Iced Tea
A classic, refreshing pitcher of homemade iced tea, perfectly brewed and sweetened just right. The ultimate thirst-quencher for hot summer days, ready in minutes and easily customized.
For 6 servings
8 steps. 5 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a full rolling boil over high heat. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Once boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat
- a.Add the 8 black tea bags to the hot water. Cover the pan and let the tea steep for exactly 5 minutes. Steeping for longer can introduce bitterness.
- 3
After 5 minutes, carefully remove the tea bags using a slotted spoon
- a.Do not squeeze the bags, as this releases bitter tannins.
- 4
While the tea concentrate is still hot, add the granulated sugar
- a.Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved, about 1 minute.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Pour the hot, sweetened tea concentrate into a large, heat-safe pitcher (at least 2-quart capacity).
- 6
Add the remaining 4 cups of cold water to the pitcher and stir well to combine
- a.This helps cool the tea down faster.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Place the pitcher in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour, or until thoroughly cold.
- 8
To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes
- a.Pour the chilled iced tea over the ice. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and mint sprigs, if desired.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For crystal-clear iced tea, allow the boiled water to cool for 1-2 minutes before adding the tea bags. This temperature shock is often what causes cloudiness.
- 2To avoid diluting your tea, make iced tea cubes by freezing some of the prepared tea in an ice cube tray.
- 3For a classic Southern-style sweet tea, increase the sugar to 1 cup and add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to the boiling water to reduce bitterness.
- 4Make a simple syrup by dissolving the sugar in 1 cup of the boiling water separately. This ensures the sugar is fully dissolved before being added to the tea.
- 5Store leftover iced tea in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for the best flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Arnold Palmer
Fill a glass halfway with iced tea and top with an equal amount of lemonade for this classic refreshing drink.
Fruity Iced TeaFruity Iced Tea
Add a handful of fresh raspberries, sliced peaches, or strawberries to the pitcher while the tea chills to infuse it with fruit flavor.
Spiced Iced TeaSpiced Iced Tea
Add a cinnamon stick and a few whole cloves to the water along with the tea bags during the steeping process for a warm, spiced flavor.
Green Iced TeaGreen Iced Tea
Substitute black tea bags with green tea bags. Reduce the steeping time to 2-3 minutes to prevent bitterness.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Hydration
Since it's primarily made of water, iced tea is an excellent and flavorful way to stay hydrated, which is crucial for overall health, energy levels, and body temperature regulation.
Rich in Antioxidants
Black tea is a source of flavonoids, a type of antioxidant that helps combat free radicals in the body. These compounds are linked to benefits for heart health and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Boosts Mental Alertness
Black tea contains a moderate amount of caffeine, which can enhance focus, alertness, and cognitive function. It provides a gentle energy boost without the jitteriness sometimes associated with coffee.
Frequently asked questions
Each 1.5-cup serving of this iced tea contains approximately 100 calories, almost entirely from the granulated sugar. To reduce calories, you can decrease the amount of sugar or use a zero-calorie sweetener.