ml lemon juice and 60 ml lime juice. Strain the juices through a fine sieve to remove seeds and pulp if you prefer a clear iced tea.

Make or measure simple syrup

If you don't have simple syrup ready, combine equal parts granulated sugar and water (for example 150 ml sugar + 150 ml water) in a small saucepan, heat gently until sugar dissolves, then cool to room temperature. Use 150 ml of the prepared simple syrup, or adjust to taste.

Once the brewed tea is warm (not hot), stir in the lemon juice, lime juice, and 150 ml simple syrup. Mix thoroughly so the sweetener dissolves and the citrus is evenly distributed.

Dilute and chill

Pour the tea mixture into a large jar or pitcher. Add 800 ml cold water to dilute to the desired strength and to help chill the tea more quickly. Taste and adjust: add more syrup if you like it sweeter, or more water if too strong.

Refrigerate

Cover and refrigerate the jar for at least 1 hour, or until well chilled. For best flavor melding, refrigerate 2–4 hours.

Serve

When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes (about 1 cup ice per serving). Pour the chilled lemon & lime iced tea over the ice. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice, a lime slice, and a sprig of fresh mint if using. Stir once before drinking.

Leftovers: keep refrigerated up to 3–4 days. If separation occurs, stir or gently shake before serving.