Snapple Recipe

Brew the tea

Bring 4 cups water to a near boil (about 200°F / 93°C). Remove from heat and steep 4 black tea bags for 4–5 minutes for a medium-strength brew (adjust steep time for desired strength).

Remove tea bags, gently pressing them against the side of the pot with a spoon to extract flavor but avoid bitterness. Allow tea to cool for 10 minutes at room temperature.

Transfer the brewed tea to the refrigerator and chill until cold, about 30–45 minutes, or continue with the next steps using a splash of cold water to speed cooling.

Once chilled, add 4 cups filtered cold water to the brewed tea to make a lighter, ready-to-drink strength similar to bottled iced tea (this yields about 8 cups of tea base total).

While the tea is still slightly warm (or once reheated slightly), dissolve 1 tbsp granulated sugar into the tea by stirring. If using honey, stir 1 tsp honey in as well. If tea is fully chilled and sugar won't dissolve, make a simple syrup: heat 1 tbsp sugar with 1 tbsp water until dissolved, then cool and add.

Add 2 tsp fresh lemon juice to the tea base and 2 tbsp fruit concentrate or puree if using (peach for classic Snapple flavor, raspberry or lemon for variations). Stir thoroughly to integrate. Taste and adjust sweetness or fruit intensity as desired—add up to 1 more tbsp sugar or 1 tsp honey if you prefer sweeter.

Fill a tall glass with 1/2 cup ice (adjust to preference). Pour 1 cup of the prepared tea base over the ice, leaving room for carbonation. Gently top with 1/2 cup chilled club soda or sparkling water (for a fizzy Snapple-style drink). Stir once gently to combine without flattening the soda.

Garnish with a slice of lemon or peach and a sprig of mint. Serve immediately. Store any remaining tea base refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3–4 days; add club soda only when serving to retain fizz.