With the UK bracing for another heatwave, making iced tea at home is a cost-effective and refreshing alternative to supermarket bottles. This recipe, developed by travel reporter Vita Molyneux, costs a fraction of the price and tastes superior to brands like Lipton.
Why Make Your Own Iced Tea?
Buying bottled iced tea from the supermarket can quickly add up, especially during hot weather. Homemade iced tea is not only cheaper but also allows for customisation. Once you have the base syrup, you can add flavours such as pineapple juice or still lemonade for a citrus twist.
Ingredients and Method
To make your own iced tea, you will need:
- Four cups of water
- One cup of sugar
- 12 black English breakfast tea bags
- Lemon slices for serving (optional)
You will also need a bottle or jar to store the tea.
Method:
- Bring four cups of water to the boil in a saucepan, then turn off the heat.
- Add the tea bags and let them steep for exactly five minutes. Steeping longer will release tannins and make the tea bitter.
- Remove the tea bags and stir in the sugar until fully dissolved.
- Allow the mixture to cool, then pour into a jar or bottle and refrigerate. The syrup keeps for about two weeks.
How to Serve
To serve, pour about two inches of the tea syrup into a glass filled with ice, then top with water to dilute. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and a sprig of mint if desired.
