Easy Homemade Iced Tea

TahiraJaved

This homemade iced tea uses classic black tea bags steeped for exactly 5 minutes, then sweetened with hot dissolved sugar and brightened with fresh lemon juice. Cold water dilutes the tea to a refreshing strength before chilling. Ready in about 10 minutes of hands on work, it is a refreshing pitcher for backyard lunches, picnics, and hot weeknight dinners.

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Prep Time 10

Steep & Chill Time 2 5

Total Time 2 15

Servings: 8 servings (about 1 cup each)

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Calories: 80

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Tea

8 black tea bags regular size
4 cups water boiling
4 cups water cold
3/4 cup granulated sugar

For Serving

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 lemon thinly sliced
8 sprigs fresh mint optional
Ice cubes for serving

Equipment

1 Large heatproof measuring jug or saucepan At least 6 cups capacity; suitable for boiling water
1 Pitcher At least 3 quarts capacity
1 Fine mesh strainer For stray tea leaves
1 Long handled spoon
1 Citrus juicer

Method

Bring 4 cups of water to a full boil, then remove from the heat.
Pour the hot water over the tea bags in a large heatproof measuring jug or saucepan and steep for exactly 5 minutes.
Remove the tea bags without squeezing them.
Stir in the sugar until fully dissolved, then add the lemon juice.
Add the 4 cups of cold water and stir well. Transfer to a pitcher with at least 3 quarts capacity.
Cover and chill for at least 2 hours, then serve over ice with lemon and mint.

Steep for exactly 5 minutes and remove the bags promptly to keep the tea clear and smooth.

Notes

Use a mellow black tea, since very strong teas can taste bitter when chilled.
Dissolve the sugar in the hot tea, not the cold, to avoid grainy sediment.
Add mint and lemon slices only when serving so they stay bright.
Steep for 5 minutes, then chill for at least 2 hours.

Storage: Keep brewed iced tea in a covered glass pitcher or sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not leave it out for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F. Freeze leftover tea in ice cube trays for up to 3 months.