Citric Acid Free Classic Mint Iced Tea
Few drinks hit the spot quite like a tall glass of iced tea on a warm afternoon, and this mint version is genuinely refreshing without relying on any store-bought mixes or flavored syrups that often sneak in citric acid as a preservative. Everything here is made from scratch — steeped black tea, fresh mint leaves, and a quick homemade simple syrup — so you know exactly what's going into your glass. The mint steeps right alongside the tea bags, which means the flavor is clean and natural rather than artificial or sharp. Pressing the spent leaves through a fine-mesh strainer pulls out every last bit of that herbal goodness before it hits the pitcher. The sweetness is totally adjustable since you stir in the syrup gradually and stop when it tastes right to you. It's the kind of drink that looks elegant served over ice with a sprig of fresh mint, but couldn't be simpler to put together at home.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 4 cups water, divided
- 4 black tea bags
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed
For the simple syrup
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
For serving
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 4 fresh mint sprigs (optional)
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Make the simple syrup: combine the sugar and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- 2
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat, add the tea bags and fresh mint leaves, and steep for 5 minutes.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!