About this recipe

A timeless, refreshing iced tea brewed the right way — strong, smooth, and never bitter. This foolproof method uses black tea steeped at the perfect temperature for a clean, balanced flavor that's not cloudy or harsh. Serve it over plenty of ice with a squeeze of lemon and sweeten to your taste. Perfect for a pitcher on the porch or a crowd at a summer cookout.

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan or kettle. Remove from heat and let it rest for 1 minute — this brings the temperature down slightly (to around ![200°F]) and prevents the tea from becoming bitter.

2. 2

   Add 4 black tea bags to the hot water. Steep for exactly 5 minutes. Do not squeeze or press the bags when removing them — this releases bitter tannins. Simply lift them out and discard.

3. 3

   Pour the hot brewed tea concentrate into a large pitcher (Large). Add 4 cups of cold water and stir to combine. This dilutes the concentrate to the perfect drinking strength.

4. 4

   Allow the tea to cool to room temperature (about 30–45 minutes), then refrigerate until fully chilled, at least 1 hour. Do not pour hot tea directly over ice — it will dilute and cloud the tea.

5. 5

   While the tea brews, make the simple syrup (optional): Combine 3/4 cup sugar and 3/4 cup water in a small saucepan over ^[medium heat]. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves, about 2–3 minutes. Do not boil. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Transfer to a quart jar or bottle.

6. 6

   Fill tall glasses generously with ice. Pour the chilled tea over the ice, leaving a little room at the top. Sweeten with simple syrup to taste — start with 1–2 tablespoons per glass and adjust from there.

7. 7

   Garnish each glass with a lemon wedge or round and a sprig of fresh mint if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!