Lemon Iced Tea Recipe
Cool, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet—this Lemon Iced Tea is perfect for cooling down on a hot day or for a quick, refreshing break. Making it is easy and you can tweak it to suit your taste. Plus, it's a great way to stay hydrated and enjoy a classic favorite.
Ingredients
- 8 cups water
- 8 black tea bags or 8 teaspoons of loose tea in a reusable tea bag.
- 1/2 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed, add more to taste (8 tablespoons)
- 1/2 cup sweetener of choice optional, add more to taste (I like honey, white sugar, or a few drops of liquid stevia)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda optional
- lemon wedges to garnish, optional
Instructions
- Bring the water to a boil in either an electric kettle or a pot on the stove and then remove it from the heat.8 cups water
- Add the water to a pot if it's not already in a pot (or a heat-safe jug).
- Add the tea bags and sweetener of choice if using.8 black tea bags, 1/2 cup sweetener of choice
- Allow the tea to steep for at least 10 minutes.
- Taste after 10 minutes and steep it for longer if needed.
- Remove the tea bags.
- Pour in the lemon juice.1/2 cup lemon juice
- Stir and adjust the sweetener and lemon juice to taste.
- If it tastes bitter, add the baking soda.1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- Allow it to cool to room temperature, then pour over ice, garnish with lemon wedges, and enjoy!lemon wedges
Notes
- Tea quality matters: Using high-quality tea bags or loose leaf tea can significantly enhance the flavor of your iced tea.
- Steeping time: Be careful not to over-steep as it can make the tea bitter. Start checking at 10 minutes and adjust according to your taste.
- Chilling: For the best flavor, let the tea cool to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent it from becoming cloudy.
- Lemon freshness: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the best flavor, but ensure no seeds get into your tea.
- Don't add lemon slices: Use lemon slices just for garnish as it can turn the tea bitter.
- Unsweetened iced tea: Just leave out the sugar or sweetener if you prefer it unsweetened.
Storage instructions
- Refrigerate: Keep leftover iced lemon tea in a sealed pitcher or bottle in the refrigerator.
- Duration: Properly stored, the iced tea will stay fresh and tasty for up to 5 days.
- Avoid direct sunlight: Store the iced tea away from direct sunlight to maintain its flavor and prevent spoilage.
- Do not freeze: Freezing lemon iced tea can alter its flavor and clarity, so it's best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Nutrition
Calories: 51kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.004gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.001gSodium: 46mgPotassium: 16mgFiber: 0.05gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 0.02mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!