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.)
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6 black tea bags
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8 cups water (divided)
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⅓ cup sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
directions
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Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan.
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Remove from heat, add tea bags, and steep for 10 minutes.
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Remove the tea bags and stir in sugar if I want sweet tea.
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Pour into a pitcher and add the remaining 4 cups of cold water.
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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
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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.
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Citrus brightness: Add slices of lemon or orange to the pitcher before chilling.
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Decaf option: Swap regular black tea for decaffeinated black tea bags.
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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)
- 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
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)
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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 27
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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