Gelatin Free Classic Sweet Iced Tea
Few drinks hit quite like a tall glass of sweet iced tea on a warm afternoon, and this one is as classic and satisfying as it gets. The deep, slightly tannic flavor of black tea balanced with just the right amount of dissolved sugar makes every sip refreshing without being cloying. It's worth noting that some flavored or pre-bottled teas and drink mixes can sneak in unexpected additives, so brewing your own from scratch with simple, recognizable ingredients keeps everything clean and straightforward. The method here is smart — steeping the bags in half the water creates a concentrated brew, then cold water brings it to the perfect strength and temperature without diluting the flavor. Skipping the squeeze on the tea bags is a small but important detail that keeps any bitterness out of the final glass. Serve it over a generous pile of ice with a lemon slice and a sprig of fresh mint for a presentation that looks effortlessly put-together. This is the kind of pitcher drink you'll want to keep in the fridge all week.
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Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 8 cups water, divided
- 6 black tea bags (such as lipton or luzianne)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
For serving
- ice, for serving
- lemon slices, for serving (optional)
- fresh mint sprigs, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Bring 4 cups of the water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Remove from the heat, add the tea bags, and steep for 5 minutes. Remove and discard the tea bags without squeezing them.
- 2
While the tea is still hot, add the sugar and stir until completely dissolved, about 1 minute.
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