Paraben Free Classic Mint Iced Tea

Total time45 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time5 min

4.7

(9)

There is something deeply satisfying about a tall glass of iced tea that you made entirely from scratch, and this mint version delivers that refreshing, herbal coolness that store-bought bottles just can't replicate. Parabens are preservatives commonly found in packaged beverages and flavored syrups, so brewing your own tea at home with whole ingredients is a straightforward way to keep your glass completely clean. Fresh mint leaves steeped right alongside the black tea bags give this drink a natural brightness that feels lively without being overpowering. The homemade simple syrup lets you control exactly how sweet things get, and you can dial it back or lean in depending on your mood. Straining the mint after steeping keeps the texture smooth and the flavor balanced — bold enough to be interesting, gentle enough to be endlessly drinkable. Lemon slices and a sprig of fresh mint on top make it look like something you'd pay too much for at a café, but this one came together in your own kitchen with nothing but real, recognizable ingredients.

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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.

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