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Our Homemade Iced Tea recipe is my go-to all summer long–It takes just a few minutes to make, costs almost nothing, and tastes so much better than anything from a bottle. Plus love that I always know exactly what is in it.
It's Tea Time and Homemade Iced Tea Just Hits!
There's so much to love about this easy Iced Tea Recipe, including that you can enjoy it unsweetened, or sweetened, and there's tons of flavor variations you can do with this base recipe. It's super affordable and incredibly refreshing over a big glass of ice.
The trick is steeping the tea bags just long enough to get that deep, rich flavor without any bitterness. I love how this only takes 10 minutes to make and we can enjoy the pitcher all week long. It tastes so refreshing in the summer months and is always a crowd-pleaser.
Don't miss my other beverages, like Homemade Lemonade, Chocolate Milk, Boba Smoothie, Gazpacho, Frozen Hot Chocolate, Horchata, or my famous Eggnog!
How to make Iced Tea:
Make Simple Syrup: Combine ½ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat, Heat, stirring, until sugar fully dissolves, about 2-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. (Simply syrup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.)
Brew Tea: Pour 2 cups boiling water over 4 black tea bags (e.g. Lipton, Luzianne, or Ceylon) in a heatproof pitcher or bowl. Steep for 4 minutes (no longer, or it will turn bitter). Remove bags – resist the urge to “squeeze” the tea bags, just remove them (squeezing releases bitter tannins).
Dilute and Cool: Add 6 cups cold water to the hot brewed tea and stir. Refrigerate to chill completely. Add simple syrup, to taste. Add flavor infusers if desired (see notes for ideas).
Serve homemade iced tea chilled, over ice. My favorite simple garnish is sliced lemon with fresh mint spigs.
How to Make Iced Tea
Ingredients
- 4 black tea bags, (e.g. Lipton, Luzianne, or Ceylon) (or about 4 tsp loose leaf)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 6 cups cold water
Simple Syrup (If making sweet Ice Tea)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
For Serving:
- 1 lemon, , sliced
- Fresh mint sprigs
Instructions
- Make Simple Syrup: Combine ½ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat, Heat, stirring, until sugar fully dissolves, about 2-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. (Simply syrup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.)½ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup water
- Brew Tea: Pour 2 cups boiling water over 4 black tea bags (e.g. Lipton, Luzianne, or Ceylon) in a heatproof pitcher or bowl. Steep for 4 minutes (no longer, or it will turn bitter). Remove bags – resist the urge to “squeeze” the tea bags—just remove them (squeezing releases bitter tannins).2 cups boiling water, 4 black tea bags
- Dilute and Cool: Add 6 cups cold water to the hot brewed tea and stir. Refrigerate to chill completely. Add simple syrup, to taste. Add flavor infusers if desired (see notes for ideas).6 cups cold water
- Serve tea chilled, over ice. My favorite simple garnish is sliced lemon with fresh mint spigs.1 lemon, Fresh mint sprigs
Notes
- Peach: Add 2-3 ripe, fresh sliced peaches. Best with black or green tea.
- Ginger: Peel and thinly slice a 1-inch knob of fresh ginger. Infuse 30ish minutes (or longer for a spicy kick) Works with any tea base.
- Raspberry: ½ cup frozen raspberries (frozen berries release more juice than fresh). Delicious with hibiscus herbal tea.
- Rosemary: 1–2 fresh sprigs. Infuse no more than 2 hours (so it’s not overpowering). Great with lemon and black tea.
- Lemon & Thyme: 4–5 lemon slices and 2 sprigs fresh thyme. Best with green tea or chamomile herbal tea.
- Cucumber & Mint: 6–8 thin cucumber slices and 4 mint sprigs. Great with green tea (or to infuse in cold brewed tea).
- Strawberry & Basil: ½ cup sliced fresh strawberries and 3-5 basil leaves. Pairs well with black tea or hibiscus herbal tea.
- Orange & Cardamom: 4–5 orange slices and 3 lightly crushed cardamom pods. Delicious with rooibos or black tea.
- Lavender & Honey: 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender (in a tea strainer or cheesecloth) and 2 Tbsp honey (or more to taste). Best with chamomile or green tea.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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