There’s nothing quite like a tall glass of Homemade Iced Tea to cool you down on a warm day. Whether you prefer it sweetened or unsweetened, flavored with lemon or herbs, this classic drink is simple to make, wonderfully refreshing, and totally customizable. Making iced tea at home lets you control the sweetness and flavor, avoiding artificial additives found in many store-bought versions.
From traditional black tea to fruity or herbal blends, iced tea is versatile and pairs perfectly with any meal or snack. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to stay hydrated while enjoying a flavorful, revitalizing beverage.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags (or your favorite tea: green, hibiscus, or herbal)
- ¼ cup sugar or honey (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Brew the Tea
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Steep for 5 to 7 minutes, depending on desired strength.
Step 2: Sweeten the Tea (Optional)
- Remove tea bags and stir in sugar or honey while the tea is still warm so it dissolves easily. Adjust sweetness to your liking.
Step 3: Chill the Tea
- Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour until cold.
Step 4: Serve
- Fill glasses with ice cubes.
- Pour chilled tea over ice.
- Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves for an extra fresh touch.
🍽️ Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Unsweetened)
- Calories: 2
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0.5 g
- Sugar: 0 g (without sweetener)
With sweetener, calories and sugar will vary based on amount used.
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Use filtered water for the best taste.
- Experiment with tea flavors like peach, raspberry, or jasmine.
- Add fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, or mint during steeping for a unique twist.
- For stronger iced tea, double the tea bags or steep longer.
- To avoid dilution, brew strong tea and serve over a smaller amount of ice or use frozen tea cubes.
✨ From Me to Your Readers
Homemade iced tea is one of my favorite simple pleasures. It’s so easy to make, refreshingly versatile, and perfect for all seasons — whether you’re relaxing on a porch, hosting a barbecue, or just need a midday pick-me-up.
Plus, making it at home means you can customize the flavor and sweetness exactly how you like it, making it a healthier, tastier alternative to bottled iced teas.
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