Refreshing Lemon Iced Tea Recipe for Hot Summer Days

There’s something undeniably refreshing about a glass of homemade Lemon Iced Tea, especially on a hot summer day. Imagine the sweet-tart zing of freshly squeezed lemons mingling with the robust flavors of brewed tea, all served over ice. It’s like a cool hug for your insides, and trust me, you’ll want to sip this delightful drink all afternoon.

I remember the first time I made this Lemon Iced Tea Recipe for a family barbecue. My aunt took one sip and declared it “the elixir of life.” That’s right, folks; my iced tea was hailed as a miracle beverage! You’ll find that it’s not only easy to whip up but also perfect for any occasion, from lazy afternoons by the pool to lively picnics in the park.

I once served this iced tea at a family reunion, and let’s just say my cousin has never stopped asking for my “secret recipe.”

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Water: Use filtered water for the best flavor in your tea; who wants tap water ruining their masterpiece?

• Black Tea Bags: Regular black tea works perfectly, but feel free to explore flavored options if you’re feeling adventurous.

• Fresh Lemons: Always opt for juicy lemons; they’ll give your iced tea that bright flavor we all crave.

• Sugar or Honey: Adjust sweetness according to your taste; honey adds a lovely floral note if you want to switch things up.

• Ice Cubes: The more, the merrier! Use plenty of ice to keep your tea refreshingly cold.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Brew the Tea: Start by boiling 4 cups of water in a medium-sized saucepan. Once boiling, remove from heat and add 4-5 black tea bags. Let it steep for about 5 minutes until it turns deep amber.

Sweeten Your Tea: After steeping, remove the tea bags and stir in 1 cup of sugar or honey while the tea is still warm. This way, it dissolves easily without leaving gritty bits behind.

Add Fresh Lemon Juice: Squeeze about 3-4 fresh lemons until you have roughly 1 cup of juice. Pour this zesty goodness into your sweetened tea mixture and stir well.

Cool It Down: Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature before transferring it into a pitcher. Refrigerate for at least an hour so that it’s nice and chilled when you’re ready to serve.

Serve Over Ice: Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled Lemon Iced Tea over them until they’re brimming with refreshing liquid sunshine. Garnish with lemon slices or mint leaves if you’re feeling fancy.

Make sure you enjoy every sip of this delightful beverage because it’s not just thirst-quenching; it’s an experience!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling water and steeping tea bags for optimal flavor extraction. Once brewed, add sugar and lemon juice while the tea is still warm to ensure everything dissolves perfectly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap regular tea with green or herbal varieties for a unique twist. Adding fresh mint leaves or fruits can enhance the flavor and presentation.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover lemon iced tea in a sealed container in the fridge. Before serving, shake well to mix any settled ingredients, ensuring a refreshing sip every time.

It was a scorching summer afternoon when my friends gathered for a backyard barbecue, and my lemon iced tea became the star of the show! Their smiles were worth every squeeze of that lemon.

FAQ

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead?

Using bottled lemon juice works, but fresh lemons provide better flavor and aroma.

How long does homemade lemon iced tea last?

Homemade lemon iced tea can last up to five days in the refrigerator if stored properly.

Can I sweeten my iced tea with honey?

Absolutely! Honey adds a unique flavor; just dissolve it in warm tea before chilling.

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Refreshing Homemade Lemon Iced Tea

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• Author: Maria Del
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Cool off on a hot summer day with this delightful homemade Lemon Iced Tea. Bursting with the zesty flavor of fresh lemons and the rich essence of brewed black tea, this beverage is easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting a picnic, this refreshing drink is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy every sip as you savor the sweet-tart harmony of flavors.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups filtered water
• 4–5 black tea bags
• 1 cup sugar or honey (to taste)
• 3–4 fresh lemons (juiced, about 1 cup)
• Ice cubes

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Instructions

1. Brew the tea: Boil 4 cups of filtered water in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat and steep 4-5 black tea bags for about 5 minutes until deep amber.
2. Sweeten your tea: Remove tea bags and stir in 1 cup of sugar or honey while the tea is warm for easy dissolution.
3. Add lemon juice: Squeeze about 3-4 fresh lemons to yield roughly 1 cup of juice, then mix into the sweetened tea.
4. Cool down: Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature before transferring it to a pitcher. Refrigerate for at least an hour.
5. Serve over ice: Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour chilled Lemon Iced Tea over them. Optionally garnish with lemon slices or mint leaves.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Brewing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 23g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg