Ahhh, nothing beats a refreshing, chilled lemon iced tea on a warm day 🍋❄️ Here’s a simple, bright, perfectly balanced recipe:
Refreshing Chilled Lemon Iced Tea
Ingredients (serves 4)
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4 cups water
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4 black tea bags (or green tea for a lighter flavor)
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¼–½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
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1–2 lemons (juice + slices for garnish)
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Ice cubes
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Optional: fresh mint leaves
Instructions
1️⃣ Brew the tea
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Bring water to a boil.
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Remove from heat, add tea bags, and steep 5–7 minutes depending on desired strength.
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Remove tea bags and stir in sugar until dissolved.
2️⃣ Add lemon
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Stir in lemon juice while tea is warm for full flavor.
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Let the tea cool to room temperature.
3️⃣ Chill
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Transfer tea to a pitcher.
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Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours until thoroughly chilled.
4️⃣ Serve
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Fill glasses with ice cubes.
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Pour chilled tea over ice.
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Garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves.
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Iced Tea
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Less bitter: Don’t over-steep tea; otherwise it becomes tannic.
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Flavor boost: Add a thin slice of ginger while steeping.
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Clear & bright: Strain tea to remove leaves and pulp.
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Sparkling twist: Mix chilled tea 50/50 with sparkling water for a fizzy version.
If you want, I can also give a “chef’s ultra-refreshing version” with honey, fresh lemon zest, and mint infusion that tastes like a café-level iced tea