- 1
Begin with a saucepan and bring 500 ml of water to the boil. It is very important to get the water to a rolling boil so that the flavours in the leaves can be well drawn out.
- 2
Take the saucepan off the heat when the water has reached the rolling boiling point since over-boiling can change the taste of the tea.
- 3
Next, add loose tea leaves or two tea bags to the hot water. Allow it to steep for 3-4 minutes. The steeping time is critical; it lets the tea transfer its flavour infuse into the water without becoming too bitter. As for a stronger brew, you can do a little more but not overdo it.
- 4
Once the tea is steeped, you now strain it into a heat-resistant pitcher or container and discard the old tea leaves or the tea bag. It removes the solids, and a smooth textured liquid will be left behind, which is to be used as the base for your iced tea.
- 5
The colour of the tea turns out to be amber, and that is an indication that you have brewed the flavours just perfectly.
- 6
Immediately, once the tea is still quite warm, add 4 tablespoons of sugar to the mixture and stir well until it is fully dissolved. Adjust the sugar in the mixture as desired, and use more or less of the amount according to your preference to make the beverage as sweet as you want.
- 7
The drink is slightly warmed up and the sugar blends ideally with no struggle at all to form a sweetened base for the iced tea.
- 8
Now's the time to add a little refreshing twist to your tea. Squeeze the juice of 2 medium lemons directly into the pitcher, extracting as much good tangy goodness as possible.
- 9
Mix the juice well into the sweetened tea solution.
- 10
The acidity will balance out perfectly with the sweetness. Bubbling with zesty flavour, this invigorating iced tea tastes great.
- 11
Add in the lemon juice after you have added it and let your tea cool down to room temperature. Letting the tea cool down is an essential step because it prepares the tea for refrigeration without turning on your fridge.
- 12
After letting the tea cool down, put it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling your tea not only brings out refreshing properties but also allows the flavours to blend well together.
- 13
Fill glasses with ice cubes when you want to serve iced tea. This will ensure the tea remains cold and refreshing. Fill your glass with chilled lemon iced tea to the level you want to have; this contrasts the iced cubes with the amber liquid. Garnish with a lemon wedge or a sprig of fresh mint on each glass to make it that much more special.
- 14
Not only will it add some pop of colour, but the fragrance will also have a profoundly improving effect on your drink.
- 15
The perfect drink for a summer party, picnic, or just sitting in the sun on a hot day is lemon tea. But, naturally, it's a recipe that serves the purpose of making one at home - quick and simple to prepare - and can be easily modified.