The kids just came barreling through the back door, faces flushed from the summer heat. I knew exactly what they needed. Not a sugary drink from a box, but a tall glass of my Refreshing Homemade Lemon Iced Tea.
It is our family’s go-to thirst quencher. I started making this simple, nourishing lemon iced tea years ago. It quickly became a staple.
Nothing beats a batch of cold, Refreshing Homemade Lemon Iced Tea on a hot afternoon. This recipe is pure love in a glass.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS REFRESHING HOMEMADE LEMON ICED TEA
This Refreshing Homemade Lemon Iced Tea is perfectly balanced. It is not too sweet. It is not too tart.
You control the sugar. I love how simple it is. You only need a few basic ingredients.
This homemade lemon iced tea beats any store-bought version. It tastes so much brighter. Plus, it costs less. Every sip of this Refreshing Homemade Lemon Iced Tea feels like a hug.
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Refreshing Homemade Lemon Iced Tea
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A perfectly balanced homemade lemon iced tea that is not too sweet, not too tart, simple and refreshing.
Ingredients
8 cups Water, divided
4 bags Black tea bags
0.5 cup Granulated sugar
4 large Fresh lemons
As needed Ice
Instructions
- First, boil 4 cups of water. Remove it from heat. Add the tea bags. Steep for 5 minutes
- Next, remove the tea bags. Stir in the sugar until it dissolves completely
- Then, juice the fresh lemons. You need about ½ cup of lemon juice
- Pour the lemon juice into a large pitcher. Add the sweet tea mixture
- Add the remaining 4 cups of cold water. Stir well
- Finally, fill glasses with ice. Pour the Refreshing Homemade Lemon Iced Tea over the ice. Garnish with lemon slices. Enjoy!
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor, not bottled.
Do not over-steep the tea – steep for exactly 5 minutes to avoid bitterness.
Store in the refrigerator in a covered pitcher for up to 5 days. The flavor improves after a day.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Steeping
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (about 8 oz)
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: lemon iced tea, homemade iced tea, refreshing drink, summer drink
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
Gather these items for the best Refreshing Homemade Lemon Iced Tea.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Water | 8 cups, divided |
| Black tea bags | 4 bags |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup (adjust to taste) |
| Fresh lemons | 4 large |
| Ice | As needed |
Substitutions & variations
Sweetness adjustments
Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. You can also use a sugar substitute for a lighter Refreshing Homemade Lemon Iced Tea.
Herbal twist
Add fresh mint or basil to the pitcher. It creates a lovely, aromatic lemon iced tea.
Fruit infusion
Throw in sliced strawberries or peaches. This makes a fruity Refreshing Homemade Lemon Iced Tea.
For a fizzy and alcohol-free alternative, try our Refreshing Ginger Beer Mocktail Recipes You’ll Love. This bubbly drink pairs wonderfully with the bright citrus notes of our lemon iced tea.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- First, boil 4 cups of water. Remove it from heat. Add the tea bags. Steep for 5 minutes.
- Next, remove the tea bags. Stir in the sugar until it dissolves completely.
- Then, juice the fresh lemons. You need about ½ cup of lemon juice.
- Pour the lemon juice into a large pitcher. Add the sweet tea mixture.
- Add the remaining 4 cups of cold water. Stir well.
- Finally, fill glasses with ice. Pour the Refreshing Homemade Lemon Iced Tea over the ice. Garnish with lemon slices. Enjoy!
PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Always use fresh lemon juice. Bottled juice just does not taste the same. This ensures a truly bright Refreshing Homemade Lemon Iced Tea.
Do not over-steep the tea. It turns bitter. Steep for exactly 5 minutes.
Taste your lemon iced tea before serving. Adjust the sweetness to your liking. For a clearer brew, strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve.
If you enjoy a boozy twist, explore the Bourbon Smash Recipe: A Refreshing Classic. Its bourbon and lemon flavors complement the iced tea beautifully.
STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS
Store your Refreshing Homemade Lemon Iced Tea in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 5 days. Keep it in a covered pitcher.
You do not need to reheat it. Serve it cold. The flavor actually improves after a day.
You can freeze it in ice cube trays. Use these cubes in your next batch of lemon iced tea.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE
This Refreshing Homemade Lemon Iced Tea pairs perfectly with grilled chicken. It also goes well with a fresh summer salad. I love serving it with light sandwiches.
It is wonderful alongside barbecue. My kids drink it with their afternoon snacks. It is simply the best drink for any meal.
For a dessert that echoes the lemon theme, check out the Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake: A Refreshing Dessert Delight. It’s a perfect sweet ending after sipping on our homemade lemon iced tea.
FAQs
Can I use green tea instead of black tea?
Yes, you can. Green tea makes a lighter Refreshing Homemade Lemon Iced Tea. Steep it for only 3 minutes.
How do I make it less sweet?
Simply reduce the sugar. Use ¼ cup or omit it entirely. You get a tart, Refreshing Homemade Lemon Iced Tea.
Can I make a large batch for a party?
Absolutely. Double or triple the recipe. This Refreshing Homemade Lemon Iced Tea disappears fast at parties.
Lemon iced tea is a classic beverage that combines brewed black tea with fresh lemon juice and sweetener. This refreshing drink is a staple of iced tea traditions worldwide, especially popular during warm weather.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 10mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Sugars | 22g |
| Protein | 0g |