Iced Tea Recipe Homemade

This iced tea recipe homemade is smooth, refreshing, and easy to make with simple tea bags, fresh water, lemon, and ice. Brew it strong, chill it well, and serve it sweetened or unsweetened for the perfect everyday cold drink.

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Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 7

Chill Time: 2

Total Time: 2 12

Servings: glasses

Calories: 25kcal

Author: Lora

Equipment

Saucepan or kettle
pitcher
measuring cups
Long spoon
serving glasses

Ingredients

4 cups water
6 black tea bags
1/4–1/2 cup sugar, honey, maple syrup, or agave (optional)
4 cups cold water
1 lemon, sliced
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
fresh mint leaves (optional)
plenty of ice

Instructions

Bring 4 cups of water to a gentle boil in a saucepan or kettle. Remove it from the heat.
Add the tea bags, cover, and steep for 5 to 7 minutes. Use 5 minutes for lighter tea and 7 minutes for stronger tea.
Remove the tea bags gently without squeezing them.
Stir in sugar, honey, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener while the tea is still warm.
Add the remaining 4 cups of cold water and stir well.
Transfer the tea to a pitcher and let it cool slightly.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled.
Serve over fresh ice with lemon slices and mint leaves.

Notes

For stronger iced tea, use 8 tea bags instead of steeping longer. Skip sweetener for unsweetened tea, or flavor with lemon, mint, cucumber, berries, or peach slices. Add 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice after steeping for lemon iced tea. Remove lemon slices after a few hours if storing overnight to prevent bitterness. Store covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

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