There’s nothing quite as refreshing as a tall glass of iced tea on a hot day.
Whether you enjoy it sweetened or unsweetened, with lemon or mint, this easy homemade iced tea is a must-have for backyard barbecues, summer lunches, or just sipping on the porch.
Made with simple ingredients and customizable to your taste, it’s the perfect drink to keep in your fridge all week.
Why You’ll Love This Iced Tea
Freshly brewed and flavorful
No preservatives or artificial ingredients
Cheaper and better than store-bought
Customizable – sweet, fruity, lemony, or herbal
Perfect for any gathering
Make-ahead friendly – keeps well in the fridge
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Black tea bags – classic base with bold flavor
Boiling water – for steeping the tea
Granulated sugar – optional, adjust to taste
Fresh mint leaves – optional garnish
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use filtered water for the cleanest taste
Steep tea 5–10 minutes depending on your preferred strength
Don’t oversteep or it may turn bitter
Add sugar while tea is hot for best dissolving
Chill completely before serving over ice
How to Make Iced Tea
Boil the water
In a saucepan or kettle, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
Steep the tea
Remove from heat. Add 6–8 black tea bags and steep for 5–10 minutes depending on desired strength.
Remove the tea bags and discard.
Sweeten (optional)
Stir in 1/4 to 1/2 cup granulated sugar while the tea is still warm.
Stir until fully dissolved.
Dilute and chill
Pour the steeped tea into a large pitcher.
Add 4 more cups of cold water.
Let cool to room temp, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Serve over ice
Pour into glasses filled with ice.
Garnish with lemon slices and mint if desired.
Enjoy cold!
What to Serve It With
Grilled meats and burgers
BBQ pulled pork or ribs
Crisp summer salads
Fruit platters or light desserts
Sandwiches or wraps
Variations / Substitutions
Use green tea for a lighter version
Sweeten with honey or agave instead of sugar
Add fruit slices like peach, orange, or berries
Make it sparkling – top with club soda before serving
Infuse with herbs – mint, basil, or lavender
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store in a sealed pitcher for up to 5 days
Avoid ice in storage – add ice only when serving
Stir before serving if sugar has settled
Best enjoyed cold within 3–4 days for peak flavor
FAQs
Can I use loose-leaf tea instead of bags?
Yes – use 1 tablespoon of loose tea per 2 cups of water.
Use a strainer when pouring.
How do I make sweet tea like in the South?
Steep strong black tea and add sugar while hot – usually more than 1/2 cup per pitcher!
Can I make it caffeine-free?
Yes – use herbal or decaf tea bags.
How do I prevent it from turning cloudy?
Let tea cool slightly before adding cold water, and avoid sudden temperature changes.
Can I brew it overnight?
Yes – cold brew by steeping tea bags in cold water overnight in the fridge.
How do I turn this into iced lemon tea?
Add 1/2 cup lemon juice and extra lemon slices before chilling.
Can I reuse tea bags?
You can, but the second brew will be much weaker.
Final Thoughts
This classic iced tea recipe is simple, refreshing, and endlessly adaptable.
Whether you prefer it sweet or tart, plain or fruity, there’s nothing like a glass of homemade iced tea to cool you down and lift your mood.
Full Recipe Card
Ingredients
6–8 black tea bags
4 cups boiling water
1/4 to 1/2 cup granulated sugar (optional)
Lemon slices and mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Boil 4 cups water. Remove from heat and steep tea bags for 5–10 mins.
Discard tea bags. Stir in sugar while warm (if using).
Add 4 cups cold water. Let cool, then refrigerate 2+ hours.
Serve over ice with lemon and mint.
