This Lemon Iced Tea is a refreshing cold drink made with fresh lemon juice, tea, and a touch of sugar. It’s perfect for hot days and offers a sweet, tangy flavor that feels cool and energizing.
I like to sneak in a little extra lemon zest when I make it. It makes the tea smell so bright and citrusy—my lemon-loving friends always ask for seconds!
For an easy touch, I add some ice cubes and a lemon slice on top. It’s a quick way to serve a homemade drink that everyone will enjoy!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Strong black or green tea: The backbone of the iced tea. I recommend brewing a good quality tea for a rich flavor. If you prefer herbal, try chamomile or mint. Use about 4-6 tea bags per quart for strong, flavorful tea.
Lemon juice: Adds the bright, tangy flavor. Freshly squeezed lemon is my favorite—plus, it tastes better than bottled. If you’re short on lemons, a splash of bottled lemon juice works in a pinch.
Honey or sugar: Balances the tartness with sweetness. I like honey for a natural touch, but sugar dissolves easily. For a healthier option, try-stevia or agave syrup—just adjust to taste.
Ice: Chills and dilutes the tea to a refreshing temperature. Plenty of ice keeps the drink cold without watering it down too quickly. Use crushed ice for faster chilling or large cubes for longer-lasting coolness.
How do I brew the perfect iced tea without it turning bitter?
Start by steeping the tea in hot water for the right time—about 3–5 minutes. Over-steeping can make it bitter. Remove the tea bags promptly after steeping. Let the tea cool to room temperature before adding lemon and sweetener to avoid bitterness.
- Use fresh, filtered water for cleaner flavor.
- Steep in the right temperature—hot enough to extract flavor, but not boiling to prevent bitterness.
- Restrict steeping time; set a timer so you don’t overdo it.
- Cool the tea before adding lemon or sweetener to keep the flavor smooth.
How to Make Lemon Iced Tea?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Tea and Flavorings
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Boiling water: 5 minutes.
Steeping tea: 10 minutes.
Chilling and serving: 20 minutes.
Total time: approximately 35 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Water
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Pour it over the tea bags in a heatproof pitcher. Steep for 10 minutes.
2. Sweeten the Tea
Remove tea bags. Stir in honey or sugar until dissolved. Let the tea cool to room temperature.
3. Add Lemon Juice
Stir in fresh lemon juice. Mix well. Chill the tea in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.
4. Serve
Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the chilled tea over ice. Garnish with lemon slices if desired. Enjoy!
