Simple Iced Tea, Your Way
A refreshing and customizable iced tea recipe, perfect for any time of day, allowing you to choose your preferred tea and sweetener for a personalized beverage.
For 1 serving
Boil 240 ml (1 cup) of fresh water. For black tea, bring to a rolling boil (100°C/212°F). For green tea, let it cool slightly to about 80°C (175°F) to prevent bitterness.
Place 2 tea bags (or 1 tablespoon loose leaf tea in an infuser) into a heatproof mug or glass. Pour the hot water over the tea.
Steep the tea for 3-5 minutes for black tea, or 2-3 minutes for green tea. Adjust steeping time for desired strength. Remove the tea bags or infuser, ensuring no leaves remain.
Allow the brewed tea to cool at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes, or place it in the refrigerator for quicker chilling if time permits.
Fill a tall glass generously with ice cubes, about 1.5 cups worth.
Pour the cooled tea over the ice.
Add your preferred sweetener: 1-2 teaspoons of granulated sugar or honey, or 2-4 drops of liquid stevia. Stir well until the sweetener is fully dissolved.
Garnish with a lemon slice and/or a fresh mint sprig, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your personalized iced tea!
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Brew it Strong: When making iced tea, brew your tea stronger than usual. The melting ice will dilute the tea, so a concentrated brew ensures a robust flavor.
- 2Cold Brew Option: For an even smoother, less bitter iced tea, try cold brewing. Steep tea bags or loose leaf tea in cold water in the refrigerator overnight (8-12 hours), then strain.
- 3Sweetener Dissolution: If using granulated sugar or honey, dissolve it in the hot brewed tea before chilling to ensure it fully incorporates.
- 4Freshness Matters: Always use fresh, cold water for brewing, and store brewed tea in the refrigerator for no more than 2-3 days for optimal taste.
Adapt it for your goals.
Fruity Infusion
Add slices of fresh fruit like peaches, berries, or orange to the tea while it's cooling, or muddle them in the glass before serving for a natural fruit flavor.
Herbal Iced TeaHerbal Iced Tea
Substitute black or green tea with your favorite herbal tea bags (e.g., hibiscus, peppermint, chamomile) for a naturally caffeine-free and flavorful iced beverage.
Sparkling Iced TeaSparkling Iced Tea
After brewing and chilling, combine the tea with an equal part of sparkling water or club soda for a refreshing fizzy twist.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Both black and green teas are packed with antioxidants, particularly flavonoids and catechins, which help combat oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Hydration Support
Iced tea, especially unsweetened or lightly sweetened, is an excellent way to stay hydrated, contributing to overall bodily functions and energy levels.
Metabolism Boost (Green Tea)
Green tea contains compounds like EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) and caffeine, which can help boost metabolism and promote fat oxidation, aiding in weight management.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can brew a larger batch and store it in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just add ice and sweetener when serving.
