Stevia-Sweetened Iced Tea
Crisp, refreshing iced tea sweetened naturally with stevia for a guilt-free summer cooler. This simple recipe uses black tea bags steeped to perfection, then chilled and served over ice with a bright squeeze of fresh lemon. Ready in minutes and perfect for sipping all day long.
For 4 servings
- boil · ~5 min
Boil the water.
Pour 4 cups of filtered water into a medium saucepan and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- boil · ~5 min
Steep the tea.
1.Remove the saucepan from the heat once the water reaches a rolling boil.2.Add 4 black tea bags to the hot water and submerge them gently with a spoon.3.Let the tea steep for exactly 5 minutes for a balanced, not bitter flavor.TIPDon't over-steep the tea bags beyond 5 minutes or the iced tea will taste bitter. Set a timer! - mix · ~1 min
Sweeten with stevia.
1.Carefully remove and discard the tea bags.2.Add 1 teaspoon of powdered stevia to the hot tea.3.Stir well until the stevia dissolves completely.TIPDissolving stevia in hot tea ensures it blends seamlessly without any graininess. - rest · ~60 min
Cool the tea.
Pour the sweetened tea into a heatproof pitcher and let it cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 1 hour.
TIPFor faster chilling, place the pitcher in an ice bath and stir for a few minutes before refrigerating. - assemble
Fill glasses with ice.
Fill four serving glasses generously with ice cubes.
- serve
Pour and garnish the iced tea.
1.Pour the chilled tea over the ice-filled glasses.2.Garnish each glass with a slice of lemon and a sprig of fresh mint.3.Serve immediately while cold.
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 5 minutes; longer steeping releases tannins that make the tea bitter.
- 2Dissolve stevia in the hot tea immediately after steeping to ensure even sweetness without graininess.
- 3Chill the tea completely before serving over ice to prevent rapid dilution and a watery drink.
- 4Use filtered water for a cleaner, purer flavor since tap water can add off-notes to the tea.
- 5For a clearer iced tea, let the brewed tea cool in the fridge uncovered so any cloudiness settles.
- 6Make a double-strength batch (8 bags in 4 cups water) if you plan to serve over a lot of ice.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herbal Fusion
Replace one black tea bag with a herbal tea bag like peach or hibiscus for a fruity twist.
Spiced ChaiSpiced Chai
Add a cinnamon stick and 3 whole cloves to the water while steeping for a warming chai-inspired iced tea.
Berry BlissBerry Bliss
Muddle a handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries in the glass before pouring the tea for a berry flavor boost.
No SweetenerNo-Sweetener
Omit the stevia entirely and rely on the natural sweetness of a splash of fruit juice, like orange or cranberry.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Zero-Calorie Sweetness
Using stevia instead of sugar keeps this iced tea completely calorie-free while still satisfying your sweet tooth.
Rich in Antioxidants
Black tea is packed with polyphenols like catechins that help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Hydrating and Refreshing
This iced tea is primarily water, making it a flavorful way to stay hydrated without added sugar.
Natural Energy Boost
Black tea contains moderate caffeine for a gentle, sustained energy lift without the jitters of coffee.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but steep green tea for only 2-3 minutes to avoid bitterness; the flavor will be milder and more vegetal.
