Iced Tea
Crisp, refreshing, and endlessly customizable, this classic American Iced Tea is the ultimate thirst-quencher. Black tea is steeped to perfection, then chilled and served over plenty of ice. Subtly sweetened with just enough sugar to balance the tea's natural briskness, it's a simple, timeless beverage ready in minutes.
For 4 servings
- boil · ~5 min
Boil the water.
Bring 4 cups of fresh, cold water to a rolling boil in a kettle or medium saucepan over high heat.
- other · ~4 min
Steep the tea.
Place the 4 tea bags in a heatproof pitcher. Carefully pour the boiling water over the tea bags. Let the tea steep for exactly 4 minutes, keeping it still.
TIPDon't stir or squeeze the tea bags while steeping. Squeezing releases excess tannins, making the tea bitter. - mix · ~1 min
Remove tea bags and sweeten.
Lift out and discard the tea bags. Stir in 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar while the tea is still warm, mixing until it dissolves completely.
- mix · ~60 min
Cool and chill the tea.
Let the sweetened tea cool at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then transfer the pitcher to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 1 hour, or until cold.
TIPFor faster chilling, only steep with 2 cups of water and pour the concentrated brew over the remaining 2 cups of ice-cold water. - assemble · ~1 min
Serve over ice.
Fill four tall glasses with ice cubes. Pour the chilled tea over the ice until each glass is full.
- garnish
Garnish with lemon slices and serve.
Add a thin slice of lemon to the rim or inside each glass. Serve immediately with a straw or long spoon.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Steep the tea for exactly 4 minutes — any longer extracts bitter tannins and ruins the flavor.
- 2Add the sugar while the tea is still hot so it dissolves fully; cold tea won't incorporate sugar evenly.
- 3For a crystal-clear iced tea, let the steeped tea cool completely before refrigerating to avoid cloudiness.
- 4Never squeeze the tea bags when removing them; squeezing releases bitter tannins and makes the tea harsh.
- 5Make a concentrate by steeping 4 bags in 2 cups of hot water, then dilute with 2 cups of cold water for quicker chilling.
- 6Store leftover unsweetened iced tea in the fridge for up to 3 days; add sugar only per serving to keep it fresh.
Adapt it for your goals.
Southern Sweet Tea
Double the sugar to 4 tablespoons while the tea is hot, then chill. Serve over ice with a mint sprig for that classic Southern-style sweetness.
Peach Iced TeaPeach Iced Tea
Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen peach slices to the pitcher while the tea steeps. Strain before chilling for a fruity, aromatic twist.
Herbal Citrus TeaHerbal Citrus Tea
Replace black tea with 4 bags of hibiscus or chamomile tea, and add 2 tablespoons of honey instead of sugar. Garnish with orange slices for a caffeine-free option.
Spiced Chai Iced TeaSpiced Chai Iced Tea
Steep the tea with 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 whole cloves, and a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger (sliced). Remove spices along with tea bags, then sweeten and chill.
Unsweetened & MintyUnsweetened & Minty
Omit the sugar entirely. Add 10 fresh mint leaves to the pitcher during steeping. Remove mint with the tea bags for a crisp, sugar-free refresher.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Black tea is naturally loaded with flavonoids, particularly theaflavins and thearubigins, which help support heart health and fight oxidative stress.
Low-Calorie Refresher
At just 32 calories per glass (with the recommended 2 tablespoons of sugar for the whole batch), this iced tea is a light alternative to sugary sodas or juices.
Naturally Caffeinated
Black tea provides a gentle, sustained energy lift without the jitters of coffee, making it a perfect mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
Sugar Control Option
You can easily reduce or omit the sugar to make a virtually zero-calorie beverage, ideal for those monitoring their sugar intake.
Frequently asked questions
Cloudiness is caused by tannins and caffeine binding together as the tea cools. To avoid it, let the tea cool to room temperature fully before refrigerating, or use a pinch of baking soda during steeping.
