Mint Iced Tea: Stovetop or Tea Maker Recipe

Introduction

Mint iced tea is a refreshing and fragrant beverage perfect for warm days. Whether made on the stovetop or with a tea maker, this sweet and minty tea offers a cool, revitalizing taste that’s easy to prepare at home.

Ingredients

• 2 quarts water
• 1 cup packed fresh spearmint leaves (removed from the stem and rinsed well)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or to taste)
• 2 black tea bags

Instructions

1. Step 1: For the stovetop method, bring the water to a boil in a large pot. Once boiling, turn the heat off and add the mint leaves. Cover the pot and let the leaves steep for 15-20 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the black tea bags to the pot and steep for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags, then stir in the sugar until dissolved.
3. Step 3: To serve immediately, fill a large pitcher halfway with ice. Using a fine mesh strainer, pour the tea into the pitcher, leaving the mint leaves behind. Stir well and garnish with lemon slices and extra fresh mint leaves if desired.
4. Step 4: To store for later, allow the tea to cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 10 days.
5. Step 5: For the iced tea maker method, fill the water holder to the 2-quart line, then add ice to the pitcher according to the machine’s instructions. Add sugar to the pitcher.
6. Step 6: Place a filter in the filter holder and fill it with the mint leaves and tea bags. Turn the machine on and let it brew completely.
7. Step 7: Stir the brewed tea well, garnish with lemon and fresh mint, then serve. Store leftovers refrigerated and consume within 10 days.

Tips & Variations

• Adjust the sugar to your preferred sweetness or substitute with honey or agave syrup for a different flavor profile.
• Try using green tea bags instead of black tea for a lighter taste.
• For a citrus twist, add fresh lemon or lime juice before serving.
• Crushing the mint leaves slightly before steeping can release more flavor.

Storage

Store the prepared mint iced tea in an airtight container or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Stir well before serving and add fresh ice as desired. The flavor may mellow over time, so consuming within this period ensures the best taste.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?

While fresh mint provides the best flavor and aroma, you can substitute with dried mint—use about one-third of the amount and adjust steeping time to avoid bitterness.

Is it necessary to add sugar?

No, sugar is optional. You can omit it for an unsweetened tea or replace it with your preferred sweetener to suit your taste.

Mint Iced Tea: Stovetop or Tea Maker Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 126 reviews

• Author: Harry
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings (1 cup each) 1x

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Description

Refreshing Mint Iced Tea made using fresh spearmint leaves and black tea, sweetened to taste and served chilled. This versatile recipe can be prepared on the stovetop or with an iced tea maker, making it a perfect cool beverage for warm days.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tea and Flavorings

• 2 quarts water
• 1 cup packed fresh spearmint leaves (removed from stems and rinsed well)
• 2 black tea bags (optional)

Sweetener

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Water and Mint: Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot on the stovetop. Once boiling, turn off the heat, add the fresh mint leaves, and cover the pot to steep for 15-20 minutes, allowing the mint to infuse its flavor into the water.
2. Add Tea Bags: Optionally add 2 black tea bags to the mint-infused water and steep for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags carefully to prevent bitterness.
3. Sweeten the Tea: Stir in 1/2 cup of granulated sugar or adjust to your preferred sweetness while the tea is still warm, ensuring the sugar dissolves fully.
4. Serve Immediately: Fill a large pitcher halfway with ice. Using a fine mesh strainer, pour the tea through to catch the mint leaves and any tea residue. Stir well, garnish optionally with lemon slices and extra fresh mint leaves, then serve chilled.
5. Store for Later: If not serving immediately, allow the tea to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate in a covered container for up to 10 days to enjoy later.
6. Using Iced Tea Maker: Fill the iced tea maker’s water reservoir to the 2-quart line and add ice to the pitcher as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Add sugar into the pitcher.
7. Steep in Iced Tea Maker: Place a filter in the filter holder, add fresh mint leaves and the tea bags into it, then turn on the machine to brew the tea fully. After brewing, stir well, garnish with lemon and mint as desired, and serve chilled. Refrigerate leftovers and consume within 10 days.

Notes

• Adjust sugar amount based on your preferred sweetness level or substitute with honey or sweetener alternatives.
• Black tea bags are optional; the tea can be enjoyed purely as mint herbal iced tea.
• Using fresh spearmint leaves enhances the flavor significantly over dried mint.
• Store the iced tea in a sealed container to maintain freshness for up to 10 days in the fridge.
• For stronger mint flavor, increase steeping time or amount of mint leaves.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: mint iced tea, refreshing summer drink, spearmint tea, black tea iced tea, homemade iced tea, stovetop iced tea, iced tea maker recipe