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Are you looking to beat the heat on a hot summer day or prepare a refreshing beverage for your summer gatherings? Look no further than the simplicity and deliciousness of classic homemade iced tea. This timeless beverage is perfect for quenching your thirst and providing a cooling respite on scorching days.
In this post, I will walk you through the steps to create a delightful pitcher of Classic Homemade Iced Tea. It is guaranteed to become a staple in your summer repertoire & is so easy to make in just a few minutes! So, grab your favorite tea bags and get ready to embark on a journey of delightful sips and the perfect balance of flavors.
Growing up, ice tea was always made homemade. We didn’t buy Tea mix or prepared iced tea in our home. During those times when I was a child, iced tea mix or prepared teas was not something you would typically buy & it was considered a luxury. Most days, if you were to stop by for a visit, you would find a pot brewing on the stove with tea bags in it for the next batch of homemade iced tea made the traditional way. These days I still make a freshly made pitcher of sweet iced tea for when I am hosting family gatherings or enjoying it on a hot summer day!
It is so simple to make this Classic Homemade Iced Tea
Making classic homemade lemon iced tea is quite simple. Here’s a recipe to guide you through the process of making a simple recipe for the perfect iced tea:
Equipment Needed:
- Pitcher
- Large Pot
- Spoon for stirring
- Knife
Ingredients:
- 6 regular tea bags of black tea
- 6 cups of cold water
- 1/2 cup of white sugar
- 1/2 cup of lemon juice or freshly squeezed lemon
- Ice cubes
Note: Add the amount of sugar to your desired sweetness. If you prefer unsweetened iced tea, omit the sugar
Instructions:
- Bring 6 cups of water in a saucepan to a rolling boil.
- Turn off the heat & Add the tea bags
- Steep for 4-5 minutes, then remove the tea bags.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of sugar until dissolved.
- Let the tea cool to room temperature.
- Pour cool tea into a 2-quart pitcher.
- Add cold water til it fills the pitcher. (this will take away the bitter taste)
- Stir in 1/2 cup of lemon juice. (optional)
- Add your choice of sweetener.
- Pour the tea into glasses filled with ice cubes and enjoy your glass of tea!
Tip: Use a fine-mesh sieve to hold the tea bags or tie the tea bag strings together, then snip the tags off. This will make it easier to place in a pot of water as well as take the tea bags out.
There are other delightful flavors you can add to your tea.
Remember to experiment with different tea varieties and flavor combinations to create your own signature homemade iced tea recipe.
- Honey
- Lemon Slices
- Freshly sliced oranges
- Strawberries
- Fresh mint leaves
- Coconut Sugar
- Maple Syrup
Commonly Asked Questions
Can any type of tea be used to make homemade iced tea?
Yes, you can use various types of tea to make homemade iced tea. The most commonly used tea for classic iced tea is black tea, but you can also use green tea, herbal teas, or a blend of different teas to create your preferred flavor profile.
What’s the steep time for tea bags?
The steeping time for tea bags can vary depending on personal preference and the type of tea you’re using. Typically, a steeping time of 3 to 5 minutes is recommended for black tea. You can steep it longer if you prefer a stronger tea. Green tea generally requires a shorter steeping time of 2 to 3 minutes.
Does Ice tea need to be sweetened?
Sweetening the iced tea is entirely optional and depends on your preference. You can add sugar, honey, agave syrup, or any other sweetener while the tea is still hot. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste. Alternatively, you can serve the tea without any added sweetener and let individuals sweeten their own glasses according to their liking.
Can I make iced tea without boiling water?
While boiling water is commonly used to steep tea and extract its flavors, you can also make a cold brew iced tea. For a cold-brew method, combine tea bags or loose tea leaves with cold water in a pitcher and let it steep in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Cold brew tea tends to have a milder taste than hot brewed tea.
How long can homemade iced tea be stored?
Homemade iced tea can typically be stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. However, it’s important to note that the flavor deteriorates after the first daConsumingume the tea within 48 hours best rs for optimal taste and freshness.
Can fruits or herbs be added to homemade iced tea?
Absolutely! Adding fruits like lemon slices, orange slices, berries, or herbs like mint leaves can infuse additional flavors into your iced tea. Simply add them to the pitcher before chilling or directly to individual glasses for a more vibrant and aromatic experience.
Can I make a large batch of iced tea for a party?
You can quickly scale up the recipe to make a larger batch of iced tea. Just increase the quantity of water and tea bags accordingly, maintaining the same ratios for sweetness and any additional flavors. Serve it in a large pitcher or dispenser, and guests can help themselves to a refreshing glass of homemade iced tea.
HOW TO MAKE CLASSIC HOMEMADE ICE TEA
Ingredients
- 6 regular tea bags of black tea
- 6 cups of cold water
- 1/2 cup of white sugar
- 1/2 cup of lemon juice or freshly squeezed lemon
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Bring 6 cups of water in a saucepan to a rolling boil.
- Turn off the heat & Add the tea bags
- Steep for 4-5 minutes, then remove the tea bags.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of sugar until dissolved.
- Let the tea cool to room temperature.
- Pour cool tea into a 2-quart pitcher.
- Add cold water til it fills the pitcher. (this will take away the bitter taste)
- Stir in 1/2 cup of lemon juice. (optional)
- Add your choice of sweetener.
- Pour the tea into glasses filled with ice cubes and enjoy your glass of tea!
Notes
Tip: Use a fine-mesh sieve to hold the tea bags or tie the tea bag strings together, then snip the tags off. This will make it easier to place in a pot of water as well as take the tea bags out.
Nutrition Information
Yield 6 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 72Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 15mgCarbohydrates 19gFiber 1gSugar 17gProtein 0g
Calculated Nutrition is an estimate.
In Conclusion
Freshly made iced tea is a refreshing beverage to enjoy any time of the day, especially this time of year when the summer heat is at its peak. With its crisp and cool qualities, iced tea is a beloved classic drink enjoyed by many. Whether you prefer the boldness of black tea or the subtle notes of green tea, a tall glass of homemade iced tea is the perfect antidote to quench your thirst and provide a delightful relief from the scorching sun. For those seeking a touch of sweetness, a sip of Southern sweet tea will surely transport you to a place where time slows down and life’s simple pleasures are savored. So, take a moment to relax, indulge in this quintessential summer drink, and let the flavors of iced tea awaken your senses as you embrace the season’s joys.
Cheers,
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I love homemade ice tea. Especially when it’s ice, ice cold. Way better than store bought. I like it with or without some lemon. This also brings back a lot of memories. Thank you.