Name: THE SMOKE PITs SODA / TEA / LEMONADE Recipe
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 6 cups water (for steeping); 4 units black tea bags; 3 tbs granulated sugar; 2 tbs fresh lemon juice; 2 cups ice; 4 slices lemon slices (garnish); 4 sprigs fresh mint (optional, garnish); 1 cup fresh lemon juice; 1 cup water (for syrup); 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 cups cold water (to dilute); 2 cups ice; 6 slices lemon slices (garnish); 4 cups club soda or sparkling water; 2 tbs simple syrup (see note); 1 tbs fresh lime juice; 4 twists orange or lemon twist (garnish); 2 cups ice

Method

Iced Tea (black tea base)

Brew the tea

Bring 6 cups of water to a near boil (just below boiling). Remove from heat and add 4 black tea bags. Steep for 4–5 minutes for a clear, balanced brew. Do not over-steep to avoid bitterness.

Sweeten and cool

Remove and discard tea bags, gently pressing them against the side of the pot to extract remaining liquid. While tea is still warm, stir in 3 tablespoons granulated sugar until dissolved. Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled (about 30–45 minutes) or cool quickly by adding ice.

Serve

Fill glasses with ice (about 1/2 cup per glass). Pour chilled tea over ice. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a sprig of mint if using. Adjust sweetness to taste with additional sugar or simple syrup.

Homemade Lemonade (concentrate)

Make lemon syrup (concentrate)

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar. Warm over medium heat, stirring until sugar fully dissolves to make a clear simple syrup. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Mix lemonade

In a pitcher, combine 1 cup fresh lemon juice with the cooled simple syrup. Add 3 cups cold water and stir until uniform. Taste and adjust: for stronger lemonade, add up to 1/2 cup more water or more lemon to taste.

Chill and serve

Refrigerate until cold or serve immediately over ice (about 1/2 cup ice per glass). Garnish with lemon slices. Keep leftover concentrate refrigerated up to 5 days; dilute to taste before serving.

Simple Soda (sparkling citrus soda)

Prepare simple syrup (if not available)

If you don't have premade simple syrup, make 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water warmed until sugar dissolves; cool before using. For this recipe use 2 tablespoons of syrup per 4 cups soda.

Assemble soda

Fill a serving pitcher or individual glasses with ice. Pour 4 cups club soda over the ice. Stir in 2 tablespoons simple syrup and 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice. Taste and add more syrup for sweetness or more lime for brightness.

Serve

Garnish with an orange or lemon twist and a lime wheel if desired. Serve immediately to keep carbonation lively.

Soda / Tea / Lemonade Recipe