Unsweetened Iced Tea Recipe

This Unsweetened Iced Tea Recipe is a classic, refreshing drink, ideal for cooling down on hot summer days or just sipping something delicious without extra sweetness. This easy recipe uses minimal ingredients and is a healthier alternative to sugary drinks. With options to customize your brew’s strength and sweetness, this iced tea guarantees a perfect drink every time for everyone’s taste.

I’ve made so many pitchers of iced tea over the years, and I always come back to the ol’ unsweetened iced tea. It’s incredibly refreshing and perfectly quenches thirst, especially during those warm, sunny afternoons. The lack of sweetness highlights the tea’s natural flavors, making it a versatile drink that pairs well with meals or serves as a tasty standalone refreshment. I love that you can customize each glass with some lemon slices or a little sweetness as needed. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just enjoying a quiet moment on the porch, this perfect iced tea is a brilliant choice.

Why you will love brewing this tea

• Quick to make: You’ll have a refreshing drink ready in no time.
• Healthy choice: It’s all the flavor without any sugar.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the strength, caffeine, and flavor to your liking.
• Perfect for gatherings: Your guests will love it, and so will you!
• Refreshing: Ideal for cooling off on a warm day.
• Versatile: Great with meals or as a standalone drink. It’s the best iced tea!

Key ingredients and substitutions

• Water: The base of any great tea, use filtered water for the best taste.
• Black tea bags or loose tea leaves: Either works great, but loose leaf tea often provides a deeper flavor. It can be caffeinated or decaf (decaf is great for kids!) and can be flavored too, like Earl Grey or peach black tea.
• Baking soda (optional): Just a pinch can smooth out any bitterness from the tea.

Substitutions:

• Green tea or herbal tea: For a different flavor profile, feel free to use any tea you like.
• Sweeteners: If you prefer homemade sweet tea, try adding sugar, honey, agave syrup, maple syrup, coconut sugar, or liquid stevia (stevia keeps it low carb, perfect for a keto diet), but it’s completely optional.

How to make unsweetened iced tea

1. Boil the water: Start by bringing your water to a boil using either an electric kettle or a stove-top pot, then remove from heat.
2. Prep the pot: If your hot water is in a kettle and not a heat-safe pot or jug, transfer it there.
3. Add tea: Place the tea bags or a tea infuser filled with loose tea into the hot water.

4. Steep: Let the hot tea steep for at least 10 minutes. If you prefer a stronger flavor, leave it in a bit longer.
5. Taste and adjust: After steeping, remove the tea bags and taste. If it’s too strong, add a bit more hot water.
6. Fix the bitterness: If your tea tastes bitter, stir in a pinch of baking soda to mellow it out.

7. Cool down: Allow the tea to cool to room temperature before serving.
8. Transfer: ​If it’s not already in a jug, transfer your tea to a pitcher for easy serving.
9. Serve over ice: Fill a glass with plenty of ice and pour the cooled unsweetened tea over it. Enjoy immediately!

Recipe notes and tips

• Baking soda: This is optional, but a tiny bit can help neutralize any bitter taste, especially in black teas. Adjust according to your taste. I usually start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more, 1/8 teaspoon at a time if needed.
• Steeping time: For a stronger tea, let it steep longer than the initial 10 minutes. Just keep tasting every few minutes until it’s just right for you.
• Tea quality: The better the tea, the better your iced tea will be. Opt for high-quality tea bags or loose-leaf tea if possible.
• Cooling: Let the tea cool at room temperature before adding ice to avoid diluting the flavor.
• Ice Cubes: ​You can make a double batch, freeze half in an ice cube tray, and use the ice cubes in your iced tea so it doesn’t become diluted.

Variations

• Minty Fresh: Add fresh mint leaves to the pitcher before chilling to infuse a refreshing mint flavor.
• Lemon Ice Tea: Include a few slices of lemon or a splash of lemon juice for a citrusy kick.
• Fruity: Toss in some fresh berries or peach slices for a sweet, fruity variation.
• Spiced: Spice things up by adding a cinnamon stick or a few cloves during the steeping process.
• Herbal: Switch half of the black tea bags for your favorite herbal tea for a different taste profile.
• Sweet Sips: If you prefer a slightly sweeter tea without the sugar or artificial sweeteners, add a splash of unsweetened apple juice.

Storage instructions

• Refrigerate: Pour any leftover homemade iced tea into a sealed pitcher or bottle and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 5 days.
• Room Temperature: You can also store your sugar free iced tea in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to maintain its flavor and freshness. It’ll keep for about 2 days, just make sure it’s covered or sealed.
• Do not add ice to the pitcher: If you’re storing the tea, add ice to individual glasses when serving rather than to the entire pitcher to prevent diluting the tea over time. 

Frequently asked questions

More recipes you will love

• Iced Chai Tea Latte Recipe
• DIY Chai Concentrate
• Sumac Tea
• Homemade Loaded Tea
• Greek Mountain Tea