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Two glasses of iced tea on a tray with some lemon wedges and mint leaves.
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5 from 1 vote

Iced Tea (Hot Brew Method for Black Tea)

Water is the most consumed drink in the world...and TEA IS SECOND!
Prep Time17 minutes
Chilling Time3 hours
Total Time3 hours 17 minutes
Course: Beverage, Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Iced Tea, Tea
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Anna

Ingredients

  • 6-8 tea bags or 3-4 Tablespoons loose tea; black tea.
  • 2 quarts of water, 8 cups

Instructions

  • Bring the water to a full boil.
  • Remove from heat and immediately place your tea bags or loose tea into the pan of water (if you tie the tea bags together, it will be easier to remove them).
  • Let the tea steep for 8-12 minutes (depending on the strength you prefer).
  • Remove the tea bags or ball from the water. If you've put loose tea into the water, then pour it through a strainer into another pan.
  • Let tea cool before pouring into glass or ceramic pitcher. (The hot beverage can break the pitcher, believe me, I've broken two pitchers this way!)
  • If you like your tea pre-sweetened, add sugar while the beverage is warm so it can dissolve fully, about ¾ cup for this amount of tea, or to your taste.
  • Cover and place in the refrigerator.

Notes

Gr8 Brewing Tips:
Be sure to remove the tea bags or ball after the allotted time; otherwise, the beverage will become bitter due to the tannins in tea. If you make the tea too strong, all you have to do is add some fresh water!
Gr8 Serving Tips:
  • If you like to let your guests sweeten their own tea, make a small pitcher of Simple Syrup instead of serving plain sugar. The syrup will dissolve more easily in the cold tea and it is much more charming to serve this way!
  • Serve lemon wedges instead of slices, they are easier to squeeze into the tea.
  • Offer a pitcher of homemade lemonade alongside the iced tea for a delicious Arnold Palmer!
  • Better yet, make some lemonade ice cubes; your beverage won't get watered down and the sweetening and lemon is all-in-one!
Gr8 Do-Ahead:
Tea (and Lemonade) can be made up to 8 hours ahead of serving. Make sure it is covered in the refrigerator and don't let it sit longer than a day; just make a fresh pitcher! 
Tried this recipe?Mention @Great8Friends or tag #gr8food!