Iced Tea Recipe

Time1h 20m

Serves8

Make Iced Tea Recipe in just 1h 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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1
Steep the tea
Bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and add the 6 black tea bags (or equivalent loose-leaf in an infuser). Cover and steep for 5 to 7 minutes for a full-bodied tea; steep 3 to 4 minutes for a lighter brew.
2
Remove tea bags
After steeping, remove the tea bags, gently pressing them against the side of the pot with a spoon to extract flavor (do not squeeze aggressively to avoid bitterness). Let the hot tea cool for 5–10 minutes at room temperature.

3
Make simple syrup-like dissolve
If you want sweetened iced tea, combine 3 tablespoons granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons hot water and stir until fully dissolved. Stir the dissolved sugar into the warm tea. Taste and adjust sweetness: add up to 1–2 additional tablespoons sugar dissolved in a little hot water if desired.

4
Dilute and cool
Pour the steeped tea into a heatproof pitcher. Add 4 cups cold water to dilute to iced-tea strength and stir to combine. Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Refrigerate until well chilled, at least 1 hour (or place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes then add ice to chill faster).
5
Serve
Fill glasses with ice (about 1/2 to 1 cup per glass). Pour chilled tea over the ice. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and 2 fresh mint leaves if using. Stir before drinking.
6
Make-ahead & storage
Store leftover iced tea covered in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. If separation occurs, stir before serving. Add fresh lemon and ice only when serving to avoid dilution and bitterness.