I’ve always loved a crisp, homemade iced tea that’s refreshing and effortless to make. This iced tea recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen delivers just that—simple, scalable, and perfect whether I want it sweetened or unsweetened.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy it is: just boil water, steep tea bags, add sweetener if I want it, and chill. It’s quick—about 15 minutes total—and I can easily double or triple the batch for gatherings without extra fuss.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

6 black tea bags
8 cups water (divided)
⅓ cup sugar (optional, adjust to taste)

directions

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan.
Remove from heat, add tea bags, and steep for 10 minutes.
Remove the tea bags and stir in sugar if I want sweet tea.
Pour into a pitcher and add the remaining 4 cups of cold water.
Chill in the refrigerator until cold, then serve over ice.

Servings and timing

This makes about 6 servings and takes roughly 15 minutes of prep (including steeping), plus chilling time in the fridge.

Variations

Herb-infused twist: Add a few sprigs of fresh mint or a couple of basil leaves to the steeped tea for a subtle herbal note.
Citrus brightness: Add slices of lemon or orange to the pitcher before chilling.
Decaf option: Swap regular black tea for decaffeinated black tea bags.
Flavored sugar: Replace sugar with honey or simple syrup in equal measure for a different sweetness profile.

storage/reheating

I store leftover iced tea in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator—it keeps well for up to 5 days. If it gets too strong or sweet over time, I dilute it with a bit of cold water before serving.

FAQs

How do I make it caffeine-free?

I use decaffeinated black tea bags instead of regular ones and follow the same steeping process.

Can I make this tea less sweet?

Absolutely—I adjust the sugar amount or skip it entirely and often sweeten just a pitcher or individual glass.

What if I don’t have sugar—can I use honey or syrup?

Yes! I replace sugar with an equal measure of honey or simple syrup, stirring it in while the tea is still warm so it dissolves easily.

How long can I store this iced tea?

In the fridge, I keep it in a sealed pitcher for up to 5 days. I give it a taste before serving—if it tastes too strong, I add a splash of cold water.

Can I brew this hot and drink it warm?

Sure—I sometimes sip it hot like regular tea. Just brew with the full 8 cups of hot water and enjoy immediately.

Conclusion

This extra-easy iced tea has become my go-to—not only because it’s simple and refreshing, but also because I can tweak it to match my mood. Whether I keep it classic or dress it up with mint, citrus, or alternative sweeteners, it’s always satisfying. I hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen too!

Iced Tea (Extra Easy)

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Drinks
Method: Boiling and Steeping
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

A crisp and refreshing homemade iced tea that's simple to make and easily customizable with sweeteners or flavor variations.

Ingredients

6 black tea bags
8 cups water (divided)
⅓ cup sugar (optional, adjust to taste)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan.
Remove from heat, add tea bags, and steep for 10 minutes.
Remove the tea bags and stir in sugar if desired.
Pour into a pitcher and add the remaining 4 cups of cold water.
Chill in the refrigerator until cold, then serve over ice.

Notes

Add fresh mint or basil for a herbal twist.
Include lemon or orange slices for citrus brightness.
Use decaffeinated tea for a caffeine-free option.
Honey or simple syrup can replace sugar for a different sweetness profile.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; dilute if too strong or sweet over time.