Description
Refreshingly tangy and sweet, this Lemon Vanilla Iced Tea combines black tea, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of vanilla for a sophisticated summer beverage. Perfect for hot days, its easy to make and ideal for gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups of water
- 4 black tea bags (or your favorite tea)
- 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
- 1 cup of granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- Ice cubes
- Fresh lemon slices (for garnish)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by boiling the water. In a medium-sized pot, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, remove it from the heat and add the tea bags. Let the tea steep for about 5-7 minutes, adjusting the steeping time for your preferred strength.
- After steeping, carefully remove the tea bags and discard them. If desired, add the sugar and stir until completely dissolved.
- Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice to the tea, ensuring to strain out any seeds.
- Stir the mixture well to combine the flavors.
- Add the vanilla extract and stir again to mix thoroughly.
- Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, which takes about 30 minutes. Alternatively, refrigerate to speed up the cooling process.
- Once cooled, transfer the tea to a large pitcher, straining again if desired to remove pulp.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the chilled tea over the ice, filling the glass about three-quarters full. Optionally, top with a splash of soda water.
- Garnish with fresh lemon slices and mint leaves, if desired.
- Stir gently to mix in the garnishes and enjoy!
Notes
- For a more intense lemon flavor, consider adding lemon zest while steeping the tea.
- Adjust sweetness by starting with half a cup of sugar and modifying to taste. Honey or agave syrup can be used as alternatives.
- Experiment with different tea types for unique flavors, such as green or herbal tea.
- For a fruity twist, muddle strawberries or peaches in the glass before adding the tea.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes