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Author:
Franco Salzillo
Stop me if this sounds like you. It’s hot outside, and you’re dying for a fresh drink. Sugary sodas are just not doing it for you, and you’re looking for a classic yet stylish way to quench your thirst. The answer is homemade lemon iced tea.
Tea elevated to perfection with a splash of lemon juice, beautifully sweetened with sugar and served ice cold. Today we’re making an entire pitcher of lemon iced tea for you and your loved ones to cool down in style!
Iced tea has been around forever. We could say it’s one of the first soft drinks in history. People have enjoyed tea for thousands of years, not only because it’s refreshing and pleasingly herbal but because it’s healthy. Tea is one of the best sources of antioxidants in the realm of drinks, and food, too.
Tea is incredibly compatible with lemon. Citrus acidity is just what a cold glass of tea needs to get that zippy personality that makes our mouths water. Besides, making lemon iced tea is super easy. There’s no excuse not to make a pitcher of it today!
To make a pitcher of lemon iced tea or around eight glasses, you need water, six tea bags (I use black tea, but try it with green tea, it’s incredible!) and a large lemon. You’ll also need lots of ice.
What’s unique about iced tea is that you can make it as light or as concentrated as you want. It all depends on the steeping time. Although we’re making iced tea, tea always starts with boiling water — it leaches out tea’s flavor better. Then you must cool down the tea before putting together the iced tea pitcher.
The lemon juice goes last. It’s more sensitive than you think, and it can oxidize, giving your tea an acrid taste. When it comes to citrus juice, it’s always better to add it in the end.
In a kettle, bring the water to a boil and pour in a heat-resistant pitcher or container.
Steep the tea backs for around 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Press the tea bags to the side of the pitcher for a stronger tea.
Remove the tea bags and add the sugar. Stir until dissolved.
Let the tea cool down at room temperature before chilling it in the fridge at least for one hour.
Cut the lemon in half and squeeze it into the pitcher of cold tea. Stir.
Fill the glasses with ice and pour the tea.
