Homemade Lemon Iced Tea is a refreshing drink made with fresh lemon juice, tea, and a touch of sweetness. It’s cool, citrusy, and perfect for relaxing on a warm day.
I like to make a big pitcher and keep it in the fridge. It makes me feel like I’m on a sunny porch even if I’m just at home!
If you want extra zing, add a few lemon slices or a sprig of mint. It’s my simple way to make each glass look pretty and taste even better.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Lemon Juice:
I use fresh lemon juice for the bright, tangy flavor everyone loves. Squeeze lemons just before mixing to keep it vibrant. If lemons are scarce, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh is best for authentic flavor.
Black Tea Bags:
Strong brewed black tea gives the iced tea its rich base. Use quality tea bags for a better taste. You can swap with green tea for a different flavor, but keep in mind it will be milder and lighter.
Honey or Sugar:
I prefer honey for natural sweetness and smoothness, but regular sugar works well. Warm it in some hot water to dissolve easily. For a vegan option, try agave nectar.
Water:
Use cold, filtered water to make the tea refreshing. If you like it less sweet, add more water. Sparkling water gives a fizzy twist if you want something different.
How do I sweeten the tea without it tasting weird?
Warm your honey or sugar first:
Dissolve in a small amount of hot water to create a sweet syrup. Then, stir into the cold tea. This keeps the sweetness smooth and evenly distributed, avoiding clumps or gritty bits.
- Heat a few tablespoons of water until hot.
- Mix in honey or sugar until fully dissolved.
- Pour the syrup into the cooled brewed tea and stir well.
How to Make Homemade Lemon Iced Tea?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Tea Base
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags
Sweetener
- 1/2 cup honey or sugar (optional)
Flavor and Garnish
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices and fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparation: 10 minutes | Steeping: 10 minutes | Chilling: 1 hour | Total: 1 hour 20 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil Water
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan or kettle.
2. Brew Tea
Pour the boiling water over the tea bags. Steep for 10 minutes.
3. Remove Tea Bags and Sweeten
Remove the tea bags. Stir in honey or sugar until dissolved, if using.
4. Add Lemon Juice
Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice for flavor.
5. Chill the Tea
Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. Serve
Fill glasses with ice. Pour the chilled lemon tea over ice. Garnish with lemon slices and mint, if desired.
