Iced Tea (Extra Easy) Recipe
Introduction
Iced tea is a refreshing and simple beverage perfect for hot days. This extra easy recipe combines black tea with just a touch of sweetness, making it a classic favorite that you can customize to your taste.
Ingredients
- 8 cups water (divided)
- 6 bags black tea
- 1/3 cup sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a saucepan, bring half of the water to a boil. Remove from the heat and add the tea bags. Let them steep for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Remove the tea bags. If you prefer sweet tea, stir in the sugar or your preferred sweetener while the tea is still hot until fully dissolved.
- Step 3: Add the remaining water to the tea, then refrigerate until completely chilled, about one hour.
- Step 4: Serve over ice with lemon slices and fresh mint if desired for a refreshing touch.
Tips & Variations
- Use honey or agave syrup instead of sugar for a different sweetness profile.
- Add a few sprigs of fresh herbs like mint or basil during steeping for extra flavor.
- Try using green or herbal tea bags for a different variation of iced tea.
Storage
Store iced tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir or shake well before serving. It’s best enjoyed cold, so add ice just before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make iced tea without sugar?
Yes, you can skip the sugar entirely for an unsweetened version. You can also adjust the sweetness after chilling by adding sweetener to taste.
How long should I steep the tea bags?
A 10-minute steeping time extracts enough flavor for iced tea without becoming too bitter. Adjust the time slightly depending on how strong you like your tea.
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Iced Tea (Extra Easy) Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This extra easy iced tea recipe is a refreshing and simple way to enjoy a classic beverage at home. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a chilled black tea sweetened to your taste, perfect for warm days or any time you want a cool, revitalizing drink.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 cups water (divided)
- 6 black tea bags
- 1/3 cup sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh mint, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Water and Steep Tea: In a saucepan, bring 4 cups (half) of the water to a boil. Once boiling, remove the pan from the heat and add the 6 black tea bags. Let the tea steep for 10 minutes to extract full flavor.
- Sweeten the Tea: Remove the tea bags gently. If you prefer your iced tea sweetened, add 1/3 cup sugar or your preferred sweetener while the tea is still hot. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add Remaining Water and Chill: Pour in the remaining 4 cups of cold water to dilute the concentrated tea. Transfer the tea to the refrigerator and chill it for about an hour or until completely cold.
- Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled tea over them. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint if desired for an extra refreshing touch.
Notes
- You can adjust the sugar quantity or omit it entirely to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- For a stronger tea flavor, steep the tea bags longer but avoid over-steeping to prevent bitterness.
- Use fresh lemon and mint for best flavor when garnishing.
- The tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Iced Tea, Black Tea, Cold Beverage, Refreshing Drink, Summer Drink
