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Lemon Iced Tea

A simple and refreshing lemon iced tea that balances strong brewed black tea with fresh lemon juice and honey in under 15 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Calories: 45
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 4 cups water
  • 4 black tea bags
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice about 3 to 4 lemons
  • 1/4 cup honey or simple syrup
  • Ice cubes

Equipment

  • Kettle or pot for boiling water
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Medium glass pitcher
  • Wooden spoon or small whisk for stirring
  • Citrus juicer or hand reamer
  • Fine mesh strainer (optional)
  • Tall glasses for serving

Method
 

  1. Fill your kettle with 4 cups of fresh water and bring to a rolling boil.
  2. Place 4 black tea bags in a medium glass pitcher and pour the boiling water over them.
  3. Steep the tea for 4 to 5 minutes, then remove the tea bags without squeezing.
  4. Let the brewed tea cool at room temperature for 2 minutes.
  5. Juice 3 to 4 fresh lemons to yield 1/2 cup of lemon juice.
  6. Add 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice and 1/4 cup honey or simple syrup to the warm tea and stir for 1 minute until the sweetener dissolves.
  7. Taste and adjust sweetness, lemon intensity, or tea strength as desired.
  8. Refrigerate the tea for at least 30 minutes until properly chilled.
  9. Fill tall glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled lemon iced tea over the ice.

Notes

Make a big batch of simple syrup ahead of time to save time on hot days. The tea keeps well in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.