Lemonade, Sweet Or Unsweet Tea Recipe
Make Lemonade, Sweet Or Unsweet Tea Recipe in just 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Lemonade (makes about 8 cups / 2 liters)
Sweet or Unsweet Tea (makes about 8 cups / 2 liters)
Method
Lemonade (sweet or unsweet)
- 1
Juice lemons
Roll lemons on the counter to loosen juices, then cut in half and juice until you have 1 cup (about 6–8 medium lemons). Strain the juice through a fine mesh sieve into a measuring cup to remove seeds and excess pulp if desired.
- 2
Make simple syrup (for sweet lemonade)
In a small saucepan combine 1 cup hot water and 1 cup granulated sugar. Warm over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved and the liquid is clear (do not need to boil). Remove from heat and let cool slightly. If you prefer unsweetened lemonade, skip this step and proceed to mixing with no sugar.
- 3
Mix lemonade
In a large pitcher combine the strained lemon juice and the simple syrup (or no syrup for unsweetened). Add 6 cups cold water and stir well. Taste and adjust: for stronger lemonade reduce water by 1/2 cup; for tarter lemonade add up to 2 tablespoons more lemon juice; for sweeter lemonade add more simple syrup a tablespoon at a time.
- 4
Chill and serve
Add 2 cups of ice to the pitcher or pour over glasses filled with ice. Garnish with lemon slices and mint if using. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving if separation occurs.
Sweet or Unsweet Iced Tea
- 5
Brew the tea
Bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add 6 black tea bags (or loose-leaf equivalent in an infuser). Steep for 4–6 minutes depending on desired strength (4 minutes for lighter, 6 minutes for stronger). Do not over-steep to avoid bitterness. After steeping, remove tea bags or strain leaves.
- 6
Sweeten (optional)
While the tea is still hot, stir in 3 tablespoons granulated sugar if making sweet tea. Stir until completely dissolved. For sweeter tea, add additional sugar 1 tablespoon at a time, tasting as you go. For unsweet tea, skip this step.
- 7
Cool and dilute if needed
If the tea tastes too strong, add up to 1–2 cups cold water to dilute. Let the tea come to room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for 1–2 hours. To cool quickly, pour tea into a shallow container and place in the fridge or add ice directly to the pitcher (note: adding ice will dilute the tea).
- 8
Serve
Fill glasses with ice (about 1/2 to 1 cup per glass) and pour the chilled tea over the ice. Garnish with lemon slices if desired. Store leftover tea covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.