Classic Lemon Iced Tea
Fresh-brewed black tea chilled and poured over ice with sugar and lemon. A simple, make-ahead drink for hot afternoons and summer meals.
By TastyTrails Kitchen ยท Published ยท Updated
Jump to RecipeIced tea is a simple brewed tea drink served cold, most closely associated with American summer tables, diners, and porch pitchers. The basic method is straightforward: brew tea a little stronger than usual, sweeten while warm if you like, then chill and serve over ice.
This version keeps the flavor clean and balanced with black tea, sugar, and lemon. Brewing off the heat helps prevent bitterness, and cooling the tea before refrigerating keeps it from turning cloudy. If you want a stronger tea flavor after chilling, add an extra tea bag rather than steeping the tea longer.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (960 ml) water
- 4 black tea bags
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 4 cups ice cubes
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Bring the water to a full boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Take the pan off the heat, add the tea bags, cover, and steep for 5 minutes, until the tea is amber and fragrant.
- 3
Remove the tea bags without squeezing them, which can make the tea bitter. Stir in the sugar until fully dissolved, then stir in the lemon juice.
- 4
Let the tea cool at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes, until no longer warm to the touch.
- 5
Transfer the tea to a pitcher and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 45 minutes.
- 6
Fill 4 glasses with ice. Pour the chilled tea over the ice and garnish with lemon slices and mint, if using, then serve right away.
Tips for the Best Classic Lemon Iced Tea
- Do not steep the tea longer to make it stronger; that usually makes it bitter. Use 1 extra tea bag if you want a bolder tea flavor.
- Add the sugar while the tea is still hot so it dissolves completely and does not sink to the bottom of the pitcher.
- For unsweetened iced tea, simply leave out the sugar. You can serve lemon wedges on the side so everyone can adjust to taste.
- If your tea turns cloudy in the fridge, it is still fine to drink. Letting it cool a bit before chilling helps reduce cloudiness.
- Green tea can be used, but steep it only 2 to 3 minutes or it may taste harsh.
Storage and Reheating
Store iced tea in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as lemon and any fine tea particles may settle. It is best not to freeze, since the flavor becomes dull and the tea can turn cloudy when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my iced tea taste bitter?
Bitterness usually comes from oversteeping or squeezing the tea bags. Steep black tea for about 5 minutes off the heat, then remove the bags gently.
Can I make iced tea ahead of time?
Yes. Brew and chill it up to 3 days ahead, then keep it refrigerated in a covered pitcher. Add ice only when serving so it does not get diluted.
Can I use green tea instead of black tea?
Yes, but steep it for less time, about 2 to 3 minutes. Green tea becomes bitter faster than black tea.
How do I make sweeter Southern-style iced tea?
Increase the sugar to 1/2 cup (100 g) and stir it into the hot tea until dissolved. Taste after chilling and add a little more if you want it sweeter.
Quick Info
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
10 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
