As the UK braces for another heatwave next week, many people are looking for refreshing drinks to beat the heat. Iced tea is a popular choice—sweet, caffeinated, and cooling—but buying it from the supermarket can be expensive. That's why I've switched to making my own at home. It costs a fraction of the price and is incredibly simple to prepare.
Why Homemade Iced Tea Is Better
Store-bought iced tea often comes with a hefty price tag and added preservatives. By making it yourself, you control the ingredients and save money. The basic recipe requires only four cups of water, one cup of sugar, and 12 black English breakfast tea bags. Once you master the base, you can experiment with flavors like pineapple juice or still lemonade for a citrus twist.
The Simple Recipe
To make your own iced tea, start by bringing four cups of water to a boil in a saucepan, then turn off the heat. Add 12 tea bags and let them steep for exactly five minutes—any longer and the tannins will make the tea bitter. Remove the tea bags, stir in one cup of sugar until fully dissolved, and let the mixture cool. Transfer it to a jar or bottle and refrigerate; it keeps for about two weeks.
How to Serve
When ready to drink, pour about two inches of the tea syrup into a glass filled with ice, then top up with water to dilute. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and a sprig of mint for extra freshness. This method yields a drink that tastes just as good as supermarket brands but at half the cost.
