- 8 black tea bags (I use Lipton, but you do you!)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to your sweet tooth’s desire)
- 6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 2 big juicy lemons)
- Ice cubes, for chilling and serving
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced, for garnish
Step 1: Brew the Tea
Heat 4 cups of water in a tea kettle or medium saucepan until it’s just boiling. Remove from the heat and add the tea bags. Let them steep for 5 minutes—no more, no less (we’re going for flavour, not bitterness). Gently squeeze the tea bags to release their goodness, then discard them. Pour the tea into a large pitcher.
Step 2: Sweeten Things Up
Stir ½ cup of sugar into the hot tea until it dissolves completely. Then add the fresh lemon juice. It’s that simple!
Step 3: Cool It Down
Add 4 cups of cold water to the pitcher, then top it off with 4 cups of ice. Give it a good stir—it’s starting to look like summer in a glass, isn’t it?
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Take a sip. Want it sweeter? Add up to 4 tablespoons more sugar, stirring until dissolved. Remember, you’re the boss of your iced tea.
Step 5: Chill and Serve:
Cover and refrigerate until the tea is thoroughly chilled (or up to 2 days, if you’re planning ahead). Serve in tall glasses filled with ice, garnished with a thin slice of lemon for that extra touch of charm.
I’ve never met an iced tea I didn’t love—no matter the season. Middle of summer? Iced tea. Crisp fall day? Still iced tea. There’s just something about it that feels classic and comforting. My ideal lunch? A tall glass of tea, a good sandwich, and a handful of chips. Heaven.
For a fabulous little twist, add in some sprigs of fresh mint and splash of sparkling water before serving. It’s those tiny touches that make it feel extra special—even if it’s just for you, standing barefoot in the kitchen.
Enjoy your tea, your way—because life’s far too short to be drinking the pre-made stuff in plastic bottles. You deserve better, and that’s what I’m here for!
