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Classic American Iced Tea

American · Side · Dessert

A refreshing and timeless beverage made by steeping black tea to perfection, served chilled over ice with optional sweetness and a citrus twist.

EasyVeganVegetarian
The EZdish collectionAI-created recipe
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Classic American Iced Tea — recipe cover
1 hr 10 minA little patience, a lot of flavor
Prep time5 min
Cook time5 min
Servings4 people
DifficultyEasy
The recipeTips & storage
Let's make something good

How to make it

6 steps. Take it one step at a time.

  1. Bring 2 cups of water

    Bring 2 cups (473ml) of water to a boil at 212°F (100°C) in a small saucepan or kettle.

  2. Remove from heat

    Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Steep for 3 to 5 minutes depending on desired strength. Do not squeeze the bags, as this can release bitter tannins.

    5 min

  3. Remove tea bags

    Remove tea bags. If you prefer sweet tea, stir in the sugar now while the liquid is hot so it dissolves completely.

  4. Pour the concentrated tea

    Pour the concentrated tea into a pitcher and add the remaining 2 cups (473ml) of cold water. Stir well.

  5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour

    Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until thoroughly chilled.

    1 hr

  6. Serve in tall glasses filled

    Serve in tall glasses filled with ice and garnish with lemon slices.

A little kitchen wisdom

For a 'clearer' tea that doesn't cloud when chilled, let the tea reach room temperature before refrigerating. Using filtered water also improves the crispness of the flavor.

What you'll need

KettlePitcherTall glasses
Keep the good going

For now. And for later.

Make it ahead

Tea can be brewed and stored in the fridge without ice or lemon for several days.

Store & enjoy

Keep refrigerated in a sealed pitcher. Remove lemon slices if storing longer than 12 hours to prevent bitterness.

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An AI-created recipe from the EZdish collection. Ingredient quantities and techniques have not been independently kitchen-tested. Published on this website . Updated . First published in the EZdish collection .

Classic American Iced Tea
Step 1 of 6

Bring 2 cups of water

Bring 2 cups (473ml) of water to a boil at 212°F (100°C) in a small saucepan or kettle.