Today, I’m excited to share my easy and delicious black iced tea recipe that not only quenches your thirst but also showcases the vibrant flavors of fresh herbs and fruits. This simple recipe is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or just a relaxing afternoon at home.
Making iced tea at home is a breeze and it can be tailored to your liking. Just follow a few easy steps and voila!
You'll have a delicious and cool drink to sip on during hot summer days. It's perfect for sharing with your loved ones, too.
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Why Choose Black Iced Tea?
Black iced tea is not just refreshing; it's also packed with antioxidants and health benefits. It's a low-calorie beverage that can hydrate you and provide a gentle caffeine boost. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—whether enjoyed plain or jazzed up with fruits and herbs, it’s a drink everyone can enjoy!
Don’t forget to share your black iced tea experience and let me know your favorite garnishes in the comments below! Cheers to sunny days and delicious drinks!
Tips and Tricks
- To Make a Stronger Tea: use more tea bags or steep the tea for a longer period of time.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of honey according to your taste preference. You can also substitute it with agave syrup or sugar if you prefer.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs or fruits. Try adding lemon slices for a citrusy twist or berries for a pop of color.
- Storage: Store any leftover iced tea in the refrigerator for up to a week, but for the best flavor, consume it within a few days.
To Make Iced Black Tea You Will Need
- black tea
- hot water
- cold water
- raw honey
- fruits or herbs like mint, sage baby basil for garnish
See the recipe card for the full information on recipe ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Iced Tea From Tea Bags
1. Boil water: In a small pot, boil 4 cups of water. Once the water reaches boiling point, remove it from heat.
2. Add tea bags: Steep 6 to 8 tea bags in the hot water. The amount of tea bags you use will depend on your desired strength and flavor.
3. Steep: Let the tea steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Keep in mind that the longer you steep the tea, the stronger the flavor will be.
4. Remove tea bags: Once the tea has steeped, remove the tea bags from the pot. If you leave the tea bags in for too long, the tea could turn bitter.
5. Chill: Allow the tea to cool to room temperature. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the pot in the fridge or adding ice cubes to the tea.
6. Serve: Once your tea has cooled down, it's time to pour some cold water into a large pitcher. Don't forget to add some honey for a touch of sweetness. Next, pour the tea into the pitcher and add some ice. If you're feeling fancy, you can even add some garnish! Finally, fill up your glass with the iced tea and enjoy it to the fullest.
It's the perfect drink for hot summer days and sharing with your loved ones.
Recipe FAQs
You’ll want to go for high-quality loose leaf or teabags. Some favorites are Assam, Ceylon, and Darjeeling—pick what sounds good to you!
Absolutely! Squeeze in some lemon, toss in fresh mint, or experiment with your favorite fruits—there are so many tasty combinations to try!
It’s best to drink it within 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Definitely! Cold brewing is super simple. Just steep tea in cold water for a few hours (6-12 hours) in the fridge.
Sweet tea usually has sugar added during brewing, while iced tea is typically unsweetened or sweetened to your liking afterward.
More Refreshing Drink Recipes
- Caramel Blondie Coffee
- Italian Dessert Coffee
- Iced Protein Coffee Recipe
- Strawberry and Cream Frappuccino
- Chocolate Protein Shake
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📖 Recipe
How to Make Black Iced Tea
Ingredients
- 6 black tea bags
- 4 cups hot water
- 4 cups cold water
- ⅓ cup raw honey or to taste
- fruits or herbs like mint sage baby basil for garnish
Instructions
- Steep the Tea: Start by boiling 4 cups of water until it's hot but not boiling. Add the black tea bags and steep for 3-5 minutes. It’s essential not to steep longer than 5 minutes, as this can make the tea bitter. Once steeped, remove the tea bags and discard them.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large pitcher, pour in 4 cups of cold water. Then, add in the raw honey and stir well to ensure it dissolves completely. Finally, pour in the hot tea and mix everything together.
- Chill and Garnish: To serve, add ice cubes to your glass. Pour the iced tea over the ice and garnish with fresh herbs like mint, sage, or baby basil. You can also add slices of your favorite fruits for an extra burst of flavor.Your refreshing black iced tea is now ready to sip and savor.
Notes
- Choose Quality Tea: Start with high-quality loose-leaf black tea or tea bags. The better the tea, the richer the flavor.
- Use Fresh Water: If possible, use filtered water for the best taste.
- Proper Brewing Temperature: Brew your black tea at the right temperature—usually around 200-212°F (just off boiling). This helps extract the full flavor.
- Steeping Time: Avoid over-steeping. Let the tea steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how strong you like it. Over-steeping can make the tea bitter.
- Cool Down: After brewing, let the tea cool to room temperature before pouring it over ice. This helps prevent dilution.
- Sweetening Options: If you like your tea sweet, add sugar or sweetener while the tea is still warm, so it dissolves easily. Alternatively, try adding honey or agave syrup.
- Flavor Infusions: Experiment with adding fruits, herbs, or spices to your tea for a twist. Lemon, peach slices, mint, or ginger can all enhance the flavor.
- Serve with Ice: Use large ice cubes or tea ice cubes (made from brewed tea) to prevent dilution as your iced tea sits. Enjoy your perfect iced black tea!
Nyxie
This looks delicious! Thank you for sharing 😀
- Nyxie
http://www.nyxiesnook.com
Lorraine
Making quenchable beverage can be more exciting when you infuse with water on it. Best way to refresh our body.
Angie - WhippedGreenGirl
Perfect share for summer! I love new tea blend ideas 🙂 Thanks for sharing - Your pics are amazing!
Munchkin Time
Thank you so much Angie!
Erlene A
We drink ice tea daily and I'll definitely try adding in some herbs/fruits next time. Pinned.
Munchkin Time
Thank you Erlene!