Mushroom Free Classic Sweet Iced Tea
Few drinks hit quite like a tall glass of sweet iced tea on a warm afternoon, and this classic version delivers that perfect balance of bold black tea and just-right sweetness. The method is refreshingly simple — steep, sweeten while hot so the sugar dissolves completely, then dilute with cold water for a smooth, never-bitter result. There's nothing to second-guess here: every ingredient is clean, straightforward, and completely free of any fungal or mushroom-derived additives that can sometimes sneak into flavored or bottled beverages. Brewing it at home means you control exactly what goes into the pitcher, which is a genuine comfort when store-bought drinks can carry vague "natural flavors" on the label. Finish it over a big glass of ice with a lemon slice or a sprig of fresh mint, and you've got something that looks and tastes like it came straight off a Southern porch. It's the kind of recipe you'll make on repeat all season long.
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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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