Perfect Iced Tea Recipe Bulk Brewed for Easy Refreshing Summer Sips
A simple and foolproof bulk brewed iced tea recipe that delivers smooth, refreshing flavor perfect for summer gatherings or solo sips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8–10 black tea bags or 10-12 grams loose leaf black tea (Assam or Darjeeling recommended)
- 12 cups (2.8 liters) filtered or spring water
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup granulated sugar, honey, or simple syrup (optional, added after brewing to taste)
- 1–2 lemons, thinly sliced for garnish
- A handful of fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Bring 12 cups (2.8 liters) of filtered water to a rolling boil in a large saucepan or kettle (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove water from heat and immediately add tea bags or loose tea in an infuser. Steep for 6-8 minutes for robust flavor without bitterness.
- If using loose leaf tea, strain out the leaves after steeping.
- While the tea is still warm, stir in your chosen sweetener starting with 1/4 cup (50 grams) and adjust to taste. Skip if unsweetened.
- Let the tea cool to room temperature, about 15-20 minutes, to avoid cloudiness when chilling.
- Transfer the tea to a container if not already using one and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Serve over ice cubes, garnished with lemon slices and fresh mint if desired.
Notes
Use filtered or spring water for best flavor. Avoid over-steeping to prevent bitterness. Add sweetener while tea is warm to dissolve completely. Let tea cool to room temperature before refrigerating to avoid cloudiness. Make ice cubes from brewed tea to prevent dilution. Store in sealed container up to 4 days; best within 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (8 fl oz)
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 8
Keywords: iced tea, bulk brewed iced tea, summer drink, refreshing tea, black tea recipe, cold brew tea, easy iced tea