Name: Lemon Vanilla Black Tea Iced Tea
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 12 h 5 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 400 ml filtered water; 2–3 tsp vanilla black loose tea (or 2–3 tea bags); 15 g sugar; 200 ml water; 50 g fresh lemon juice; Ice cubes, for serving; Lemon slices, for garnish

I’ve created a refreshing summer drink that blends homemade lemonade with vanilla‑infused black tea. It’s my new go‑to iced tea—crisp, slightly sweet, and bursting with citrus and vanilla flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how customizable and healthier this drink is compared to store‑bought teas—I control the sweetness and avoid artificial additives. The cold‑brew vanilla black tea gives such a smooth flavor without bitterness, and the homemade lemonade adds the perfect tangy zing. It’s cost‑effective and easy to make ahead, too.

ingredients

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

Vanilla black tea infusion

400 ml filtered water
2–3 teaspoon vanilla black loose tea

Homemade lemonade

15 g sugar
200 ml water
50 g fresh lemon juice
Ice cubes and lemon slices to serve

directions

I place the filtered water and vanilla tea in a jar, stir, then steep overnight in the fridge for a smooth, intense flavor without bitterness.
I dissolve the sugar in warm water, let it cool, add lemon juice, and mix for the lemonade.
In a glass filled with ice, I pour about 150 ml of lemonade (adjust to my taste), add lemon slices if I’m feeling fancy, and top up with the chilled vanilla tea infusion.

Servings and timing

Makes about 1–2 cups (enough for one large glass or two smaller servings)
Prep: 5 minutes active work, plus 12 hours cold‑brew
Ready: Overnight infusion + a few minutes the next day

Variations

I sometimes use green tea and strawberry syrup for a fruity version.
I swap sugar for honey or stevia when I want a different sweetness.
I like to add fresh mint or basil for a cool herbal twist.
When I’m short on time, I brew the tea hot and chill it quickly—though it’s less smooth.

storage/reheating

I keep leftover vanilla tea infusion in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to one week.
When I want another glass, I mix it with freshly made lemonade over ice.
This tea is meant to be served cold—no reheating needed.

FAQs

Can I use tea bags instead of loose tea?

Absolutely. I can swap in 2–3 vanilla black tea bags and cold‑brew them the same way.

How long should the tea steep?

I steep it overnight—around 8–12 hours gives the best vanilla flavor without bitterness. If I’m in a hurry, 6 hours also works.

How tart is the lemonade?

I find 50 g lemon juice gives a nice balance. If I want it sweeter, I add more sugar or reduce the lemon juice slightly.

Can I make this with bottled lemonade?

Yes, but I enjoy making it from scratch so I can fresh‑squeeze lemons and control the sweetness.

Does it keep well?

Yes—the tea base stays fresh for up to one week in the fridge, and I just add fresh lemonade when I’m ready for another glass.

Conclusion

I can’t help but smile every time I sip this Lemon Vanilla Black Tea Iced Tea. It’s flavorful, low-effort, and endlessly customizable—perfect for lazy summer afternoons or casual get‑togethers. I’m already excited to test variations with honey, mint, or seasonal berries. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Lemon Vanilla Black Tea Iced Tea

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 12 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 1–2 servings
Category: Beverages
Method: Cold Brew
Cuisine: Fusion
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing summer iced tea combining smooth vanilla-infused black tea with tangy homemade lemonade. This customizable and healthier alternative to store-bought options is perfect for hot days.

Ingredients

400 ml filtered water
2–3 tsp vanilla black loose tea (or 2–3 tea bags)
15 g sugar
200 ml water
50 g fresh lemon juice
Ice cubes, for serving
Lemon slices, for garnish

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Instructions

Combine 400 ml filtered water and 2–3 tsp vanilla black tea in a jar, stir, and refrigerate overnight to cold-brew.
In a separate container, dissolve 15 g sugar in 200 ml warm water. Let cool, then add 50 g fresh lemon juice to make the lemonade.
To serve, fill a glass with ice, pour in about 150 ml of lemonade (adjust to taste), add lemon slices if desired, and top with the chilled vanilla tea infusion.