A simple homemade iced tea recipe is winning over supermarket shoppers as the UK braces for another heatwave. The drink costs a fraction of store-bought versions and can be customized with fruit juices or lemonade.
Why Homemade Iced Tea Wins
Purchasing bottles of iced tea from the supermarket can prove costly, which is precisely why many prefer to brew their own. It costs a fraction of the price and is remarkably simple to prepare. The brilliant part is that once you have your base ready, you can incorporate all manner of additions to create different flavours. A personal favourite is a splash of pineapple juice or still lemonade to introduce a citrusy twist.
Ingredients for the Perfect Brew
- Four cups water
- One cup sugar
- 12 black English breakfast tea bags
- Lemon slices for serving (optional)
You will also need a bottle or jar to store the tea in.
Step-by-Step Method
Bring four cups of water to the boil in a saucepan then turn the heat off. Put your teabags in the water and let them steep for five minutes. Make sure you set a timer, because if you let it steep longer, your tea will taste bitter due to the tannins in the tea. Remove the teabags, and pour in your sugar. Stir gently until all your sugar has dissolved and let the mixture cool. Pour it into your jar or bottle and store the mixture in the fridge. It will keep for about two weeks.
How to Serve
To serve, pour around two inches of your tea syrup into a glass with ice, then top with water to dilute it. Serve with fresh sliced lemon and a sprig of mint.
