Sweet, refreshing, and deeply Southern, this classic iced tea is the kind of drink that makes a hot afternoon feel instantly more manageable. It's built from just three pantry staples — water, black tea, and sugar — which is great news for anyone navigating a low-nickel lifestyle, since so many beverages and flavored drink mixes sneak in ingredients that can be problematic. Black tea steeped simply like this keeps things clean and straightforward, with no hidden additives or complex blends to second-guess. The technique of dissolving the sugar directly into the hot concentrate means you get that perfectly smooth sweetness all the way through every sip, no grainy residue at the bottom of the glass. A squeeze of lemon or a sprig of fresh mint at serving adds a bright, elegant touch without complicating the ingredient list. Make a big pitcher, stash it in the fridge, and you've got a crowd-pleasing drink ready to pour all week long.
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Learn more →8 servings
Bring 4 cups of water to a full boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.
Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the tea bags, and steep for 5 minutes. Remove and discard the tea bags without squeezing them — squeezing releases bitter tannins.
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