Cool off with the perfect glass of fresh brewed iced tea! Easy recipe along with tips for brewing and sweetening this classic beverage!
Ideal for hot days and easy to customize your favorite brand of herbal refresher!
Cool down with even more fresh non-alcoholic drinks available.
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If you're looking for a refreshing drink that's both simple to make and incredibly satisfying, this recipe is the way to go.
This is a classic beverage that can be customized to suit your taste, whether you like it sweet or with a hint of citrus.
Just brew your favorite brand and flavor of tea, let it cool, and pour over ice for a thirst quenching treat. It's perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to relaxing afternoons on the porch.
Looking for more refreshing drink recipes? Try my Mint Orange Lemonade, Strawberry Lime Water, and even my Blueberry Infused Water. Yum!
Table of Contents
Recipe Notes
Since you'll be adding ice, make your iced tea extra strong! Use double the amount of leaves or bags compared to what you would normally brew for a hot cup.
Be careful to not over-step which can make it taste bitter. You might want to check out the package directions of the tea bags you've selected.
Allow the beverage to cool to room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator. Adding any hot beverage to ice will dilute it too quickly and result in a weaker flavor.
Can I use loose-leaf tea?
A single teabag is about one teaspoon of loose leaf tea. Just add the loose leaves to the hot water and then use a fine mesh sieve to strain out the leaves.
Is brewed iced tea good for you?
Brewed iced tea can be a healthy beverage choice, offering a variety of potential benefits. Black and green tea are rich in antioxidants and is a low calorie drink (depending on your add-ins).
🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
📋Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients and instructions. Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact quantities, detailed instructions and special notes.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
You can use black, green, or herbal tea.
Start with ½ cup of sugar and add more as needed to get it to the sweetness you enjoy.
For a touch of sweetness, consider honey, stevia, or simple syrup. Simple syrup dissolves easily in cold beverages, making it a great choice.
If you're looking for more delicious and refreshing infused water ideas, be sure to check out my Strawberry Infused Water recipe for complete step-by-step instructions!
Add a squeeze of citrus (lemon, orange, lime), fresh herbs like mint or basil, or sliced fruit to infuse your beverary with more flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Steep the tea bags in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. I like to use my stainless steel kettle for boiling water.
Step 2: Remove the tea bags. Then add the sweetener while the beverage is still warm.
Quick Tip
Let the bags drip naturally. Squeezing them releases a bitter flavor.
Step 3: Add ice to a glass and pour the cooled tea over. Then add a slice or two of lemon for garnish.
Before you Begin!
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🍶Storage Tips
Store freshly brewed tea in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
❄️Freezing Tips
Freezing leftovers is a handy way to create portioned servings and take on the go. Pour brewed tea into ice cube trays, then move the frozen cubes into a freezer safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
➡️Top Recipe Tip
For a stronger flavored beverage , steep longer; for a milder flavor, steep for less time.
More Recipes You'll Love!
- Check out my other recipe for Homemade Peach Iced Tea.
- Or you might enjoy this recipe for Green Tea Arnold Palmer.
📖 Recipe Card
Fresh Brewed Ice Tea
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4-6 tea bags (black, green, herbal)
- 8 cups water
- ice cubes
- ½ cup sugar
- lemon slices (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the water until it reaches a boil. You can do this in a kettle or on the stove.
- Once the water is boiling, pour it over the tea bags in a large pitcher. Let the tea bags steep for about 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. For a stronger tea, steep longer; for a milder flavor, steep for less time.
- After steeping, remove the tea bags from the pitcher. Be careful not to squeeze them as this can release bitter tannins.
- If you're adding sweetener, do it while the tea is still warm so it dissolves easily. Adjust the amount of sweetener to your taste.
- Allow the tea to come to room temperature. You can speed up this process by placing the pitcher in the refrigerator.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the cooled tea over the ice, garnish with lemon slices, mint leaves, or pieces of fresh fruit if desired.
Notes
- Over-steeping can make your iced tea bitter. Refer to the specific tea's recommended steep time, and reduce it by a minute or two for iced tea.
- Let the tea bags drip naturally. Squeezing them releases a bitter flavor.
- To sweeten the iced tea, start with ½ cup of sugar and add more if needed.
This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2014.
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